Desserts are often seen as indulgent treats reserved for special occasions, but certain choices can offer surprising health benefits beyond satisfying a sweet tooth. Believe it or not, some desserts are known to contain ingredients that can actually aid in relaxation and promote better sleep.
To find out which four desserts you can end your day with to fall asleep faster and also lose weight, we checked in with Michael O. McKinney, a physician specializing in nutrition and wellness. He revealed that Greek yogurt with honey and almonds, dark chocolate-covered strawberries, chia seed pudding with berries, and banana nice cream are the ones to eat more of.
Greek Yogurt with Honey and Almonds
Opting for Greek yogurt with honey allows for a natural sweetness while keeping added sugars in check. This dessert is a smart choice because excess sugar consumption before bed can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to weight gain.
And that's not all; McKinney says, "Greek yogurt is rich in tryptophan, an amino acid responsible for the production of hormones such as serotonin and melatonin, which are responsible for inducing sleep. With a sugar content of about 40%, the blood sugar level lowers slightly, making tryptophan more accessible to the brain." He further adds, "On the other hand, its protein levels make it suitable for curbing appetite, thereby reducing nighttime hunger pangs. Moreover, almonds add another source of fats that are healthy for satiety purposes."
Dark Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Enjoying dark chocolate-covered strawberries mindfully can promote relaxation and reduce stress, both of which are important for supporting healthy sleep patterns and weight management.
"Dark chocolate has small amounts of serotonin that help control sleep patterns if consumed moderately, while strawberries contain vitamin C and antioxidants that induce calmness in your body," says McKinney. "Dark chocolate is less sugary than milk chocolate, hence providing healthier fats and consequently working against sweet cravings. As a result, strawberries have low calories but high fiber, thus promoting weight loss through a controlled diet."
Chia Seed Pudding with Berries
Incorporating chia seed pudding with berries into your diet as an evening snack can provide a satisfying, nutrient-packed option that supports both relaxation for better sleep and weight loss goals.
McKinney elaborates further and adds, "Omega-3 fatty acids, which increase the quality of sleep, are in plenty in chia seeds. It also possesses several other nutrients, including tryptophan, which promotes the production of melatonin, as well as being rich in proteins and fibers that enhance a feeling of satiety. In addition, berries have high levels of antioxidants but are low in calorie content hence giving you a very healthy dessert."
Banana Nice Cream
Bananas contain small amounts of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Banana nice cream is naturally low in calories compared to traditional ice cream and is packed with essential nutrients like vitamins C and B6, which support overall health and metabolism.
"Magnesium and potassium found naturally in bananas help to relax muscles for sound sleeping, while tryptophan enhances melatonin production," he reveals. As for its weight loss benefits, McKinney says, "For those who desire to cut weight by eating less, banana cream is an excellent option instead of normal ice cream because it only has a few calories compared to the latter since it is just made by blending frozen bananas without any added sugars or fats, thus having a creamy texture, which can be helpful whenever you crave ice cream without consuming too many calories."
