Anonymous wrote:If you like Pumpkin/Ginger I can recommend this version:
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/pumpkin_cheesecake_gingersnap_crust.html

Not to harsh on the pp who,posted this beautiful picture, but,

This is not "healthy" food. It's still cake made with a lot of sugar and animal fats and cookies and vegetable oil. A bite of puréed pumpkin in each piece doesn't change the essential character of the food.

I know people make all these tiny modifications at the margins because it makes them feel more virtuous and in control. And I guess that's worth something, psychologically. I'm just tired of having to listen to all the malarkey and I wish this contingent would just each a effing sandwich once in a while, without the angst and obsessive need for control. It really does. Not. Matter. in the end as long as you observe sensible portion control.

If you like Pumpkin/Ginger I can recommend this version:
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/pumpkin_cheesecake_gingersnap_crust.html

Ground pistachio crust, swap in Truvia or PureVia stevia substitutes. I also rely on the Dukan diet cheesecake recipe when company comes over. It can be modified for the occasion by adding pumpkin pie spice and canned pure pumpkin. You can also do a chocolate variation by adding in unsweetened cocoa powder.

OP, I'd rather enjoy a small portion of a really delicious cheesecake than try to "clean it up."

All good things in moderation.

OP here. Lol, I'm fully aware that cheesecake is inherently unhealthy (cheese+cake = duh) and that moderation is essential. But wondering if there are some possible substitutions...

Low-fat cream cheese an option, or will it not cook/settle as well? Will other "healthier" sugars work (brown, coconut, etc)? Healthier crust ideas?

We are at a time when there is a split in thinking about diet. Many people thing dietary fat is bad for us and makes us fat and unhealthy. Others (myself included) think sugar and a high carb diet make us fat and unhealthy.

So asking this question, about a cheesecake, which is high in fat and high in sugar gets a lot a divergent opinions. We have no cultural or scientific consensus about what constitutes "healthy" food.

Yeah, make something else. How about a low-fat apple cake.

Take some hints from this low carb cheesecake recipe.
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/desserts/r/lcarbcheesecake.htm

Remove the sugar from the filling.

You don't.

You make it as intended and eat a small, modest amount without apology, or don't make it. Grow a pair and shake off the dieter shackles.

It already has fruit and nuts in it....that's more "healthy" ingredients than most cheesecakes. Honestly, I don't think there's much you can do without really changing the taste/experience.
Just read the recipe and don't make it--zero calories
or eat in moderation, as PP suggested.
You could try halving it and using a smaller pan size if you don't want/need a big cheesecake calling to you.

Anonymous wrote:I would cut the sugar in the crust and crumble. And I would sub coconut sugar for the white sugar in both of those.

And by cut I mean reduce by about 1/3

I would cut the sugar in the crust and crumble. And I would sub coconut sugar for the white sugar in both of those.

Wow - that's got a lot of sugar in it. But, the reality is that cheesecake is inherently unhealthy - all that sugar and fat from the cream cheese. Just eat it in moderation and not all at one time.

Doesn't need to be super healthy, but what are some small adjustments I can make to it healthier, without sacrificing (much) on taste?

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/autumn-cheesecake/