As a Nutritionist, the expectation is that I shouldn’t eat dessert.

But really, what planet do you think I’m from? Of course I eat dessert!

And when I do eat it – I can tell that all eyes are on me.

Awwwwwkward.

While I do in fact eat an extremely healthy and balanced diet, I’m not one to turn down chocolate. Like, ever.

But, even though I eat dessert that doesn’t mean I’m “cheating” on my diet, or even making unhealthy choices. In fact, my idea of dessert may be very different than what you’re thinking.

Most importantly, please reserve your judgments.

As a nutritionist it’s exhausting to always be watched and judged for everything you eat, and understand that we are also normal people working to find our own personal balance within a healthy diet.

While you may disagree with my philosophy, here’s a little insight as to why I believe dessert is okay (I became a Nutritional Counsellor after suffering from my own eating disorder):

1. I don’t diet, I listen to my body
2. Balance is individual
3. I make healthy choices even with desserts
4. Food is not a punishment or reward, hence point #1
5. I believe in savouring life moments – whether it includes foods or not

So I eat dessert occasionally, and I enjoy each bite without any guilt.

However I do get asked a lot about what nutritionists eat for dessert, so here are some great examples:

1. Dark Chocolate Flourless Cake
2. Almond Butter & Honey Cookies
3. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
4. Almond Butter Stuffed Dates
5. Coconut Nanaimo Bars
6. Fruit Kabobs with Maple Whipped Yogurt
7. Mint Chocolate Brownie
8. Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Bites
9. Raspberry Lime Avocado Pudding
10. Dark Chocolate Bark

While I do eat dessert, I make sure to make it at home so I know what I’m eating and can control the quality of ingredients.

Like my newest addiction – Maple Cinnamon Chickpea Ice Cream. It’s a high protein dessert that’s vegan (and you wouldn’t even know it!) with the perfect hint of maple and cinnamon.