There are countless different types of low-fat desserts; some treats are naturally healthier and almost any sweet dish can be made over into a lower fat alternative. Fat can be reduced by swapping high fat ingredients like oils or butter for healthier items like fruit purees, and flavor can be boosted by including components with intense tastes. It's also possible to substitute full fat ingredients for reduced fat or nonfat versions of the same item, for example utilizing low-fat cream cheese when baking cheesecake. As more individuals become health conscious, the availability of ready-made low-fat desserts have increased. There are many options for the consumer, but it's important to remember that low-fat desserts often have similar caloric values and higher sugar when compared to their traditional counterparts.
Many people believe that consuming a diet that is low in fat will help them to lose weight, in addition to many other health advantages. Traditional desserts are usually among some of the most unhealthy foods that many people eat, since they frequently contain high levels of fat and sugar with very little nutritional value. Desserts are also among the most enjoyable foods for many individuals, which makes them tough to give up. One solution to this dilemma is to replace traditional treats with low-fat desserts.
There are numerous different types of low-fat desserts. Some dessert dishes are naturally low in fat, with examples being fruit-based items such as fresh fruit cups, baked apples, or poached pears. Some types of baked goods use very little fat such as angel food cake. These desserts are healthier choices than rich, high fat treats.
Other types of low-fat desserts are healthier, homemade versions of traditionally fatty dishes. With a little creativity, it's possible to revise almost any dessert recipe to yield a lower fat alternative, so the possibilities are endless. This is usually accomplished by substituting ingredients, and removing high fat components and replacing them with items that have less fat or even none. An example of this practice is replacing fats like butter, shortening, or oils with fruit puree such as natural applesauce or pureed pumpkin; the fruit adds moisture and sweetness to the dish without any unwanted fat. Another technique is to use nonfat or reduced fat ingredients instead of the full fat versions, such as skim milk replacing whole milk.
There's also a multitude of low-fat desserts available for purchase that are pre-made. It's possible for consumers to buy all kinds of low-fat sweet treats so they can have healthier desserts without the work of making them from scratch. A few examples include fat-free cakes and cookies, as well as reduced fat "churn style" ice cream. When purchasing these items, individuals should remember that lower fat does not usually mean lower calories. In many cases, calorie counts remain the same, and sugars are often higher in low-fat sweets than in traditional versions of the same desserts.