It’s National Dessert Day!

I love sweets as much as anyone, and I don’t hesitate to enjoy a couple pieces of chocolate or a chewy sugar cookie on occasion. But what if I want dessert Every. Single. Day?
 
A daily intake of sugar and fat is not great for my blood cholesterol, triglycerides, or glucose levels, not to mention the extra empty calories. So I opt for desserts that have a nutritional benefit as well as a treat for my taste buds. These usually include something with fruit, vegetables, nuts, and/or whole grains.
 
This time of year, I love zucchini bread and pumpkin bread. Find a recipe from your favorite cookbook, website or friend, and make a few healthful substitutions, like these:

• Use walnut oil instead of butter or vegetable oil
• Use whole wheat flour, whole wheat white flour, or whole wheat pastry flour instead of all- purpose flour
• Add ¼ cup of nuts and ¼ cup of raisins for flavor and crunch

 
I am often asked for recipes but honestly, I prefer to teach you to make these substitutions so you can turn any recipe into a nutrition rockstar. If you need a place to start, I like Cooking Light and Eating Well (click to link) Then, remember to keep your portions reasonable by listening to when your stomach says it is almost full.
 
Just One Thing to do: Enjoy fall vegetables like zucchini and pumpkin by baking them into a healthful recipe!