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Desserts are a big part of the holiday season. After all, what is Thanksgiving without pie or Christmas without cookies?
Many people give us desserts because they want to adopt a healthier lifestyle. But denying yourself a small treat could only lead to increased cravings and possibly binge eating. But, eating a small dessert will keep you satisfied, according to The Baton Rouge Clinic, and it could also be good for you.
The secret is in portion control. So go ahead and have a slice of chocolate cake guilt-free. If you over indulge, you can always balance the extra sugar and carbs by taking a walk after dinner, suggests Fox40. But don’t skip dessert, there are five surprising reasons why eating a treat after your meal is good for you.
Desserts are Packed with Nutrition
There’s a reason why you crave desserts and it’s not just about taste, according to the organization Lifehack. Your body may be telling you that you need to fuel up on carbs, an essential nutrient. Plus, there are many nutritional benefits in the ingredients of many desserts. Pumpkin pie contains antioxidants, fiber, and a large amount of nutrients including vitamins A, C, E, folate and iron. And pumpkin is safe for diabetics because it actually helps to reduce blood glucose levels.
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Adds Fruit to Your Diet
Desserts offer an easy way to add more fruit to your diet. Making a pie or fruit tart out of blueberries or strawberries gives you an antioxidant and vitamin boost that is good for your heart. The fiber in fruit is also good for your gut. But don’t be afraid to use your imagination when it comes to fruit, make a tropical fruit salad, a kiwi smoothie, or add berries or other fresh fruit to low-fat Greek yogurt for a super healthy dessert
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Could Help Your Heart
If you love chocolate, don’t worry, it loves you back. Chocolate is quite good for you, and the darker it is, the more benefits it contains. Just a few bites of chocolate may decrease your risk of heart disease, reported Fox40. That’s because the antioxidants in dark chocolate could reduce your blood pressure and lower your cholesterol. Some delectable chocolate desserts include fudge, chocolate covered nuts, or chocolate dipped fruit.
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Will Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Do you crave something sweet? Satisfy your sweet tooth with a small dessert serving. Having a scoop of ice cream after a meal will keep you from binging on a carton later. Saying no to dessert is actually a mistake that people who are on fitness kicks commonly make. Sweets can be a part of healthy eating, according to WebMD, as long as it is eaten in moderation.
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May Make You Happier
Have you ever eaten a piece of cake that made you feel happy? It’s no myth, eating dessert can actually make you happy, stressed Lifehack. You get that feeling because foods with a high amount of carbs help your body produce endorphins like serotonin, a hormone that contributes to your feelings of wellbeing. Go ahead and eat your aunt’s apple pie or you grandma’s gingerbread cookies, it really will put a smile on your face.
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