Being in a calorie deficit and having an intense sweet tooth don’t always go hand in hand. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to satisfy your dessert cravings while sticking to your fitness goals. While some low-calorie dessert options found on grocery store shelves are both highly processed and pricey, a more holistic option can be found in the produce aisle. One fruit dietitians recommend for satisfying a sweet tooth while supporting weight loss is raspberries.
“Raspberries are naturally sweet, but they’re also very high in fiber for the number of calories they provide, which makes them a great option for people who want something sweet and satisfying without relying on a higher-calorie dessert or snack,” says Johannah Katz, RD, of Kaffico.
One cup of raspberries contains about 64 calories, eight grams of fiber, five grams of naturally occurring sugar, and, of course, no added sugars. Raspberries are delicious on their own, but Katz recommends pairing them with a protein source like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, chia seed pudding, or oatmeal. Combining fiber with protein and healthy fats helps promote fullness and steadier energy while making meals and snacks more satisfying.
Raspberries are both high in fiber and water, a combination that lowers their energy density. Low-energy-density foods can help you eat satisfying portions while naturally reducing overall calorie intake. In fact, one study found that the increased intake of berries was associated with less weight gain over time.
“Despite being small in size, they are packed with the most fiber per serving of all fruits,” says Juliana Vocca, MS, RD, of Prime Women Nutrition. “The fiber helps fill you up and can help regulate blood sugar, preventing unwanted cravings. They’re also low in calories.”
Beyond supporting weight management, raspberries are also rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, including anthocyanins and ellagitannins, which are plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The high antioxidant content gives raspberries their vibrant red color, helping combat oxidative stress, which is often associated with obesity and other chronic health conditions.
Related: The Nut a Cardiologist Wants You to Start Eating Once a Day to Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Experts
- Johannah Katz, RD, of Kaffico
- Juliana Vocca, MS, RD, of Prime Women Nutrition
Sources
- Changes in Intake of Fruits and Vegetables and Weight Change in United States Men and Women Followed for Up to 24 Years: Analysis from Three Prospective Cohort Studies. PLoS Medicine.
- Red Raspberries and Their Bioactive Polyphenols: Cardiometabolic and Neuronal Health Links. Advances in Nutrition.
Go to Source
Author: Kelsey Kryger

