Everyone craves a sweet treat every now and then, but when you’re managing health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, finding the right balance of
satisfying your sweet tooth and not overindulging can be challenging. The good news is, it can be done. While many desserts are high in saturated fat, added sugar and sodium – there are plenty of heart healthier options that can leave you satisfied without sacrificing your long-term health.

What makes desserts unhealthy?

While most desserts are OK in moderation, many include ingredients that are either detrimental to your overall heart health or those that simply have no nutritional value at all. Let’s take a look at some common ingredients in today’s popular desserts and some tips for making them a bit healthier.

WakeMed dietitian Marissa Parminter, MS, RD, LDN, warns against ignoring a sweet tooth. “I tell my patients not to completely disregard their cravings as doing so can lead to binging or overindulging. Instead, try eating less and being mindful while you’re eating a treat by savoring each bite. For example, instead of eating two to three cookies, eat a half a cookie and really enjoy it. Or try a small square of dark chocolate – whatever it is that’s truly satisfying to you personally is the best choice.”