If you’re trying to lose weight, you’ve probably heard that you need to cut back on sweets. After all, cakes and other desserts are notoriously high in calories and can sabotage even the best diet intentions.
But what if we told you that you can actually lose weight while still enjoying your occasional slice of cake? It might seem too good to be true, but with a few tweaks, you can turn cake into a surprisingly healthy treat that can help you reach your weight loss goals.
1. Choose the Right Ingredients
The key to making a healthy cake is to choose your ingredients carefully. Opt for whole food, natural sweeteners and whole-grain flours instead of refined sugar and flour.
Use ingredients such as applesauce, spelt flour, honey, bananas, almond meal, and coconut sugar to get a more nutritious cake.
2. Reduce the Serving Size
Instead of eating a giant slice of cake, try cutting down on the serving size. A smaller serving will still give you the taste you crave, but without all the calories and sugar.
You can also try making mini cakes or cupcakes instead of a large cake to help with portion control.
3. Go for Nutritious Fillings and Toppings
Instead of sugary frosting or fillings, go for more nutritious options like fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, or whipped cream made with coconut or almond milk. This can add fiber and vitamins to your cake while keeping it delicious.
4. Make it Yourself
When you make your own cake, you control the ingredients and can make tweaks to make it healthier. Plus, making something yourself can be more satisfying and help you avoid going for unhealthy store-bought options.
5. Eat it Mindfully
Finally, one of the most important things you can do to lose weight while still enjoying cake is to eat it mindfully. Slow down and savor each bite, and pay attention to the way your body feels.
You may find that a small serving of cake is enough to satisfy your cravings, or that you don’t actually want a slice after all.
The Bottom Line
Losing weight doesn’t mean you have to give up cake entirely.
By choosing your ingredients carefully, reducing the serving size, opting for nutritious toppings, making it yourself, and eating mindfully, you can enjoy cake as a healthy treat that can actually help you lose weight.