Just because you're a Spartan doesn't mean you don't need a sugar kick every once in a while. We totally get it. Your body needs natural sugars to sustain itself, too. But at all costs, (and this isn't news to you): skip the processed stuff. When you get that summer sweet tooth craving, avoid the temptation to reach for manufactured pies, chocolates, candy, and cakes. Instead, opt for desserts based on fruits (packed with fiber), dairy-alternative milks (high in protein), and loaded with fillers like chia seeds or coconut flakes (rich in iron and antioxidants). Consider this the season for zero-hassle healthy summer desserts. There's no reason to work up a sweat. Use these three simple recipes with minimal ingredients to indulge your sweet tooth, and be a nourishing crowd pleaser at your next party.

Healthy Summer Desserts: Chia Pudding

Chia seeds soaked overnight turn into a simple breakfast pudding, similar in consistency to tapioca.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup chia seeds
• 2 cups unsweetened soymilk, almond milk or rice milk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons currants or chopped dried figs or dates
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes

Directions

Put chia seeds, almond milk, and vanilla in a 1-quart glass jar with a lid. Tighten the lid and shake well to thoroughly combine. Or, stir together seeds, almond milk and vanilla in a bowl. Refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, stir well. Spoon into bowls and top with fruit and coconut.

Healthy Summer Desserts: Coco-Lemon Banana No-Bake Pie

15 minutes + 20 minutes of cool down, 8 servings, 250 calories per serving, gluten-free, vegan, raw.

Ingredients

• 1 cup gluten-free oat flakes
• 1 pinch cinnamon powder
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or coconut nectar
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Filling

• 2 lemons juiced
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 4 ripe bananas
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 170g (6oz) creamed coconut

Directions

This is a super simple and fancy dessert that you can make to impress and satisfy your guests.

1. With a fork mash 3 of 4 of the bananas in a bowl.
2. Heat up a double boiler and let the creamed coco soften. When it is soft, add the mashed banana, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix well and set aside.
3. To prepare the crust, ground the oat flakes in a blender and pour into a bowl.  Add all the other ingredients from the crust into it and mix well until the oil and sugars are well incorporated to the oat.
4. Grease a pie pan and pour the oat mixture into it. Flatten it with your hand and press it. Put the crust into the freezer for 5 minutes, then remove and pour the banana mixture into the crust and flatten it with a spatula.
5. Peel and slice the 4th banana and lay some banana slices on top of the pie. Let it cool down 15-20 minutes in the freezer before cutting it. You can keep the pie either in the freezer or a fridge.

Healthy Summer Desserts: Cantaloupe Popsicles

3 hours, 6-8 servings, vegetarian, gluten-free

Ingredients

• 1 cantaloupe
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey

Directions

1. Slice the cantaloupe in half, remove the seeds and scoop out the meat and place in a blender.
2. Add remaining ingredients to blender and blend.
3. Pour puree into Popsicle molds and freeze. No molds? Try an ice-cube tray with toothpicks.