Healthy pudding is a sound alternative in meal planning. Healthy pudding is easy to make, delicious, and better for the health conscious individual.

Healthy chocolate pudding is a smart addition as a dessert. Chocolate has properties, which significantly benefit the body, including flavonoids that contain antioxidants, which aid in counteracting the negative effects from free radicals that lead to arterial plaque. Chocolate may lower the risk of heart disease. Also chocolate contains enzymes that may aid in the prevention of cancer by getting rid of carcinogens in the body. It also helps lower blood pressure and reduces blood sugar levels in the body. Research indicates that people who regularly eat chocolate live up to a year longer than those who avoid it altogether.

There are plenty of healthy pudding recipes that include chocolate. One healthy chocolate pudding recipe makes about 4 servings of 1/2 cup each and takes 15 minutes in preparation time. The ingredients include 1 12-ounce can evaporated skim milk, 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 large egg, 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 3 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 ounce), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Firstly, milk, brown sugar, egg, cocoa and cornstarch are whisked in a medium saucepan. The mixture is cooked over medium-low heat and whisked constantly for 3 to 5 minutes until it bubbles and thickens. The chocolate chips and vanilla are added, and the mixture is stirred until the chips melt. The pudding is placed in a bowl, covered with wax paper, and refrigerated until serving time.

Healthy pudding recipes are offered in many flavors. One of those is strawberry cream pudding. Strawberries are a good source of fiber and Vitamins C, B1, B6, and K. They contain high levels of antioxidants, which can decrease the risk of heart disease and also contain ellagic acid, which is a cancer preventative. Strawberry consumption may even reduce some cancer cells. This luscious fruit is an anti-inflammatory as well.

Strawberry cream pudding takes more time to make but creates a fine dessert. One recipe takes about 1 1/2 hours in preparation time and makes 10 servings. Ingredients include 2 cups fresh strawberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, water, 2 packages sugar-free strawberry flavored gelatin (3 oz. each), and 4 cups low-fat frozen non-dairy whipped topping. The strawberries are crushed with a fork in a small bowl. They are then sprinkled and mixed with the sugar. These ingredients are covered for an hour. The juice is drained, reserving it in a measuring cup. Enough water is added to make 1 1/2 cups of liquid. In a saucepan, the liquid is brought to a boil. The gelatin is stirred in and removed from the heat. The mixture is stirred until the gelatin dissolves. It is cooled and poured over the crushed strawberries, stirring to blend the mixture. Next the whipped topping is folded into the strawberry mixture, then transferred to a dish and refrigerated for several hours before serving.

So, a long with these two delightful healthy pudding recipes, there are many others out there. Just be sure that you consume in moderation and that you stick to your diet for a better healthier you!