by S Morris

Created on: July 08, 2009   Last Updated: July 10, 2009

These three low calorie desserts are all less than 200 calories and are cold and delicious, which is just right for summer. These recipes are sweet enough for an after dinner desert, but light enough if you just want a sweet snack. And remember: low cal does not always mean healthy. These recipes, however, are good sources of fiber, vitamins, and calcium.

Granola-Raisin Yogurt

This is a very simple dish that is very yummy. It's mainly yogurt, which is very refreshing during those hot summer months and a great source of calcium. The small amount of raisins and granola on top is enough for a great amount of flavor and a touch of sweetness, but moderate enough not to add too many calories. It totals modestly to less than 200 calories per serving. If you want you can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Ingredients:
2 tbsp granola
1 tbsp raisins
cup low-fat or non-fat vanilla yogurt

Spoon yogurt into bowl. (This recipe looks nice in a glass dessert bowl.) Layer the granola and raisins on top of the yogurt.


Apples with Almond Butter, Pecans, and Flax Seed
Nothing says summer like a crisp, fresh apple. Spruce up it up with the addition of almond butter, a delicious alternative to peanut butter, pecans, and flax seed for added protein and Omega-3's, and you have a super healthy, supper tasty dessert (or even just a snack). You can try substituting peanut butter, or even cashew butter, for the almond butter, and try walnuts or almonds for the pecan. Split this very filling dessert with someone and stay under 200 calories, or have the whole thing and only have just under 400 calories and a lot of satisfying food.

Ingredients:
1 large apple
2 tbsp almond butter
1 tbsp chopped pecans
1 tsp ground flax seed

Peel and slice apple. Spread almond butter over slices evenly, and then sprinkle with pecans and flax seed.

Frozen Fruit Kabobs
Frozen fruit is a great healthy way to stay cool during the summer. Frozen bananas are popular, but a lot of other fruits taste good frozen. Be experimental and try a variety of fruits. Have two kabobs and you'll have around 100 calories, as well as a serving of fruit, which are great sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Fruits are a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth while staying healthy.

Ingredients:
cup of a variety of sliced fruit (bananas, strawberries, grapes, etc.)
2 skewers

Slip slices of fruit onto skewers. Try different patterns, such as alternating the fruits, grouping them by shape or color, or arranging them alphabetically.

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