Light and Healthy: 7 All-Naturally Sweets for Summer

Amid reports that sugar might be making us all dumber, I've been trying to cut a lot of sugar out of my diet. I am not perfect, of course, but it can't hurt to lead a slightly more sugar-free existence, especially during bikini season. I am not saying that everyone needs to give up sugar completely, but I did compile a little round up of seven great dessert-like dishes that are naturally sugar free. Don't worry, just because they aren't sugary doesn't mean they aren't still delicious. A few of them are naturally sweetened with a touch of maple syrup or agave. In this case you really can have your dessert and eat it, too - artificial sugar not included!


Raw Chocolate Banana Shake 1. Raw Chocolate Banana Shake
This delicious, chocolatey shake is sweetened naturally with bananas and a touch of maple syrup. It will satisfy all your chocolate cravings without the sugar!

Make raw chocolate banana shake:

Ingredients: 2 cups frozen ripe bananas, chopped before freezing 2 heaping spoonfuls of raw cacao powder 2-3 Tbsp raw salted almond butter 1 1/2cups raw almond milk - recipe here 2-3 Tbsp maple syrup (sweeten to taste - really ripe bananas may need less sweetener) dash cinnamon 1/4 cup crushed ice

Directions: Blend. Serve!
Note: if you don't have "frozen" bananas, you can still make this shake - but add in another scoop of ice and expect to have more of a smoothie consistency, rather than a frozen shake

Related: 12 summer fruit pies you can make without a pan



No Joe Chocolate Smoothie2. No Joe Chocolate Smoothie
This awesome chocolate smoothie is sweetened with natural maple syrup and it is a great way to kick off your morning or treat yourself in the afternoon!
Make no joe chocolate smoothies












Sugar-free Peanut Butter Banana Cookies3. Sugar-free Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These awesome sugar-free cookies have delicious flavor, courtesy of bananas and oats. Yes, the chocolate may have a touch of sugar in it, but those chocolate chips are optional. Besides, a tiny bite of chocolate is good for you!
Make peanut butter banana cookies










Related: 10 tasty mug cakes you can make in under 10 minutes



Rainbow Fruit Skewers 4. Rainbow Fruit Skewers
These adorable fruit skewers are so fun for summer. Made entirely of natural fruit, these adorable treats are perfect for summer parties and cookouts!
Make rainbow fruit skewers







Red, White & Blue Popsicles 5. Red, White & Blue Popsicles
These festive and fun red, white and blue popsicles are made with yogurt instead of ice cream. Use your natural, sugar-free yogurt to give them the best tangy, fruity flavor!
Make red, white and blue popsicles






Related: 7 food additives you should think twice about before eating



Striped Fruit & Yogurt Parfait 6. Striped Fruit & Yogurt Parfait
This natural fruit and yogurt parfait is best made with homemade, naturally sugar-free yogurt. Serve it for dessert to wow a crowd or for breakfast to please the kids!
Make striped fruit and yogurt parfaits








Watermelon Legos on a Stick7. Watermelon Legos on a Stick
These adorable watermelon Legos are so cute and fun for kids. Serve up the naturally sweet fruit for dessert, and they won't miss the sugar at all!
Make watermelon Legos on a stick








- By Kelsey Banfield
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