Who can resist dessert?? It truly is one of the greatest things ever created… BUT …all that sugar and all those calories are so bad for us! Sugar is addictive, it contributes to obesity, it can lead to insulin resistance which can then lead to diabetes and a whole range of other health issues. That’s why we have come up with these delicious healthy dessert recipes, to satisfy your sweet tooth without all the nasty stuff using your food blender or juicer.

Dessert is always the answer, it doesn't matter what the question is.

Banana Coconut Sorbet Recipe

Add all ingredients to blender and blend in high until smooth. Alternatively you can use a mincing or processing strainer of your juicer.

*Do not over blend or it will become a smoothie! If it is a little too soft put the mixture in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes until frozen.

Sprinkle with cacoa nibs for a chocolatey crunch or shredded coconut.

Easy Healthy Chocolate Avo Mousse Recipe

Add all ingredients to blender and mix until smooth. Serve as is or with mixed berries for a fruity finish.

* You can also add flavours to this chocolate mousse base such as mint, almond, coffee or orange.

No Bake Healthy Brownies Recipe

1. Place walnuts in blender and mix for a couple seconds to form a coarse flour.

2. While machine is running, add pitted dates, cacao powder and salt, processing until a moist, crumb- like dough has formed.

3. Depending on the natural moisture of the dates, you may need to add a touch of water – a teaspoon at a time – to get the crumbs to “stick” when pinched together.

4. Spread the crumbs into an 8×8 inch pan, sprinkle with cacao nibs, and press firmly into a solid brownie layer.

5. Cut into bite-size squares.

Healthy 'Bounty' Bars Recipe

Coconut Filling

Raw Chocolate Coating

1. To make the coconut filling mix together the coconut milk, rice malt syrup and coconut oil, once combined add the desiccated coconut and mix together.

2. Line a tray with baking paper and press the coconut mixture firmly into the pan so that it is around 1-2cm think, refrigerate until mixture has set.

3. Once completely set remove from fridge and cut into bars – as big or as small as you like. Place in freezer until just before they are frozen

4. While the bars are in the freezer place all the ingredients for the chocolate coating in a double boiler and stir until smooth and combined. Allow to cool and thicken slightly.

5. Coat the bars with one layer of chocolate and return to fridge to set on a tray lined with baking paper, when completely set coat with a second layer of the chocolate mixture and refrigerate for a further 20 minutes before serving.

You can see from the recipes above that eating dessert doesn’t have to be laden with sugars and unhealthy fats. Healthy and delicious desserts are possible, you just have to know where to start! There is absolutely no need to cut out deserts altogether, you just have to be strategic about it.

Is sugar really that bad for us?

It’s not as easy as a simple yes or no for this question I’m afraid. There are a few things to keep in mind...

Naturally occurring sugars found in fruits, some vegetables and milk are perfectly ok, this is what gives them their sweet taste, it’s natural. That’s the key. It’s the ADDED sugars that we need to watch out for, the ones that are added during processing that we need not OD on. Processed sugars have been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In a nutshell it’s best to try to avoid these sugars where possible.

Am I addicted to sugar?

Sugar dependence is much stronger for some people than others, but the truth is that it can be powerfully addictive. If you have ever over-indulged on cakes, ice-cream, sweets or cookies you know this type of food has a seductive pull. It’s hard to stop at just one biscuit or one piece of candy.

Sugar cravings can often get out of control and wreak havoc on your mind and body! You’ll feel yourself getting cranky, tired and you may even get a breakout of spots… that’s what sugar does to us. By removing processed sugars from your home and your foods you will immediately begin to feel the benefits, and there are lots of them! You’ll save money, you will also cut back on your exposure to artificial preservatives, you’ll eat more fruit and veg thus adding nutrition to your diet rather than empty calories, you’ll have more energy… no more 3pm slump! And you’ll probably lose a bit of weight, now doesn’t all that sound nice.

Food with natural flavours such as in the recipes above not only taste amazing but are good for you! As with everything though these should be eaten in moderation…even if only to make them last a little while longer!