Hot weather has many a Filipino fantasizing about (and indulging in) that perennial favorite--halo-halo. This much-loved Filipino dessert can help you beat the heat, but you might be worried that this sweet treat might embitter your healthy lifestyle. But worry no more because there are alternative ingredients that you can use to create a healthier halo-halo. Below is the recipe for halo-halo and some tips on how to make each halo-halo ingredient healthier.

(First published in Women's Health Magazine, Eat Smart section as "A Healthier Halo-Halo" in March 2010; Photo by Dakila Angeles unless otherwise stated. adapted for use in Female Network.)