Eating desserts high in protein might be a good idea if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your protein intake. Registered dietitian Julie Upton, M.S., explained that desserts with protein could help you experience a much more tempered blood sugar response than desserts with sugar, which can spike your blood sugar dramatically.
Upton also said protein-rich desserts are more filling, so you can eat smaller portions. Here’s how you can indulge your sweet tooth and get protein with these protein-rich desserts, as Upton and other registered dietitians recommended.
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Eat High-Protein Ice Cream
Summer Yule, MS, a registered dietitian, suggested trying high-protein ice creams from Halo Top and Enlightened. These tend to be much higher in protein than traditional ice creams. There are 20 grams of protein in the vanilla bean flavor of Halo Tops, whereas there are 24 grams of protein in the vanilla flavor of Enlightened.
Make Some Pudding With Chia Seeds
Registered dietitian nutritionist Maya F. Bach, MPH, said chia seeds are nutrient powerhouses, containing fibre, healthy fat, and protein, or roughly 16 grams per hundred grams. She suggested adding chia seeds to a cup of coconut or cashew milk, a dash of vanilla extract, and topping with your favorite fruit.
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Enjoy Some Yogurt Parfaits
Sara DeLuca, CPT, a registered dietitian, suggests serving plain Greek yogurt with fresh berries and granola as a high-protein dessert. The protein in Greek yogurt is casein, which digests more slowly than whey protein. Casein is beneficial for repairing, rebuilding, and recovering muscle tissue overnight. An average 100-gram serving contains nine grams of protein.
DIY High-Protein Smoothies Or Smoothie Bowls
Creating high-protein smoothies (or smoothie bowls) at home is easy, and there are endless recipe possibilities, according to DeLuca. Adding cinnamon or unsweetened cocoa powder to a smoothie would add flavor, and she suggested pairing protein powder with water or milk.