Give Thanks for Healthy Desserts

If you're watching your weight this holiday season, you'll definitely give thanks for these helpful hints. Let's face it - the holidays are definitely the time to pack on the pounds. From lavish food spreads to holiday spirits, we can't help but indulge in the food festivities. Many of us push aside our healthy habits and become gluttons. While you don't want to become a calorie-counting scrooge come celebration time, it is important to keep in mind what every loving spoonful of those gourmet goodies is going to cost you. It's hard to believe but a slice of pecan pie weighs in at a whopping 480 calories, while a hunk of apple pie will set you back 410 calories. Of course, a half-cup dollop of whipped cream adds on another 75 calories, and half a cup of ice cream tacks on 145 calories. Think those two chocolate chip cookies you're nibbling on will go unnoticed? Not so fast -- they ring up at 150 calories. But there is good news for you sweet lovers who live for holiday desserts. A piece of traditional pumpkin pie is a much more affordable 180 calories. If you want to quell your cravings without blowing your diet endeavors, try these alternatives on for size. If there is fruit or a fruit salad available, help yourself to a satisfying serving of these fiber-filled foods. A gelatin dessert also is a low-calorie, low-fat option that makes for a sweet treat. Instead of gobbling down full servings, enjoy a bite-sized serving of each offering. Even better, when it comes to pies, leave the crust and fill up on the fillings. And always remember this old saying -- a moment on the lips can turn into a lifetime on the hips. If that's not motivation, we don't know what is.