Many commercial desserts contain abnormal and outrageous amounts of  calories while others fulfill your sugar intake for days. But there are  also other the only reasons to pass on a big dessert, like sleeplessness  and dental issues. This list of seven reasons to oppose desserts will  certainly get you thinking, but know that there are always some healthy  and equally satisfying alternatives as seen in #8 and #9. 

 

1) Desserts Often Have More Calories Than The Main Dish – It’s Like Having 2 Dinners!

While desserts typically appear to be smaller portions, the reality  is that certain desserts can have a higher calorie content than a dinner  entree. Common desserts are notorious for being packed with empty  calories, allowing you to overindulge and not become as full as you  would if eating a nutritionally balanced dish. Popular chain restaurants  such as The Cheesecake Factory serve specialty items, like Adam’s  Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple Cheesecake, which contains more calories  than it does words at a total of 1330 calories– just 300 more than the  steak dinner entree. A hot fudge sundae sits at a colossal 1530  calories. It is difficult to imagine returning for seconds after a  heaping steak dinner, but desserts have roughly the same caloric content  in much smaller portions. The only difference is the empty calories  that prevent you from feeling full.  

 2) Extra calories are stored as fat

American culture certainly has a tendency to abandon the concept of  portion control, which makes it very easy to overeat in general. When  humans reach their maximum caloric intake, the body begins converting  those extra calories to fat. Unless you are fairly active, those fat  cells will continue to be stored, making it increasingly difficult to  keep weight off. Excessive fat eventually leads to being overweight,  which then leads to obesity. Obesity is classified as having a body mass  index of 30 or greater and can lead to increased risk of various types  of cancer as well as other lifelong health problems. One in five deaths  in America are related to excessive weight.  

 3) Most desserts lack nutritional value

Aside from the obvious potential for weight gain, many desserts are  absent in nutritional value. Cookies, cakes, puddings, and other  pastries are usually comprised of flour, sugar, oil, sodium, and other  fats. Many chain restaurants and product lines will also load their  desserts with harmful preservatives and chemicals for a longer shelf  life. These chemicals do not add any nutritional value, and they can  even make it harder for your body to break the food down for digestion.  Several artificial sweeteners, food colorings, and preservatives have  been banned in other countries and can ultimately lead to brain tumors,  bladder tumors, damage to chromosomes, thyroid tumors, and more.  

 4) Desserts are high in sugar

When it comes to sugar, the general public is typically aware of its  negative side effects, yet the larger population continues to abuse it.  Sugar does indeed have addictive qualities, hence the phrase “sweet  tooth.” Most desserts are loaded with different types of sugars, even if they  don’t always explicitly say so. Sugar comes in a variety of forms  including but not limited to glucose, high fructose corn syrup, and  sucrose. Overuse of sugar leads to increased risk of diabetes, liver  damage, tooth decay, heart disease, and cancer. Raw sugar and natural  sugars from fruits should also be eaten in moderation.  

 5) You might feel restless before bed

Eating dessert before bed can cause a spike in your blood sugar  levels, making you feel anxious and restless. Desserts are most commonly  consumed after dinner and right before bed, making it difficult to  relax and achieve a healthy amount of sleep. Irritability might also occur, causing higher stress levels and  discomfort. Spikes in blood sugar levels can also cause adrenal  exhaustion, which ultimately damages the endocrine system.  

 

6) Increased amounts of saturated fat and trans fat

Standard dessert ingredients such as cream, butter, and dairy  products consisting of whole or 2% milk all contain saturated fats.  Saturated fats increase overall blood cholesterol and can negatively  affect lipid profiles. There have also been theories that high levels of  saturated fat in the body can link to causes of prostate cancer. There  have been some conflicting ideas surrounding pros and cons of saturated  fats, however trans fats are also a major concern on dessert menus.  Trans fats are created industrially and are designed for more  solidification of vegetable oils. Products such as margarine, fried  doughs, and pie all contain trans fats, which increase bad cholesterol  levels and can ultimately lead to heart disease and stroke.  

 

7) Increased risk of cavities

Everyone hates the trip to the dentist, and it’s even worse when you  receive the horrifying news that you need a filling. Cavities are often  caused by sugar, which can be attributed to desserts. Sugary foods tend  to stick to your teeth, which leads to the build up of various acids and  bacteria. Eventually, the combination of debris and saliva will turn to  plaque and eat away at the enamel of your teeth. Cavities are holes in your teeth due to this process and will many  times require a filling. Cavities can be treated naturally, however it  requires eliminating sugars and acids from your diet.  

 

Go natural instead

Everyone deserves a little decadence, and while desserts are harmless  in moderation, it is important to consider some healthier alternatives.  It can even be a fun and adventurous activity to seek out new  substitutions for familiar dishes and ingredients. When it comes to ice  cream, give an almond or nut based brand a try. While the sugar content  is still there, it also provides more nutritional value such as protein.  Frozen grapes and blueberries are delicious competitors with popsicles  and other artificially sweetened fruity treats. Raw nuts and cacao marry  well to satisfy your inner chocolate fiend. Other less practical dishes  such as spiced baked pears make a pleasant and warming replacement for  your favorite holiday pie.  

 

Drink coffee

If sleep isn’t major concern, then consider drinking coffee as an  alternative to dessert. A nice creamy non-dairy latte or foamy  cappuccino can offer a smooth nuttiness and consistency that compares  with hot chocolate or even pudding. Coffee also promotes increased metabolism and decreases overall  appetite and cravings to allow for higher levels of energy and  productivity while aiding in fat burning. Coffee also contains  beneficial antioxidants and helps fight against heart disease and  Alzheimer’s. It also is a great alternative when out to dinner with  friends and they all order dessert because you won’t be sitting there  with nothing just watching them indulge.