Heading into 2008 with a desire to enjoy a healthier year is an excellent idea. Unfortunately, making the resolution and following through with it are two very different things. One of the most difficult obstacles many face involves giving up sweets. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily have to. There are some excellent desserts that can be enjoyed without destroying a diet.

If you have to have your sweets once in a while, here are some excellent choices to tide you over:

* Sorbet with fresh fruit. This is a great alternative to ice cream that can satisfy a craving for sweets without adding too many wasted calories to your daily intake. Lemon, strawberry, lime, watermelon and other options in sorbet work wonders for tackling a sweet tooth.
* Low-fat pudding. Whip up some low-fat pudding to handle cravings for something sweet and creamy. This is a fantastic way to tackle a huge chocolate craving without busting your diet. Vanilla, strawberry and butterscotch can also prove as excellent choices.
* Yogurt with fixings. Plain vanilla yogurt or flavored low-fat yogurt can double well as a dessert. Add some fresh berries, bananas or even a few chocolate chips for a quick pick-me-up that doesn’t destroy a diet. Granola is also an excellent addition to pack in a little crunch with the mix.
* Fresh-baked pies or cakes. Take your favorite sweet treat recipes and alter them to include low-fat ingredients. Cut sugar where possible. If chocolate is called for, try a lower-fat alterative or use sugar-free cocoa.
* Fresh fruit and whipped cream. Mix up some low-fat whipped cream and spoon it lightly over freshly sliced fruit.
* Fruit smoothies. If milkshakes are your weakness, try switching them out with fruit smoothies instead. This alternative is a much healthier choice and still offers plenty of creamy flavor.
* Angel food cake. If you’ve just got to have cake, this is a lighter option that still offers plenty of sweetness. Dress it up with fresh fruits, such as sliced strawberries, and even some low-fat whipped cream.
* Frozen yogurt. If you can’t bring yourself to give up on the flavor and consistency of ice cream, this is a good alternative. Also, consider some of the low-fat ice creams now on the market. Many taste as good as their full-fat counterparts with a fraction of the calories.

Giving up desserts entirely is not possible for some people. If you’ve got to have your sweets once in a while, there are smarter choices you can make. It is possible to satisfy a craving without destroying a diet.