For those with a sweet tooth who are also mindful of their calorie intake, the world of desserts can seem like a forbidden paradise. However, enjoying delightful treats while pursuing weight loss goals is entirely possible. This article explores some delectable "daisy desserts"-easy-to-make, low-calorie options that satisfy cravings without derailing your progress.
Quick Fix Chocolate Mug Cake
When a sweet craving strikes, a mug cake is an incredibly convenient solution. Instead of reaching for a calorie-laden option, consider this low-calorie chocolate mug cake. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone in a calorie deficit, proving that you can enjoy quick and delicious recipes without excess calories.
This low calorie chocolate mug cake is rich, chocolaty and super moist. It is incredibly easy to put together and can be ready in as little as 45 seconds! This recipe is very simple and only requires a handful of ingredients. Mug cakes are an easy go to dessert or quick snack. They typically require 1 minute to cook in the microwave and less than 5 minutes to prepare. They are usually very high in calories and added sugar. A typical mug cake contains 400-500 calories! It is super rich, fluffy and chocolaty. At only 99 calories, this chocolate mug cake will definitely satisfy your sweet craving without the excess sugar and calories. This mug cake tastes like a chocolate cake without the frosting. It is moist, fluffy and super rich! It will quickly become your go to quick and easy dessert recipe. And the best part is, mug cakes are single serve so you wont have the temptation to eat more than you need to! This mug cake is moist, soft and super chocolaty. This recipe is definitely one of my favorite classic low calorie dessert recipes. It is just the perfect quick dessert or snack. Rarely do we have time to make a complicated, multi-step recipe when craving something sweet. This recipe is super easy to make, it’s quick and convenient.
Key Ingredients and Their Role
- All-purpose flour: This recipe works best with regular plain or AP flour.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: This is low in calories as it doesn’t contain any added sugars.
- Stevia: This recipe is sugar free and is sweetened with Stevia. Stevia is a naturally sourced 0 calorie sugar alternative. Any granulated sweetener will work for this recipe.
- Oil: A little oil is required to give the mug cake a soft and moist texture. Any oil will work for this recipe, I like to use olive oil.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk is very low in calories.
Preparation
In a small mug, mix together the dry ingredients. Add in the oil and milk and mix until we’ll combined. Top with a few chocolate chips and microwave for 50-60 seconds. (For reference, my microwave is 700W and it took 55 seconds). Allow the mug cake 1-2 minutes to cool before enjoying.
Taste and Texture
Taste - This mug cake tastes like a mini chocolate cake. The cake itself is super rich and chocolaty with a delicious melted chocolate center.
Read also: Weight Loss Journey: Daisy May Cooper
Texture - This chocolate mug cake has a very soft and fluffy texture.
Effort
As with most mug cakes, the effort required to make this chocolate mug cake is very minimal. It is so easy to make!
High-Protein Chocolate Greek Yogurt
For a nutritious and satisfying dessert, consider chocolate Greek yogurt. This single serving chocolate Greek yogurt is the EASIEST high protein dessert recipe that you can whip up whenever you need a sweet treat. With 18 grams of protein, it’s rich, chocolatey, and naturally sweetened with honey.
The Power of Greek Yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt: This is the key ingredient for this recipe. We’re using Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt because it’s thicker, creamier, and significantly higher in protein. I’ve made this recipe using nonfat, 2% reduced fat, and 5% full fat Greek yogurt. While all of these varieties work, my preference is to use 2% or 5% fat content as it is richer, creamier, and less tangy.
Ingredients
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: We’re adding intense, concentrated chocolate flavor using unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Honey: Honey mixes in seamlessly with Greek yogurt to sweeten this recipe.
How to Enjoy
Enjoy this single serving recipe by itself or add some toppings like raspberries, nuts, or homemade granola. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Read also: Coconut Flour Keto Baking
Chocolate & Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Dessert Cups
Meet your new favorite healthy dessert recipe: chocolate & peanut butter Greek yogurt dessert cups! This high protein dessert recipe (or sweet snack option) is SO easy and quick to make. Protein-packed Greek yogurt is one of my favorite foods because it has a thick, creamy texture and satisfying tangy flavor. This healthy Greek yogurt dessert is vegetarian, high protein, gluten free, and soy free. OMG game changer! I needed something sweet and I was trying so hard not to cave with ice cream or candy. I had all the ingredients and gave it a go- awesome! Next time I might freeze the yogurt mixture first, then drizzle and freeze until set.
Ingredient Choices
- Plain Greek yogurt: While you can use any fat content, I like to use full-fat Greek yogurt for Greek yogurt dessert recipes. It is creamier, richer, and less tangy than nonfat Greek yogurt.
- Peanut butter: Use natural peanut butter (the only ingredients should be peanuts and salt). The runnier texture of natural peanut butter is easy to whip into the Greek yogurt.
- Honey: A little honey adds a touch of sweetness and pairs well in terms of flavor with both Greek yogurt and peanut butter.
- Coconut oil: Melting chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil makes the melted chocolate smooth and shiny.
Instructions
Put the cups in the freezer to allow the chocolate to harden into a shell, for about 15 minutes. Store these desserts covered with a lid or plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
Other Healthy Snack Options
Beyond specific recipes, there are other mindful snacking choices that can support weight loss goals:
- Some amazing Trail Mix at Forgotten Booth Name (oops) - I’m kind of neurotic when it comes to mixed nuts. If it’s got any amount of sodium in the mix, I probably won’t eat it. I just don’t like the salty flavor, which usually leaves me thirsty. I feel terribly, but my first question to the man at booth #563 was “does this have sodium in it?” Ultimately, the almonds were the only item that contained salt. I always love a good healthy trail mix and this one was full of nuts and dried fruit. It even had shaved coconut and dark chocolate! P.S. shame on me, I don’t remember the actual blend and the man at the booth didn’t know either.
- Walnuts!
- Silk Unsweetened Almond Milk - Silk was there with a handful of their most popular milks. My favorite from Silk is their Unsweetened Almond Milk. I use it in recipes, in cereal, in protein shakes and for a healthy beverage on it’s own.
- Kind Bars and their new Granola!
- Chobani Greek Yogurt!
Important Considerations
It's important to remember that everyone's nutritional needs are individualized. While these recipes and suggestions offer healthier alternatives, it's always wise to be mindful of portion sizes and overall dietary balance.
Additionally, remember to check out Instagram and Pinterest for more healthy lifestyle inspiration.
Read also: Healthy Mediterranean Snacks