Nutritionist Shares Simple "Dessert Rules" To Enjoy Sweets In A Healthy Way

Most people enjoy having a sweet treat at some point during the day. Many cannot do without a dessert of some kind after their meals. Others reserve their indulgence for an evening snack or midnight binge. Whatever your preference, you must realize that it is hard to break old habits. We all know that consistent consumption of desserts can lead to health problems. However, it is almost impossible to give them up completely. So, what should you be doing? Celebrity Nutritionist Lovneet Batra has an answer. The health expert recently shared some pointers regarding savouring sweets more mindfully. Find out more below.

Here Are 4 Key Tips To Enjoy Desserts in a Healthy Manner:

1. Follow the "3 Bite" Rule:

_{Stop after three bites of your dessert and consider your level of satisfaction. Photo Credit: iStock}

Lovneet recommends stopping after taking three bites of your dessert. According to her, "Those initial bites are the most enjoyable, and continuing to eat beyond that may not provide the same level of pleasure." So take a moment to consider how satisfied you're feeling. Chances are, those three bites may be enough to curb your sweet cravings.

2. Choose Quality Over Quantity:

The nutritionist suggests eating a small portion of a "high-quality dessert" rather than a larger portion of any random dessert. She also recommends treats that are made with "real ingredients" and that contain "flavours you genuinely enjoy." Thus, by choosing your dessert carefully, you can ensure you get the most out of your indulgence.

3. Engage Your Senses:

"Pay attention to the visual appeal of the dessert, its aroma, and the texture, in addition to the taste. Engaging all your senses can enhance the overall experience and make those three bites more satisfying," states Lovneet.

4. Be Mindful About Enjoying Your Dessert:

The nutritionist advises us to "take your time to savour each bite." By being more present and less prone to distractions, we can avoid "mindless overeating." It can also help us appreciate the dessert better.

Photo Credit: Instagram/ @nutrition.by.lovneet

Here Are 3 Simple Ways To Make Desserts Healthier:

1. Use Natural Alternatives for Refined Sugar:

Refined sugar is the reason why most desserts are considered bad for health. It is associated with obesity, diabetes, heart problems, compromised gut health, and many other problems. Instead, consider using organic honey or jaggery in limited amounts to sweeten your dessert. You can also use dates to make some delectable treats, including cakes, kheer, and more. Click here for a recipe shared by another famous nutritionist.

2. Swap Out Regular Flour for Millet Flour:

_{You can use millet flour to make a range of delectable desserts. Photo Credit: iStock}

Refined flour or maida is widely used for making a variety of desserts. It has little to zero nutritional value in such sweet dishes. Rather, it can cause spikes in blood sugar and also weight gain. An easy way to upgrade your dessert is to use millet flour. This includes ragi flour, jowar flour, bajra flour, etc. They are packed with fibre and nutrients. They will also give your dessert an interesting edge. You can use them to make cakes, cookies, laddoos, and much more. Here are some easy recipes to get started with.

3. Indulge in Steamed or Baked Desserts Instead of Fried Ones:

Fried desserts like doughnuts, malpuas, etc., are extremely high in calories because they use so much oil as well as sugar. Hence, they should be indulged in only on rare occasions. For your regular sweet cravings, opt for desserts that are steamed or baked. While baking is fairly common, wondering what steamed treats you can make at home? Click here for some delicious recipes.

Now you know how to enjoy your desserts in a better way!
Also Read: Desserts For Weight Loss: 6 Recipes That Are Healthy And Yummy

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.