Health Hack #3: Dessert is Best After A Meal
Health Hack Series
Looking for a great health hack? If you have a sweet tooth but want to avoid the negative effects of a sudden insulin spike, there may be a solution. Recent research suggests that eating dessert after a meal, instead of indulging in sweets outside of meal times, can help to reduce the impact on your blood sugar levels. In this blog post, we'll explore why this is the case and offer some tips on how to enjoy your favorite desserts in a healthy way.
When it comes to managing blood sugar levels, most of us know that consuming sugary treats and desserts can lead to a spike in insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels, and when we consume high amounts of sugar, our body produces more insulin to compensate.
But what if there was a way to enjoy your favorite dessert without experiencing a significant insulin spike? According to some research, eating dessert after a meal may actually be a better option than indulging in sweets outside of meal times.
When we eat a meal that includes carbohydrates and proteins, our body digests these nutrients slowly, leading to a gradual rise in blood sugar levels. Eating dessert after this type of meal can actually help to slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and prevent a sudden spike in insulin.
On the other hand, when we consume sugary treats outside of meal times, our body isn't prepared to handle the sudden influx of sugar. This can lead to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, followed by a surge of insulin, which can leave us feeling tired and sluggish.
So, the next time you're craving something sweet, consider enjoying it as part of a meal instead of eating it as a standalone snack. This can help to reduce the impact on your blood sugar levels and prevent the sudden insulin spike that can come with consuming sugary treats outside of meal times.
Of course, it's still important to be mindful of the types and amounts of sweets you consume, even if you're enjoying them as part of a meal. Opt for desserts that are lower in sugar and higher in fiber, such as fruit-based treats or desserts made with whole grains. And as always, moderation is key.
Here’s a fun, easy and healthy dessert recipe idea: a spin on Snickers bites! These are delicious, easy to make and made with whole food ingredients. You have to try them out.
Photo by Julia Hajjar, @aspoonfulofscience
You’ll need:
-As many Medjool dates as you'd like (1 date= 1 "mini" snickers bite)
-Peanut butter ( swap this out for any other nut or seed butter)
-Roasted, salted peanuts (swap this out for any other roasted nut/seeds)
-Dark chocolate chips ( you can use any chocolate you'd like)
-Flaky sea salt (or use table salt)
How-to:
Open up and de-pit each date.
Fill each date with nut butter.
Add in nuts of choice.
Close the stuffed date.
Dip each date in melted dark chocolate, and sprinkle with sea salt.
Place in the freezer to set for a few hours or overnight.
Serve and enjoy!
*Store them in the freezer, and let thaw for a couple of minutes before serving.
In conclusion, by eating dessert after a meal, you may be able to reduce the impact on your blood sugar levels and avoid the negative effects of a sudden insulin spike. So go ahead and indulge in that sweet treat, but remember to enjoy it as part of a balanced meal and in moderation.