5 healthy substitutes for your favorite desserts

Why are fruits better to eat than sugar cane or other refined added sweeteners?

• Fruits have micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).
• Fruits have fiber helping us both feel full and with healthy digestion. When we feel full, we know when to stop eating.
• Sugar gives us "empty calories": calories without micronutrients or fiber. This contributes to weight gain and metabolic syndrome.

1. Ice cream --> frozen fruit ice cream

Click here for "Mango yogurt ice cream recipe">>

2. Cookies --> Cookies made with blended banana or dates substituted for sugar cane

• Try using this chocolate chip recipe in your next cookies or

• these frozen coconut pecan cookies

3. Brownies --> Squash (the vegetable!) chocolate brownies

• Recipe here

4. Chocolate --> Lily's stevia-sweetened chocolate bar (sold at Whole Foods and other grocery stores)

• Or a cup of this spicey hot-cocoa fulfills my chocolate craving every time

5. Candy --> A piece of fruit

• Dates with almond butter
• Apple or pear with cashew butter
• An orange or tangerine
• Grapes
• Frozen berries