Diet & Fitness

By eDiets Staff

For many people, the first step toward cutting down on calories is cutting out fattening, inflated-calorie desserts.

One such pastry cart classic that's scratched off the list of many waistline-conscious individuals is rich, creamy cheesecake -- and for good reason. After all, a typical slice of cheesecake packs an over-the-top 425 calories and 29 grams of fat. That's more calories and fat than you'd get from an entire 6" steak-and-cheese from Subway. But if you're a card-carrying member of the cheesecake-lovers club that silky, smooth texture can be hard to swear off. Does that mean you're destined to a life devoid of this decadent treat?

Here's the hard-to-swallow truth: Aside from the occasional indulgence, there's not much room for full-fat cheesecake in a weight-loss plan. Any way you slice it, you're bound to get too much fat and calories. Whether it's packaged, like Entenmann's pineapple cheesecake (1/5 has 350 calories and 19 grams fat), or frozen like Sara Lee's with 350 calories and 18 grams of fat, or mixed like JELL-O's no-bake version with 350 calories and 16 grams of fat, most cheesecakes hover in the same high-rent fat and calorie neighborhood.

However, a little creative thinking -- and careful exploration of your supermarket's contents -- can have you enjoying that luscious taste on a pound-paring budget! So don't put away your fork (or spoon) just yet, try one of these yummy ways to satisfy your cheesecake craving instead:

Cheesecake On Ice
Some creative ice cream and frozen yogurt makers have managed to combine the taste and texture of cheesecake by churning out cool varieties that have crushed graham crackers swirled in the cheesecake-flavored ice cream or yogurt. Scoop out a half-cup of Haagen-Dazs Strawberry Cheesecake Frozen Yogurt (230 calories and 6 grams fat), Baskin-Robbins Low-Fat Divine Cherry Cheesecake yogurt (120 calories and 2 grams fat) or Edy's Grand Light Cheesecake Chunk ice cream (120 calories and 5 grams fat).

A Spoonful of Cheesecake
You can get the right-on flavor and creamy texture from cheesecake-flavored yogurts, too. You'll also get about 25 percent of your daily calcium (depending on the brand). Try Yoplait Custard-Style Raspberry Cheesecake yogurt (190 calories and 3.5 grams fat), Yoplait Original Strawberry Cheesecake yogurt (170 calories and 1.5 grams fat) and Dannon Double Delights in Cherry Cheesecake (180 calories and 1 gram fat) and Chocolate Cheesecake (220 calories and 1 gram fat). Or whip up JELL-O instant pudding and pie filler in cheesecake flavor for just 100 calories and zero grams of fat!

Cheesecake, No Utensils Required
Want your cheesecake to go? Pack a nutrition or cereal bar in your purse or keep one stowed in your desk for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Balance Oasis Strawberry Cheesecake (180 calories and 3 grams fat), Nutri-Grain Twists Strawberry Cheesecake (140 calories and 3 grams fat) and Quaker Fruit and Oatmeal Strawberry Cheesecake (130 calories and 3 grams fat) are ready when you're on the run.

Cheesecake From Scratch
You can get your cheesecake fix by putting together ingredients you have in your pantry and fridge right now, too. Spread low-fat cream cheese on a graham cracker, then spoon on strawberry jam, or puree low-fat cottage cheese and sprinkle with wheat germ, or dip strawberries into a bit of Neufchatel cheese!

Like this post? Check these out!
-- Top 5 "Bad" Foods -- and Healthy Foods Substitutes
-- Low-Carb Treat: Strawberry Sorbet
-- Chocolate Pudding Day!

You don't have to give up the foods you love to lose weight! Join eDiets to learn how to enjoy your favorite foods and still slim down.

Labels: cheesecake, desserts, diet, healthy, healthy snacks, healthy-dessert, low-carb, low-fat, nutrition

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