5 Ways You Can Lose Weight AND Still Eat Desserts

I’ve never been an advocate for extreme diets that imply cutting out most food groups or counting every calorie 24/7. Truth is, though, we could never get the flat belly we want and still enjoy our favorite chocolate on a daily basis – or can we?

In hope that we could find a solution to achieving our weight loss goals and stay happy too, I looked for an expert’s advice.

Today Rachel Paul, PhD, RD, from College Nutritionist, is going to share 5 ways you can enjoy your favorite dessert by creating 5 healthy habits around it.

1. Count calories to your advantage

According to Dr. Paul, this is the most important habit of them all: focus on your total number of calories. Let me explain.

Let’s say, for example, that you should consume 1,600 calories daily to lose weight and be healthy. You can have a 400-calorie breakfast, another 400-calorie lunch and a 400-calorie dinner. This still leaves you with 400 calories to use however you like – dessert included!

Of course, make sure that your main meals include healthy, nutritious foods, so you achieve an overall balance in your diet.

2. Choose nutritious desserts

I know that if you’re craving chocolate, there’s nothing that can replace it; as long as it happens occasionally or in small quantities, you can safely enjoy it too!

However, there are also countless sweet treats that are packed with nutrients. Here are a few ideas recommended by Dr. Paul:

• Banana slices with peanut butter
• Sliced strawberries topped with whipped cream
• Fruit salad sweetened with natural sweeteners (think stevia or coconut sugar)

If you want a real sweet treat that’s filled with essential nutrients, though, you can always enjoy a smoothie. Luckily, there are countless recipes available and each can be done in a matter of minutes!

My personal favorite right now is the oatmeal smoothie; I think it’s the ideal way to fill up and enjoy sweetness in a quick, natural manner. You can get the recipe right here for free.

3. Add fruit to anything

Let’s say you’re really in the mood for some ice cream. While you can enjoy this treat just as it is, adding some fruit may actually add the texture it needs to be truly delicious! As a bonus, eating ice cream topped with any fruit will help you embrace the treat instead of feeling guilty about it.

If you enjoy baking, you can even add fruits like bananas or raspberries to your favorite goodies like pies, cake or cookies. And since we’re talking about baking, there are so many recipes available to make your favorite desserts healthier (including the all-time autumn favorite apple pie!).

RELATED: YES, You Can Lose Weight by Sleeping – Here’s How

4. Choose JUST what you want

We all have about two or three favorite desserts that we could eat any day at any time. If you’re really putting in a lot of effort to lose weight, these are actually the only treats that are worth giving into!

Many times, people may give in to social pressure and eat a dessert they don’t really feel like eating or they’re just not in the mood for. Now, I’m not saying you should start refusing a slice of birthday cake, but you can grab just one bite and leave the rest as it is. After all, this is a journey you’re fighting for, right?

5. Delay emotional eating

Our emotional state plays a huge part in what we choose to eat. We all know the classic scenario of eating an entire box of cookies after a long, stressful day. I know it may make you feel better in that specific moment, but it won’t do any good in the long run.

Most of the times, emotional eating is caused by a lack of self-respect, guilt, shame or even boredom. Next time you’re feeling this way, simply ask yourself this one question:

What am I really craving right now?

It could be attention. Sleep. A break. Understanding. A fun activity. Emotional hunger doesn’t need real food – it needs emotional healing.

What is your favorite dessert? Share your options in the comment section and let’s start enjoying life in a healthier manner!