Yahoo Lifestyle I’m a Dietitian—Here’s Why I Eat Dessert Every Day
Let’s get one thing straight: I'm a dietitian and I eat dessert every. single. day. And you know what else? I don’t feel one ounce of guilt about it.
In fact, I think my daily dessert makes my overall diet more balanced as I don’t feel deprived or obsess over “off-limits” foods. As a dietitian, I always preach that food is more than just nourishment, after all—it’s meant to be enjoyed. So yes, that definitely includes sweets!
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If you’ve ever felt like you “should” skip dessert to be “healthy,” you’re not alone. But I’m here to tell you that making a little room for sweets may actually support your overall well-being—both physically and mentally.
Let’s dive into why daily dessert isn’t the enemy of a balanced diet, what the research says, and some of my favorite nourishing treats.
Related: 15 Healthy Fast Food Desserts, According to Dietitians
Why Eating Dessert Every Day Can Actually Be Good for You
1. Restriction can lead to overindulgence.
Have you ever told yourself dessert is off-limits? What usually happens in this case is you fight the craving for as long as possible, but when you finally give in, it’s easy to go overboard. Soon that one bite turns into the whole pint of ice cream and a tummy ache. Sound familiar? That’s because restricting foods often makes us want them more.
Research backs this up too. One study found that people actively dieting to lose weight experienced more frequent and intense food cravings, especially for the foods they were trying to restrict, compared to those who weren’t dieting.
On the flip side, when we allow ourselves to enjoy all foods in moderation, those “forbidden” foods can start to lose their power.
Related: What Is 'Intuitive Eating', Exactly?
2. Dessert can be part of a nutrient-dense diet.
A balanced diet isn’t about cucumbers and kale everyday—it’s about variety. Sure, desserts often have added sugar, but they can also offer nutrients like fiber, protein and healthy fats.
Take dark chocolate, for example. It’s rich in antioxidants and minerals like magnesium and iron. Or consider a homemade Greek yogurt parfait, which combines protein, probiotics, and the natural sweetness of fruit for a delicious and nourishing treat. Even traditional desserts can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in smaller portions and paired with nutrient-dense meals as part of the bigger picture.
Related: Here's What Happens if You Eat Dark Chocolate Every Day
3. Enjoyment is a key part of health.
Nutrition isn’t just about hitting your macros and checking off your vitamins—it’s also about actually enjoying your food! If you’re constantly eating in a way that feels too strict or joyless, it’s probably not something you’ll stick with for long. On the other hand, when you truly enjoy your food without guilt or stress, you’re more likely to feel satisfied and even make healthier choices over time.
Research supports this, too: a recent review found that experiencing pleasure from food, whether through sensory enjoyment, social connections, or mindful eating, was often linked to healthier dietary habits. So if a small dessert brings you joy, why not lean into that?
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5 Dietitian-Approved Desserts to Try
Just like anybody else—this dietitian loves a good chocolate croissant, a scoop of cookie dough ice cream or a slice of cherry pie. But I also like having some more nourishing options on hand—treats that satisfy my sweet tooth while also packing in some extra nutrition. Here are a few of my favorites!
1. Medjool date dessert “sushi”
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If you haven’t tried this new dessert sushi trend yet, prepare to be obsessed. As a dietitian, I love how Medjool dates are filled with potassium, iron and satiating fiber without any added sugars. Simply smash them into a flat layer, spread with peanut butter, and roll around a banana. Then, cut into these adorable “sushi” bites and dip in melted dark chocolate for the “soy sauce."
Related: 5 Health Benefits of Dates
2. Protein mug cake
For those moments when you need dessert like now, this protein mug cake is a lifesaver. In a mug, mix together simple ingredients like mashed banana, protein powder and peanut butter. Then, microwave for one minute to reveal an instant, fluffy cake. Each mug cake provides around 15 grams of satisfying protein, depending on the protein powder you use.
Related: Treat Yourself to 10 Low-Carb, High-Protein Desserts
3. Avocado truffles
Avocado truffles are super easy to make and call for just three ingredients. Simply mash together ripe avocados and melted dark chocolate. Then, chill in the freezer, roll into bites and coat in any toppings of your choice, like cocoa powder, coconut flakes or matcha powder. Avocados are filled with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and three grams of fiber per ⅓ of a medium avocado, which can help you feel fuller longer.
Related: 70 Best Avocado Recipes for Nutrient-Packed Meals
4. Greek yogurt with honey and berries
Greek yogurt is a go-to for a reason—it's packed with protein and probiotics and it’s super creamy. For an easy treat, I love topping a bowl of plain Greek yogurt with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of granola or chopped nuts. When shopping for yogurt, try to stick with options that have little to no added sugar.
Related: What Happened When I Ate Yogurt Every Day For a Week
5. Protein ice cream
If you have a Ninja Creami, chances are you’re just as obsessed with making delicious Creami recipes as we are. From high-protein ice creams to fruit-based sorbets, the possibilities are endless. We love taking a base of one cup of milk of your choice and combining it with a scoop of your favorite protein powder. Then freeze, spin, and enjoy! You can try fun variations like this strawberry cheesecake protein ice cream too.
No Ninja Creami? No problem! You can still make a simple homemade banana ice cream by blending frozen bananas with a splash of milk. For extra flavor, try adding peanut butter, cocoa powder, or vanilla extract.
Related: 21 Healthy Frozen Dessert Ideas
Key Takeaway
Eating dessert every day isn’t “bad”—in fact, it can be part of a balanced, long-term approach to healthy eating. I say it’s time to stop demonizing sweets and instead focus on incorporating them in a mindful way. That means savoring them in reasonable portions and trying out homemade, nourishing treats too!
So, if you love dessert, enjoy it! A little sweet treat can be a delicious part of a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle—no guilt required.
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