Sweet tooths don’t care about your diet. Sugar cravings often strike out of nowhere, and if there’s a pint of ice cream waiting in your freezer, it’s easy to cave and blow past your daily macros. But losing weight doesn’t mean saying goodbye to dessert until you reach your goals. Over-restricting foods only keeps you stuck in a negative cycle. A better approach is finding smarter, satisfying alternatives you can actually enjoy.
“True weight loss lasts when you feel satisfied, not just full, but genuinely happy with the food you eat,” says Maria AbiHanna, CEO and nutrition expert at Food Label Maker. “Our bodies and minds always crave pleasure and comfort. The goal here is to give them both in a smarter, healthier, and balanced way.”
If you’re over every “healthy” dessert relying on Medjool dates, below are AbiHanna’s three snack combos under 200 calories that crush sweet cravings while still supporting your weight-loss goals.
Related: These Viral Chickpea Crisps Will Be Your New Favorite Plant-Based Snack
Healthy Desserts Under 200 Calories
‘Reese’s’ Frozen Banana Bites
Getty Images/Azurita
“This mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats can keep you satisfied for many hours. Bananas provide natural energy and prebiotic fiber for better digestion, while peanut butter’s healthy fats help balance blood sugar,” AbiHanna says. “A light coating of dark chocolate adds antioxidants that benefit metabolism and make it feel like dessert.”
Ingredients
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1 tsp natural peanut butter
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10g dark chocolate (70%+ cacao)
Directions
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Slice the banana into ½-inch rounds.
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Spread peanut butter between two slices to make small sandwiches.
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Dip them in melted dark chocolate.
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Freeze for about two hours before eating.
Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Crunch Bites
Getty Images/Maskot
Dubai chocolate is all the rage, with the toasted kataifi giving it that unmistakable crunch. Homemade pistachio butter and tahini are sources of healthy fats and protein to keep you satisfied.
Ingredients
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15g dark chocolate (70%)
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10g homemade pistachio butter
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8g raw kataifi
Directions
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Toast kataifi in a dry pan until crisp.
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Mix with home-made pistachio butter and tahini.
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Layer on top of melted dark chocolate.
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Add raw pistachios.
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Freeze for 15 minutes until set.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Chickpeas
Getty Images/Westend61
If you’re a texture person, this sweet and crunchy protein-packed snack will quickly swoon you. Chickpeas are a good source of fiber, helping regulate appetite and energy, while cinnamon adds natural sweetness.
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“Texture matters. A crispy, crunchy snack can be just as rewarding as regular Cinnamon Toast Crunch,” AbiHanna says.
Ingredients
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½ cup roasted chickpeas
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1 tsp honey
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½ tsp cinnamon
Directions
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Rinse and dry canned chickpeas.
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Toss with a touch of oil.
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Roast at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
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While still warm, coat lightly with honey and cinnamon.
Related: 4 Surprisingly Low-Calorie Sweet Snacks for Satisfying Cravings in a Calorie Deficit
This story was originally published by Men’s Journal on Dec 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the Health & Fitness section. Add Men’s Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.