We all know that desserts can be a huge downfall when it comes to reaching our health goals. Most of us have been conditioned to think that if we’re going to indulge in something sweet, we might as well just give up and eat whatever we want. But this doesn’t have to be the case! In this blog post, we’ll discuss how you can enjoy desserts while still staying on track with your health goals. We’ll also talk about how to mindful incorporate them into your diet, and why it’s important not to save them up for special occasions. So if you’re ready to have your cake (or pie, or ice cream) and eat it too, keep reading!
All or Nothing Thinking
One of the biggest obstacles to enjoying desserts while still staying healthy is all or nothing thinking. This is when we believe that we have to either eat perfectly clean, healthy food 100% of the time or else we might as well just give up and gorge ourselves on junk food. But this isn’t true! Just because you enjoy a dessert doesn’t mean you have to throw all caution to the wind and eat whatever you want.
Try A Bit of Mindfulness
If you struggle with all-or-nothing thinking, mindfulness can be a helpful tool. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and accepting our thoughts and feelings without judgment. When it comes to desserts, this means being aware of how our body feels after eating them. If we’re mindfully eating desserts, we’ll notice when we start to feel full or when our blood sugar starts to spike. This awareness can help us control our portions and make healthier choices.
Include Desserts as Part of Your Plate
Another helpful tip for enjoying desserts while still staying healthy is to include them as part of your plate, rather than eating them as a post-meal treat. This means that if you’re having a meal consisting of protein, a vegetable, and starch, you can add a small dessert as your fourth item. Doing this will allow you to mindfully eat your meal and your dessert while listening to your hunger cues. Often times we have the mindset that we need to save dessert for after dinner, but this can often lead to overeating.
Change Your Language
The way we talk about desserts can also impact our relationship with them. If we refer to desserts as “bad,” “unhealthy,” or “junk food,” we’re more likely to see them as off-limits. But if we change our language to something more neutral, such as “sweet,” “rich,” or “creamy,” we can start to see desserts in a more positive light. This shift in perspective can help us approach desserts with a more mindful attitude, leading to healthier choices.
Remember, You Can Always Have More
Finally, it’s important to remember that you can always have more dessert. If you’re at a party or potluck with several desserts to choose from, don’t feel like you need to eat them all in one sitting. You can always come back for more later. This is where mindfulness comes in handy again. If you’re mindfully eating, you’ll know when you’re starting to feel full. This will help you control your portions and not overeat.
Saving desserts for special occasions is often a recipe for disaster. We often end up overeating because we feel like we have to make the most of the occasion. If you want to enjoy desserts while still staying on track with your health goals, remember to incorporate them mindfully into your diet. And don’t forget to change your language around desserts too! Referring to them as “sweet” or “rich” instead of “bad” can help you approach them in a more positive light. So go ahead and have that piece of cake!
These tips can help you enjoy desserts while still staying on track with your health goals. Just remember to be mindful of your portion sizes, including desserts as part of your plate, and change your language around them. With a little practice, you’ll be able to have your cake (or pie, or ice cream) and eat it too!
Do you have any tips for enjoying desserts while still staying healthy? Share them in the comments below!