In third grade, I misspelled the word dessert. “D-E-S-E-R-T. No, not desert, it’s dessert. Two S’s because you always want seconds.” Thanks to my teacher, I have spelled dessert correctly ever since. Also, thanks to my teacher, I found it acceptable to help myself to a second serving…or three.
I started my first 12-week transformation June of 2014, where I learned how to properly meal prep & eat healthy consistently. Traditionally, dessert was customary & something I looked forward to after dinner so breaking my habits of mint chip ice cream, Kara’s cupcakes & fruit tarts wasn’t an easy one. My goals for that first round were strict – I wanted to lose the extra weight I put on during the first year of my marriage & focus on building muscle definition. Long story short, I had to ignore my sweet tooth.
Fast forward two years. I recently completed my second round of the 12-week transformation & am currently 20 weeks postpartum. My goals this round were very different. I wanted to lose the remaining 15 of the 30lbs I gained while pregnant but still maintain a higher caloric intake for nursing. Plus, I was a lot more lenient when it came to sweets during pregnancy & post-pregnancy so I listed dessert items on the Imago questionnaire hoping Coach would give me a sweet treat before bed (lol)…& she did! I was introduced to some healthier dessert alternative to help satisfy my sweet cravings & not be afraid to enjoy life a little (#cleancheats).
Here are a few of my guilt-free favorites from plan:
1 // HALO TOP
THE SCOOP. I understand why they named this “Halo Top”. Talk about creamy & heavenly! At 240-280 calories & 28g of protein per pint, you are ensured a gluten-free, low sugar, low fat & low carb experience. There is plenty of variety from Birthday Cake to Mocha Chip, so you won’t get bored.
MY FAVORITE FLAVOR. Lemon Cake
PRICE TAG. $7
2 // ARCTIC ZERO
THE SCOOP. “It's the perfect guiltless pleasure whenever your sweet tooth strikes.” With 20 flavors to choose from, you’re in luck as all the creamy pints, like Salted Carmel, are only 150 calories & the chunky pints, like Cookie Dough Chip, is 300 calories. This lactose & gluten-free alternative has a smooth but more icy taste to it that really hits the spot. Bonus: if you’re not into using a spoon, they offer 4 flavors of chocolate liqueur dipped ice cream bars at 80 calories each.
MY FAVORITE FLAVOR. Tie between Hint of Mint, Strawberry & Cake Batter
PRICE TAG. $5
3 // NOOSA
THE SCOOP. Inspired by the Land Down Under, this sweet treat is taglined as “the finest yoghurt”…& I have to agree. The offer 18 flavors which are mainly fruit-flavored with the exception of salted caramel, honey & vanilla. Its thick consistency is balanced out by a touch of clover alfalfa honey & fruit puree. A nice change from your traditional ice cream dessert. One 8oz tub is 280 calories so it’s a yummy treat to split over two nights.
MY FAVORITE FLAVOR. Peach
PRICE TAG. $3
4 // PRO YO
THE SCOOP. These spoon-free dessert tubes offer 20g of protein & are gluten & soy-free. Its frozen yogurt-like consistency is delicious, & the tube shape is a bit nostalgic of childhood push-pops. I may be a little bias but the founder is a Cal Poly alum (go Mustangs!), & I love supporting local businesses. There are four flavors to choose from: Banana Vanilla, Chocolate, Vanilla, & Blueberry Pomegranate. Good luck choosing just one!
MY FAVORITE FLAVOR. Tie between Chocolate & Banana Vanilla.
PRICE TAG. $5 for 3 tubes
5 // JELL-O
THE SCOOP. An oldie but goodie. I always loved Jell-O gelatin & pudding cups growing up. The sugar-free four pack is conveniently portioned out & satisfies those chocolate cravings. These cups are 60 calories & although sugar-free, they are plenty flavorful.
MY FAVORITE FLAVOR. Chocolate Vanilla Swirl
PRICE TAG. $3 for 4 cups
Remember, it’s important to treat yourself & not be afraid to eat certain foods, especially dessert!
Everything done in moderation & with the extra effort of picking a healthier alterative is a win-win situation. Enjoy!
