Its human nature to crave sweet foods, or want to reward yourself with something tasty after achieving a weight-loss goal. However, this doesn’t mean that it has to be a calorie and fat laden cheat meal. But if this conjures up images of tasteless and bland diet desserts, then think again. Here are Fitness magazine’s sweetest, tastiest healthy cheats

– By Melissa Jooste

High protein choc-nut brownies

Ingredients
60g chocolate whey protein powder (or other suitable pure protein powder)

¾ cup oatmeal (Nature’s Choice)

3 tbsp non-calorie sweetener

3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Pinch of salt

2 egg whites

¾ cup unsweetened applesauce

3 tbsp natural peanut butter

2 tbsp water

1 tsp vanilla extract
Half cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:
Mix the ingredients together in a large bowl. Spray an 8×8” nonstick pan with cooking spray. Pour batter into pan. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 18 minutes. Makes 9 brownies!

Tip: When baking, follow directions. When cooking, go by your own taste.

Apple Crisp

A healthy twist on the full fat apple crumble – we’re scrapping the cream and sugar and going low cal!

Ingredients:
Filling:
5 cups sliced peeled apples
2 tbsp sweetener
1 teaspoon lemon juice (fresh is best)
Sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg and all spice

Topping:
½ cup oats
¼ cup sweetener
3 tbsp all purpose flour
¼ tsp apple sauce

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 190°C.
2. For the filling: In a large bowl combine apples, 2 tablespoons sweetener, lemon juice and all spices. Transfer apple mixture to a square baking dish.
3. For the topping: In a medium-sized bowl, combine oats, ¼ cup sweetener and flour. Cut in apple sauce until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle topping over filling.
4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until apple is tender and topping is golden brown. Serve warm. Makes 8 (½ cup) servings.