Anyone with an after dinner sweet tooth has been there. We’ve finished a delicious meal. We’re not actually hungry anymore, but by the time the dishes are in the dishwasher, we’re already on the hunt for something sweet to eat. All we really want is the flavor.
Unfortunately, those of us with that after dinner sweet tooth have a hard time satisfying that craving without eating a ton of calories at the same time. Our intentions to take a little bite of something sugary ends up adding the calorie equivalent of another meal to our day.
Don’t worry, though. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. There are lots of after dinner sweet tooth satisfying options we can enjoy for under 100 calories. When we make these choices, we really can have our cake and eat it, too.
• Hot cocoa
The key is to avoid the sugar-laden packets of hot chocolate mix. Instead, add some pure cocoa powder to a cup with half decaf coffee and half milk warmed in it. If you want it sweetened, add some cinnamon. The result will surprise you.
• Two doughnut holes
Doughnuts are hardly a health food but if you skip the whole thing and grab a couple of doughnut holes instead, you’ll be able to enjoy this delicious treat without the guilt. Polish off the experience with a cup of decaf coffee (so it won’t keep you up at night) and get ready to savor.
• Cottage cheese and fresh fruit
It may not sound like much, but if you haven’t tried it, you should. It’s rich and creamy, combined with the perfect amount of sweetness. Pile on a whole cup of berries if you want.
• Two squares of dark chocolate
Each square of dark chocolate is somewhere between 25 and 50 calories, depending on the specific product you choose. This gives you two squares to allow to slowly melt in your mouth as you enjoy the chocolatey goodness.
• Fresh or frozen berries
A cup of berries is packed with flavor and nutrition and usually clocks in at 80 to 100 calories, depending on the berries you choose. You’ll fill up on fiber, antioxidants and nearly no fat as you satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy them fresh when they’re in season, frozen when it’s truly hot out, or try warming frozen berries in the microwave for something a little different in the winter. The temperature of the berries changes the flavor dramatically.