Dessert doesn’t have to be synonymous with cream, sugar, or deep-fried dough. When it comes to sweet treats, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose low-fat pudding, Jell-O or fresh fruit topped with fat-free whipped cream
• Use low-fat yogurt in place of ice cream – low-fat vanilla yogurt is great with cakes that are traditionally served with ice cream
• If you do have the occasional rich dessert treat, limit portion size to keep fat intake down
• Choose dark chocolate rather than milk or white, as it's higher in antioxidants
• Choose hard candy, gummy bears, or jelly beans which are lower in fat than chocolate or caramel treats
• Nibble on fresh or dried fruit for a low-fat snack

Almost all fruits and vegetables are number-one choices when it comes to low-fat foods. Even avocados, which are high in fat, are fine because the fat they contain is good for your heart. Avocados make a great addition to salads and sandwiches and can also be used as a spread for bread, toast, or crackers.

The “fat trap” with vegetables is in the way they are cooked or served. At home, or eating out, pay attention to the “packaging” of your vegetables.

Try these tips as well:

• Add a tablespoon of sour cream (2.5g fat) instead of one of butter (11.5g fat) to your potato
• Sauté your vegetables in a non-fat cooking spray and lemon juice instead of butter
• Have your salad dressing on the side