Dessert is almost always the sweet finale after a hearty meal. It is a comforting treat that many love to indulge in and lose themselves in the moment. However, those guilty feelings creep on you a few minutes after an indulgence, making you wish you had exercised more control over that sweet tooth. Fortunately, with some variation and careful selection, you don’t have to feel remorseful. Here is how to eliminate guilt if you are part of the 58% of consumers who eat desserts once a week.
- Opt for healthier ingredients
Many people feel remorseful after dessert because of the sugar overload they know their bodies have been subjected to. Several dessert recipes are often prepared with refined sugar and other processed ingredients. If you feel guilty, it’s probably because many health-focused online portals do an excellent job condemning refined sugar, unhealthy fats, and processed ingredients. That is why a guilt-free indulgence focuses on opting for healthier, more nutritious ingredients that benefit the body. You can still enjoy your dessert by choosing healthier alternatives, knowing it’s packed with nutrients. For example, replace refined white sugar with natural alternatives like honey or date paste. Hearty desserts often contain saturated fats, but those can be swapped with healthier options like Walnut butter or Greek Yogurt. You may feel apprehensive about trying these healthier alternatives regarding your favorite desserts. However, a leap of faith can make you a believer. If you doubt it, try this apple fritters recipe, or use your version with whole-grain flour, honey, and other ingredients.
- Practice portion control
It takes a lot of self-control to eat in moderation. Portion control is an excellent way to indulge and not feel remorseful when you’re done. It is easy to consume larger servings when the dessert is that good, but if you keep at it, you’ll have another problem on your hands – or, rather, your waistline. Instead of devouring that entire serving of Bundt cake, a thin slice at a sitting will be better. The idea is to savor your dessert in moderation while appreciating the taste and texture. Sometimes, it helps to invite friends or family to share a meal at home. It is an excellent way to eat smaller portions when one dessert must go round. Did you know that the plate size influences how much dessert you consume? The illusion of a substantial portion is why many restaurants serve desserts on smaller plates. This strategy has a psychological element because it tricks the brain into feeling satisfied after having a small plate of dessert.
- Opt for fruit-only dessert
Fruits are full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They are excellent ways to indulge your sweet tooth without experiencing any guilt. A confectioner’s sugar or syrup sprinkle often does not need to be added to a fruit salad. However, you can make do with some cinnamon shavings to give an extra punch to the taste. Did you know that peaches can be grilled, baked, and dipped into Greek yogurt? You can add a drizzle of honey to give it a refined look and taste. This option is for those who prefer something markedly different from an ordinary fruit salad. It is important to be mindful of certain fruits if you’re trying to keep your blood sugar within normal levels. Certain fruits are low in fiber but high in sugar and may not be ideal in some cases. Grapes, apricots, raisins, and dry fruits can increase blood sugar. However, apples, melons, papaya, and guava have high fiber and low sugar.
These options allow you to indulge in guilt-free desserts.
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