A healthy, well-balanced diet can include desserts. It's important to select your desserts carefully keeping nutrition in mind.

Desserts low in saturated fatty acids, cholesterol and calories. For a special treat, share a dessert portion with someone.

Low in Fat and Saturated Fatty Acids:

Fruit - fresh, frozen, canned or dried.

Low-fat yogurt with fruit.

Crackers and cookies (as listed in the Breads section).

Angel food cake.

Frozen low-fat or nonfat yogurt.

Sherbet or ice milk.

Flavored gelatin.

Water ices or sorbets.

Higher in Fat and Calories:

Homemade desserts (cakes, pies, cookies, puddings) made with margarine or oils low in saturated fatty acids, skim or 1% fat milk and egg whites or egg substitutes (or egg yolks within limits). Store-bought desserts - many are now made with unsaturated oils and are either low-fat or nonfat. Be sure to read ingredient lists.