Satisfy a Sweet Tooth with Good-for-You Goodies

Think sweets are off-limits? No way. When your sweet tooth hits, reach for one of these lower-calorie alternatives to brownies, cookies, and cake.

By Sarah D'Angelo

Dessert doesn't have to be off-limits. A recent study shows that you absorb as much calcium from a serving of fortified ice cream as you do from a glass of milk. "You can satisfy cravings and get some nutrition at the same time," says FITNESS advisory board member Lisa Young, PhD, RD, author of The Portion Teller. Here, a few more tasty picks.

You're Craving: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Dig Into: Kashi TLC Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Cookies. Loaded with filling whole grains, fiber, and heart-healthy dark chocolate, these delectable cookies have just 5 grams of fat each.

You're Craving: Brownies

Dig Into: Glenny's All Natural 100 Calorie Brownies. They're gooey, rich, low in fat (with zero trans fat), high in fiber, and individually packaged for easy portion control.

You're Craving: Cake

Dig Into: Amy's Organic Orange Cakes. All natural with no trans or saturated fat and only 180 calories per thick slice, this pound cake won't pack on pounds.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, November/December 2009.