Still Sweet, Better-for-You Eats
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Who says desserts can’t add a little nutrition to your diet and still taste great, too? While a late-night sweet might not be the first meal that comes to mind when you think “fruits and vegetables,” these ideas can help you add produce to the menu – even when it’s time to cap off the day with dessert.
In honor of National Fruits and Vegetables Month, consider some inspiration from SuperHealthyKids.com:
Ice Pops
Blend your favorite fruits – strawberries, pineapple, mango, oranges; the options are endless! – with a splash of fruit juice then freeze overnight in ice pop molds.
Sweet Potato Brownies
Skip the added sugar and go straight for a veggie that’s a natural sweetener: sweet potatoes. These Sweetpotato Cheesecake Brownies are a perfect example of how you can create a better-for-your-family dessert in no time.
Protein Bars or Balls
Nuts and seeds rolled into protein balls with a touch of chocolate are great ways to start the day when you’re on the go, but they’re a sweet and delicious dessert option as well. Try adding grated zucchini or carrot to introduce kiddos to new veggies in a “hidden” way.
Pumpkin Cookies
Embrace the classic fall flavor of pumpkin as a delicious way to add fiber to your family’s diet. Pumpkin cookies let you skip the mound of shortening that goes into traditional cookies for a more nutritious treat.
Avocado Pudding
Sweet and creamy but without all the sugar, avocado chocolate pudding puts a spin on a classic (and not-so-healthy) dessert. It can be prepared in just minutes and, best of all, kiddos won’t be able to tell the difference.
Add better-for-you desserts and other produce-inspired recipes to the family rotation by keeping up with Culinary.net on Facebook and YouTube. To make sure you don’t miss a dish, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter.