National Cupcake Day the Healthy Way!

National Cupcake Day is a national food holiday you don't have to miss out on just because you're watching your fat or sugar intake. Cooking with applesauce instead of oil or butter, evaporated fat-free milk instead of cream, and egg whites instead of whole eggs, really cut down on the fat content of your baked goods. Using splenda, agave, or stevia will eliminate the processed sugars. If you're not comfortable experimenting on your own with baking substitutions, try one of the recipes below.

• The classics: try some good old-fashioned chocolate, vanilla, lemon or red velvet low-fat cupcake recipes. The texture may be a little bit different than what you're used to, depending on the recipe, but they are still delicious and satisfy that craving!



• Make some low-fat carrot cake muffins and eat them with a low-fat cream cheese frosting. Pumpkin muffins are a great healthy subsitute as well, with a fluffy cupcake-like texture. They're also great with cream-cheese frosting, which give them a more decadent feel.



• Be adventurous and try green tea cupcakes. The health benefits of green tea and its fresh taste are a great constrast to traditional butter- and sugar-laden concoctions.

Whatever recipe you choose to follow, just because you've got special dietary concerns, there's no reason you shouldn't get to enjoy National Cupcake Day like everyone else!