If sweet treats are frequently on your mind, you’re not alone. Dietitians also love dessert — and they have some helpful tips for finding healthy desserts that fit into your life.
“There is absolutely nothing wrong with having dessert every day,” Emma Laing, Ph.D., clinical professor and director of the didactic program in dietetics at the University of Georgia and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tells TODAY.com
“If you prioritize foods that are nutrient-dense most of the time, there is room in your eating pattern to prioritize desserts, as well,” Laing explains.
Theresa Gentile, a registered dietitian in New York City and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is also a fan of dessert — especially chocolate. “Not a single day goes by that I don’t have something sweet,” she tells TODAY.com.
Regardless of their nutritional content, desserts can be part of a healthy eating plan, the experts say. And desserts frequently provide so much more than just their nutrients.
“What we eat is of course important to health,” Laing says, “but so is the connection, pleasure and cultural significance that comes from food — in addition to its nourishment.”
Still, some desserts may work better for your nutritional goals than others. Here’s what to look for and how to choose a healthy dessert, according to experts.
What makes a dessert “healthy”?
Some dessert foods naturally provide more nutrients than others. There’s filling protein and fat in cheesecake and ice cream, for instance, and a berry crumble comes with all the fiber and antioxidants in those fruits.
“Incorporating desserts into your eating pattern that contain protein, antioxidants and healthy fats not only supports your health but can also help keep you feeling satisfied for longer,” Laing explains. “I turn most foods into a dessert if there’s a way to add chocolate or peanut butter to them.”
In other cases, you may find it helpful to swap out ingredients…
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