Dessert = Health... Hear Us Out!

We’ve all heard the spiel: nutrition matters for everything; gut health, hormones, brain power, energy, longevity, and overall vibrancy. But here’s the truth chefs (and food lovers) already know in their bones:joy is also a nutrient.

That’s where the 80/20 rule comes in. Eighty percent of the time, we fuel our bodies with the good stuff: fiber, protein, plants, and variety. The other 20%? Dessert and other fun foods, baby!

And here’s the kicker: science backs this up. Flexible eaters are more likely to maintain healthy habits long-term than those who swear off sugar forever. Translation: brownies can actually support a healthy lifestyle.

The Sweet Truth: Sugar vs. Sweetener

Sugar can be like that unreliable ex: fun in the moment, but too much leaves a mess. Here’s the lowdown:

• Cane sugar / white sugar → High glycemic, spikes blood glucose, too much is linked to fatty liver and inflammation.
  
  
• Maple syrup & honey → Still sugar, but less refined and packed with antioxidants and trace minerals.
  
  
• Stevia & monk fruit → Plant-based, calorie-free, no glucose spike. Safe for most, though long-term research is still ongoing.
  
  
• Sugar alcohols (erythritol, xylitol) → Low-cal, but overdo it and… well, your gut may protest 🚽. One recent study even linked high erythritol levels with cardiovascular risk, so moderation is key.
  
  
• Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose, saccharin) → Calorie-free, but controversial. Some research suggests they may disrupt the microbiome or metabolism. Best to use sparingly.