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TAMPA (FOX 13) - Decadent and delicious - most of us think of desserts as a guilty pleasure but dietitian Sarah Kreiger says, in small portions, the tasty treats can be part of a healthy diet.
"We put dessert on a pedestal and we feel like 'I shouldn't have it today,' or 'I'll just have it once a week.' It's not like you have to earn it. Pat yourself on the back and then you deserve it," registered dietitian Sarah Krieger says.
Krieger says individually packed items like ices, ice cream, or yogurt can help control calories. If you're in the mood for chocolate, darker chocolate usually has less sugar, more anti-oxidants, and it tends to be more satisfying.
To boost fiber, anti-oxidants, vitamins, and potassium, pair the chocolate, or use melted dark chocolate, with fresh fruit like local berries, bananas, or citrus.
You can also start off with a ripened pear.
"You have to pay attention to how it smells...and then when you match that with something like a little bit of goat cheese it can be quite indulgent," Krieger explains.
When it comes to desserts adding fruit adds fiber, potassium, and vitamins. One easy trick to get that fruit serving in is to use date paste instead of processed sugar. We tried Martha Stewart's date truffles and they were a big hit.
Another favorite you'll have to eat in moderation - because of calories and sodium - is So Delicious brand Salted Caramel Cluster ice cream. It's made using cashews, so it's dairy-free and vegan.
Finally, frozen bananas can become a one ingredient treat. Peeling and freezing ripened bananas provides you with an instant, frozen dessert kids will love.