Summer is all about spending time with family and friends. Whether you are on vacation, on a picnic, or just having a weekend barbecue, you will come to temptation of eating desserts or going without. A healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean denying yourself things you like; it means making smart choices and maintaining portion control. Here are 6 ideas for summer desserts if you are looking to lose weight this summer.

1. Angel Food Cake

Strawberry shortcake is a popular summer treat. Consider replacing the shortcake with angel food cake to reduce calories and still enjoy this great dessert. Don’t forget to use light whipped cream and try other berries or fruits for a nice change. Blueberries, raspberries, peaches, and blackberries are good fruits to pair with this light and airy cake.

2. Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt

We all love ice cream, but many types have fat and sugar and are high in calories. If you are looking for something cool to eat as an alternative to ice cream, try sorbet or frozen yogurt. Frozen yogurt, and now frozen Greek yogurt, come in many great flavors so you can feel like you are able to enjoy this great frozen treat without the guilt of extra calories.

3. Fruit Smoothies

They come in so many wonderful combinations that you can find a recipe that is made with fruits you enjoy. If you like milkshakes, smoothies can make a better alternative while still giving you the ability to have a tasty dessert. If you are buying your smoothies at dairy bars or fast food places, however, be careful. Some places add sugar instead of taking advantage of fruit’s natural sweetness, which can make the calorie count worse than a cheeseburger.   Download our FREE Simply Smoothies eBook.

4. Fruit Pops

Combining fruit and sugar-free gelatin is a good way to make a cold and delicious treat. Experiment with different taste combinations to find ones that may become family favorites.

5. Grilled Fruit

Putting fruit on the grill can be a great dessert alternative. You can add them to frozen yogurt, make a dessert pizza, or eat them with poultry or fish as part of a meal. Try grilling fruit at your next barbecue to find what ways you like to prepare this fantastic treat.

6. Frozen Bananas

Chocolate-covered frozen bananas are a popular summer treat and they are easy to make. You can add nuts or dip them in peanut butter and chocolate to make a nice, light lunch with extra protein. If you don’t like your banana on a stick, you can also make banana bites. Slice them, dip them, and place them on some wax paper before putting them in the freezer.

These are just a few summer desserts you can enjoy even when you want to lose weight. There are different ways you can experiment with many of these desserts to change the tastes and enjoyment. Have fun with dessert and summer by adding other calorie-cutting options.