Sinless Treats

1) U-Swirl’s frozen yogurt

Eating healthy does not always require giving up dessert. Frozen yogurt is a delicious and healthy alternative to ice cream. It also offers health benefits, such as calcium and bacteria that is beneficial to the digestive tract.

Of U-Swirl’s 43 flavors, including white chocolate macadamia, York chocolate peppermint, strawberry kiwi sorbet, peach and green tea tart just to name a few (not all available in every location), 39 are non-fat. There are also more than 60 different toppings to choose from.

While there are many candy- and cookie-based toppings, U-Swirl also offers a wide array of healthy fresh fruit toppings such as strawberries, bananas, kiwi and mango. Between the yogurt flavors and the toppings, U-Swirl yogurt makes for a great dessert.

Price: About $5 (price based on ounces of yogurt)

Location: 57 Damonte Ranch Parkway

Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday

Contact:775-284-8721

2) Bibo coffee’s Plain latte, with no syrup

If you need your daily coffee fix and love lattes, but not the added calories that come with the sugary syrups found in most, it is best to get a plain café latte.

The super-concentrated sugary syrups, as well as 2 percent milk are the culprits that jack up the calorie content of most lattes. So, if you want to keep it healthy, it is best to keep your drink order simple. Since plain lattes are made with just espresso, milk and milk foam, they are a relatively low caloric option. To lower calories even more, substitute 2 percent milk with skim.

Any coffee shop will have lattes, but a great spot in Reno to grab one is Bibo Coffee because it is right next to campus and has the best-tasting espresso in town.

Price: About $4

Location: 351 E. 9th St.

Hours: 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

Contact:775-348-8087

3) Feta cheese

Feta is a Greek, tangy and salty, mild to sharp cheese usually made from goat and sheep milk. It is one of the healthiest cheese options out there.

Feta is a very versatile cheese and can be enjoyed many ways. Sprinkle some over your favorite salad to add a kick of tang. Feta will add zest and flavor to any omelet and tastes exceptionally delicious in a spinach omelet.

A great way to eat this crumbly cheese with crackers is by mashing an avocado and mixing the paste with Feta to make a yummy spread. Feta cheese makes a great snack to enjoy alongside a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

Feta can be found at any grocery store, such as Raley’s.

Price: $3

Location: 701 Keystone Ave.

Hours: 6 a.m.-midnight daily

Contact:775-747-5267

Gulity Pleasures

1) Dairy Queen’s Extreme Blizzard

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream, right?

Instead of screaming, you should be running toward this bad boy of desserts. Dairy Queen’s chocolate Xtreme Blizzard, a dessert made with bite-sized brownie pieces, chocolate bits, cocoa fudge and Dairy Queen’s signature ice cream is the perfect treat for all chocoholics out there. This sugary treat is sure to please any chocolate cravings.

Prices: About $6

Location: 10390 N. McCarran Blvd.

Hours: 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday, 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday

Contact: 775-787-1003

2) Starbucks’ Cinnamon Dolce latte

With the cold and icy winter months rapidly approaching, cravings for a warm, soothing latte will soon begin kicking in. The Cinnamon Dolce latte from Starbucks, which is made with milk, espresso and flavored syrup, is a very popular flavor and for good reason because it’s downright delicious. Between the smooth, rich taste of the espresso, the sweet kick of the cinnamon and the richness of the milk, this drink is pure heaven and worth the indulgence.

Price: About $5

Location: The first floor of the Joe Crowley Student Union

Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

Contact:775-329-3377

3) Brie Cheese

There are few ways better to wind down a busy and hectic day than enjoying a glass (or three) of wine with a side of cheese and crackers.

One of the best cheeses to enjoy with a glass of Pinot Blanc or Merlot is Brie. This delicious, soft and creamy French cheese is made from cow’s milk and tastes best on a plain cracker. Brie can be found at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.

Price: $6.50

Location: 6139 S. Virginia St.

Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

Contact:775-852-8023

From the Kitchen: Strawberry Angel Food Dessert

This dessert is a good alternative to a regular birthday cake. Plus the strawberries make the mind think the cake’s healthy while your taste senses delight in this dessert.

Also, its cold nature makes it a great food to munch on during the summer time. Tasting the cold strawberries on your lips will make the summer heat irrelevant and is sure to send goosebumps through your body.

Serves: 5-8

Ingredients

1 (10 inch) angel food cake

2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup white sugar

1 (8 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced

1 (18 oz.) jar strawberry glaze

Directions

1. Crumble the angel food cake into a 9 x 13 inch dish. Don’t be afraid to rough the cake up a bit — this step doubles as a great way to take out all that pent up aggression. Just don’t pulverize the cake into a paste looking substance.

2. Next, beat the sugar and cream cheese in a medium bowl until the texture is light and fluffy. Spread the whip topping over the cake in the pan.

3. Put the sliced strawberries in a bowl and add in as much strawberry glaze as desired. Make sure the strawberries are evenly covered and place the mixture over the whipped topping and cake.

4. Put it in the fridge for an hour to fully chill.

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