5 Treats That Cheat Your Diet

Eat ice cream, candy and chips without going overboard on the calories!

by Colleen Guiltinan | FNC iMag

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Even a dieter deserves a little junk food from time to time. But just a piece of candy, scoop of ice cream, or handful of chips everyday can actually add up! Fortunately there is a way you can treat yourself without breaking your diet. iMag went to Registered Dietitian, Cynthia Sass for her favorite “junk food” that tastes great and helps you lose weight!

Love to Eat: Gummy Bears

Way to Cheat: Seitenbacher Gummi Fruits

Why it's better for you: Made with 100 percent fruit juice and no added sugar or artificial additives, these gummy candies deliver on both taste and nutrition. They also come in fun shapes including gators, dolphins and lions. One serving provides only 142 calories.

Love to Eat: Ice Cream

Way to Cheat: Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss "Ice Cream"

Why it's better for you: This dairy-free version is just as satisfying as premium ice cream, but studies show the good fat from coconut milk is heart protective and linked to less belly fat. It's so rich you’ll be more than satisfied with a 200 calorie half cup portion.

Love to Eat: Chips

Way to Cheat: Food Should Taste Good Buffalo Tortilla Chips

Why it's better for you: These zesty tortilla chips are made from whole corn, a member of the whole grain family, along with cayenne pepper, garlic and heart-healthy high oleic sunflower oil.

Love to Eat: Frozen Novelties

Way to Cheat: Diana's Banana Babies

Why it's better for you: These dark chocolate covered bananas on a stick are the perfect treat for health-conscious kids or adults. One “baby” counts as a serving of fruit and is bursting with vitamin C, potassium and heart healthy fat and antioxidants from the dark chocolate.

Love to Eat: Chocolate Bars

Way to Cheat: QBel Covered Wafers

Why it's better for you: This brand's yummy Double Dark Chocolate Wafer Bar is just as satisfying, for 30 fewer calories with zero trans fat and no artificial additives or animal-derived ingredients.

For more great ways to cheat your diet, click here.

About the Expert: This information was provided by Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD. She is a Manhattan-based nutritionist and the creator & co-author of the "Flat Belly Diet." She is also the co-author of, "The Ultimate Diet Log." In addition, Cynthia is a Contributing Editor for SHAPE Magazine and a Nutrition Consultant for the Philadelphia Phillies. For more information check out her Web site: www.CynthiaSass.com.