Indulging your sweet tooth with a smart choice could sometimes save you from gorging hastily onto leftover chocolate chip cookies in the rec room. Watch out for those boring low-cal foods; stick to them or you could cool off with a scoopful of delightful tuck-away choices. Munch on delicious fudgy brownies or slurp on the gooey goodness of warm chocolate lava cake, just keep an eye for the size and you will never need to miss the fun!!

From a twice cooked, crisp, light and creamy pȃte à choux filled with vanilla ganache and grounded hazelnut paste, to a garlicky Korean Cream Cheese Bun or a chocolate chip cookie- crunchy at the edges and fudgey in the center; each has the remarkable pluck to hit the sweet spot every time and leave you surprised. Michelin perfect and raving over the spice n’ nice flavors, these good-for-you treats can seriously partner your sweet tooth.

“It sucks”? Not convinced either! You wonder if there is a reason why banana bread is such a rage after all ? What so good is there that could outclass traditional recipes and bowl you over with a single bite?

At some point or the other, if you crave for something sweet and find yourself looking for flavors on your table that are right from the get-go, you are not alone. Strong cravings usually get mushy in emotionally charged moments; Or is it only a nutritionist nightmare!

There is always a good chance that dusting off your mixer to whip up something sweet or sauntering off to nearest Patisserie might work as a good getaway for your sagging spirits. Sounds good, only if you could find a simple but delicious food with spin off flavors that could help and skyrocket your mood! If you were to ask me; for a best possible experience, try a coconut sponge cupcake with a swirl of buttercream on top and a jammy surprise of mango compote in the middle for a start. Swipe right and the exploding flavors will smitten you into love!

So, what roasts and bakes should you reach out and accept? And—most importantly, without compromising your nutritional needs? Should you dig into foods that are simple and satisfying but come with a blast of sugars? Choosing treats comes with its own set of problems!

Sugar isn’t something to eat freely.

Remember back when single-crusted, whipped-cream-topped, custard-based wonder -the cream pie was considered healthy? It existed simply as an unearthly way to use up surplus eggs and milk dying in the freezer, but lately thrived into ubiquity.

Speaking of cream pies, do you recall that classic French fruit tart, one that was essentially a single-crusted custard pie topped with sugar-glazed fresh fruit? Slender, colorful and mildly-flavored, this sweet was a staple of dessert carts and somehow managed to pass as a brunch selection at some of the fancy dines; no more! Heathilicious! “Uh-oh! Take cover!” Your teeth do not need to hurt or fall off just because you have decided to indulge in something sweet? For many years, I didn’t either, but now I know; you can eat sweet, keep your teeth and have a good beat!

If you have just finished a scrumptious healthy dinner and look for something sweet to quell your craving-light on calories, sugar and carbs but big on flavors– reach out to ones that are balanced and on a healthier track! Honestly who wouldn’t want to eat plenty of calories and then binge on easy treats that taste sweet and decadent but won’t leave you with a sugar crash!

For many of us, everyday dinner is like a light-on everything else, but joy. It feels more like a lackluster vinaigrette that would want you to skip the salad altogether. So, there is nothing wrong if you feel like you need a cleanse, as you did after all those Christmas cookies! Not like a juice cleanse but just don’t feel like eating cookies for sweets everyday kind of cleanse. If you are like me, eating dessert isn’t optional; I simply am not satisfied till I dig into something sweet. And just because you have a knack for eating healthy; doesn’t mean you ought to let go of a decadent taste and fiery flavors.

If you are hankering for something sweet but on the opposite side of the Cheesecake Factory horizon, look no further beyond these 12 incredibly addictive, healthy and guilt free foods, that run high on flavors but are light on everything else.

Turmeric sourdough toast

This honey glazed toast, topped with a generous dollop of fat free butter and nigella seeds, is quintessentially a simple but skilled brunch plate to turn to. Few love to experiment it with Chia and poppy seeds. Delivering on each count of bright yellow color and beautiful aroma of honey, yeast and spices, the toast pairs nicely with a towering glass of hot chocolate, whipped up thick with Callebaut (a Belgian chocolate brand) on a rainy afternoon. Come summer and it is the perfect time to begin working with your favorite jam and jelly toppings. Could you ask for anything more of a perfect brunch? And to think you could drive right past your ‘tuck-away’ spot!

Uniquely organic the sourdough loaf has spicy, warming notes of turmeric and black pepper all holed-up in an airy chewy bread that is perfectly balanced with the natural tang of sourdough. Great for making some lively sandwiches or unconventional bruschetta, this loaf is an absolute must for avocado toast! True to its name this is one singular bread experience you just couldn’t miss!

Almond Chocolate Mug Cake

On a keto diet? No worries! If there is one food that could up your protein count and is a heart-healthy choice, it is a cozy warm mug filled with a sweet, simple, gooey and moist cake! Unlike other mug cakes that run aground because of the taste of prep-made mixes, this one comes packed with goodness of almond meal, maple syrup, cacao powder and extra virgin olive oil and is one smart choice that will perk up your nutrients with 5 grams of fiber,13 grams of protein and 3 mgs. of iron. After all, you’re definitely need not eat empty calories with a comfort food!

Convenient and gluten free, a single serve of this mug cake packs extra punch of chips, stirred-in after it is baked. Try it and you will find yourself taking a shot at it again and again. Just who wouldn’t spare 10 minutes for a meltingly heathilicious chocolate cake?

Almond Coconut Macaroon

Feeling stressed or bowled over! you are getting nostalgic for your favorite classic treats but also dread jumping over the line and ruining your workout tips. To bail out, take your comfort food a notch higher considering your health goal and taste preferences and try this homemade delight to make sure if it’s worth it. The real deal of eating this treat is that none of the ingredients are complicated. Shredded coconut, dark chocolate, egg whites and almonds, all come together to keep your heart healthy and cool, while keeping type-2 diabetes at bay! Naturally occurring polyphenols, offer anti inflammatory and anti oxidant effects to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, especially if you have sized up your crush modestly and opt for the recipe with at least 70 percent cacao.

In other words, this is one meal after that you could feel good about indulging in. Look out for flavors versions like Mango Chilli and Coconut Passion fruit- you will be awestruck!

Coconut Cream Pie Chia pudding

If you are anything close like me then you must be spending a great deal of time thinking about food! We all usually lack creativity for day meals that could be simple and often confused with being ‘flat’; but did you ever think that even a small platter of coconut cream pie chia pudding could bring a little sensation to the dinner table? Rich and decadent this velvety coconut pudding has slices of banana and comes topped with coconut whipped cream and toasted coconut!

Chia seeds are the most versatile of FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols, or say short-chain carbohydrates and sugar)fiber source. 10 gms /2 tbsp potion and you have just served yourself 8 gs of carbs and 8 gs of fiber!. Packed with Omega-3s, proteins and dietary fiber, this indulgent and nutrient dense pudding is a smart way to keep your gut healthy. Texture though is something that takes getting used to but health benefits are unassailable.

Could you think of a better low carb, keto friendly sweet treat to perk up your dinner spread! So, do yourself some good and indulge in this taste of tropical paradise!

Lemon and Yogurt syrup cake

If you think that you are a sucker when it comes to lemony delights, then this slightly tangy, flavorful, moist and totally delicious incredible cake is what you will love even waking up to, let alone enjoying after a quaint dinner. Marrying healthier options of coconut sugar, spelt flour and low fat Greek yogurt, this cake is a super moist and amazingly delicious end to your sweet craving. A simple lemon syrup brushed on while the cake is still warm, whips up magical flavors in each slice. For a twist, have it served with fruits, whipped cream, chocolate syrup or whatever you can think of. Berries with a light sprinkle of powered sugar make it the perfect way to have an angel treat, when you are on the go!

Cherry Coconut Yogurt Bites

If those summery days are still all heat and sweat and your discomfort is inching up, chances are you are looking for something to cool you down. This refreshing convenience food tastes more like a chill cheesecake. Pureed cherries, coconut flavored Greek yogurt, maple syrup and shredded coconut; all blend together into a heavenly frozen bite!

Getting worked up over wrecking your fitness goals? Don’t fret; in bargain you get 1 gram of fiber and 5 grams of protein for each little frozen bite. Besides you score high on vitamins and minerals like vitamin-C and calcium also. (Each one cup of raw, pitted cherries gets you 10.8 mgs of vitamin-C.). If you are good on tweaked recipes, try lemon and blueberry combines for a start. Flavors here come together to make a super fresh, tangy and fruity treat. Eating it is almost like eating a pineapple flavored Paleta. Even strawberries and raspberries work really well and so do the peaches, nectarines or mangoes! With real ingredients and 45 calories or less per cup, this could easily be the newest sweet sensation to your private selection of desserts.

Lemon Pannacotta with Vodka Blueberry syrup

Manifesting an all Italian heritage, this inspired creamy lightly sweet tart, looks and tastes just as fancy. Served with some fresh fruit for added sweetness to balance out the tartness of lemon, every creamy bite of this molded chilled dessert is an oomph moment where the superbly complimenting tang of fresh berry sauce never misses the count. Turn your simple dinner, quick breakfast or casual brunch into a delightful escapade. It’s a lovely ending for a great dine. Looking beautiful and tasting great, it’s always a big hit with guests!

Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake

If you are searching for a ‘ healthy’ low calorie treat, look no further! Using buckwheat, almonds, coconut and dates in the base instead of crackers, means this cheesecake has already cut down on processed sugars and added natural goodness. A delicious departure from the classic version, this 210 calories per serve cheesecake is all set out frozen with fresh strawberry and mint topping. Plus, the flavors are amped up even more, thanks to a drizzle of homemade strawberry topping sauce. The end result is the cake you are not just going to find anywhere!

Chocolate Pudding With Olive Oil and Sea Salt

Off the shelf puddings usually fare worst on calorie counts. Besides the flat regular chocolate flavor would often leave you bored and wondering if it was really worth the splurge! This home cooked version of chocolate pudding skips the eggs, cuts down on calories and goes easy on dime! Peppery olive oil and crunchy flakes of salt combine sublimely in this rich bittersweet chocolate recipe while flavors simply get fired up up with a drizzle of caramel sauce and fruity olive oil.

Still looking for a twist! If you want a pudding that comes little less smoky, ask for the one that does half smoked oil and half regular. Alternatively you could try lemon, lime or mandarin olive oil. Results will just be as amazing for this 310 calorie per serve dessert and won’t derail any of your healthy eating plans either.

Ginger-Carrot Pineapple Cake

A moist carroty delight with pineapple, chopped walnuts and topping of an easy-peasy cream cheese, this cake is one perfect combination of truly irresistible savory and sweet flavors. Grounded cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg make this tropical looking cake an all time treat that comes dotted with sweet raisins. Between the juicy pineapple and bright colored carrot ribbons, it is a perfect dessert for you to feel good about! Canned pineapple juice and finely chopped chunks whip up a fascinating zing that would leave with you with an insane crush for it. With 265 calories per serve, a dressed up cake with large shavings of toasted coconut never fails to take the center stage.

Cinnamon-Orange Lava Cake

In some places, dessert could simply mean a delicious piece of fruit. But there is everything so satisfying about this gooey lava cake! Watch the chocolate filling seeping out onto your plate as you slice through and the whole thing feels decadent! It might seem complicated but in fact it isn’t. Cinnamon and orange zest join bittersweet chocolate and pair perfectly to whip up a ramekin full of amazing flavors combination that you won’t forget anytime sooner. With 16 ingredients and 281 calories per serve, this spice enhanced chocolate orange flavored lava cake is an irresistible fare.

Mango and Turmeric raw cupcakes

How often would you not find turmeric reserved in kitchen cupboards for savory dishes? Do you know that this earthy spice mingles perfectly well with sweeter flavors too! Incredible! But turmeric is just the thing to whip up a healthy treat. It’s loaded with curcumin, is amazing with antioxidant, anti inflammatory nutrients and livens up any recipe with a delicious earthy flavor and warm yellow hue.

Ever tried a turmeric laced dessert? From paleo turmeric ‘Cadbury’ Crème eggs to Mango-Ginger ice creams, turmeric adds an unexpected delightful taste that is simple but satisfying.

Spring is behind us and sunshine, blue skies and cool weather is around the corner. These bright, healthy orbs of sunshine make for an inspired dining anytime, every time! The unique touch of turmeric mingles seamlessly with the rich sweetness of refreshing mango, fresh turmeric, fresh ginger, lime and creamed coconut. The crust is a mix of almonds, sunflower seeds and medjool dates. Grain free and vegan, the recipe brings every bit of elegance to your table and tastes absolutely divine. Tweak it anytime! Fresh mango slices, flaked coconut or edible flowers; it’s a healthy and beautiful compliment to your search to eat savvy. And the possibilities are endless!

The more conscious you are about what you eat, the more you are likely to live longer!!

Here’s the thing about ‘tuck-away’ foods; They don’t have a black-and-white definition and you just can’t treat them like any other food. One way to go about them, is to eat them like Vitamins. Binging on these nutrient dense desserts would mean adding more protein, more fats and other foods besides sugar. This would of course have one wanting for more and if that’s you, it’s best you stay focused on ‘ just calories’. There is a time and place for enriched desserts, maybe; but your cheat day is not everyday, every time. Just remember that a mouthful could serve your half the recommended calorie intake!

Your craving for something sweet may rolls in and out and bother you persistently, but you don’t have to chill or deprive your sweet tooth completely. It’s still possible to indulge in without canceling all your hard fitness work. “Everything in moderation” sounds OK, but the only problem is that if you are anything like me, you will have trouble stopping at few bites. Getting overboard is so easy and while sometimes it’s worth it, at others it pays not to go with so rich and super indulgent foods.

So! go ahead, freak out and ride a culinary rollercoaster with these best low pep tuck-away foods. You wouldn’t know but these calorie conscious foods could help you in shedding those pesky pounds without the worry of overdoing it!!