What Doctors and Nutrition Experts Eat When They Want Something Sweet

Doctors know a thing or two about health, but that doesn't mean they skip dessert. From dark chocolate to a scoop of ice cream, here's what six health experts actually reach for when craving something sweet.

Who says doctors can’t have a sweet tooth? Even doctors indulge in a little bit of sweet, and these doctors have shared their go-to desserts when the craving hits.

Three kinds of chocolate | Source: Getty Images

Dr. Renato Apolito, an interventional cardiologist, says dark chocolate, dark chocolate-covered almonds, and dried fruit with ricotta or honey, satisfy him "as much as any candy bar." He also indulges in high-quality ice cream, as long as it’s made with whole and simple ingredients.

For Dr. Susan Wolver, an obesity medicine specialist, cottage cheese with honey or chocolate protein powder is perfect for a high-protein dessert fix. She also enjoys an occasional dark chocolate, though she admits she needs to keep it out of the house to avoid overeating.

Dark chocolate | Source: Pexels

Gastroenterologist Dr. Arun Swaminath keeps it simple, treating himself to a small bowl of cereal, which he considers equivalent to a scoop of ice cream.

Other experts prefer fruit-based desserts. Oncologist Arif Kamal recommends desserts with fruits like berries, drizzled with whipped cream, or angel food cake with strawberries. Kamal leans on these desserts for the fiber and antioxidants they provide.

Strawberries with whipped cream | Source: Pexels

Dietitian Danna Raphael’s choice of dessert doubles as a quick energy snack: medjool dates topped with peanut butter and dark chocolate chips.

Meanwhile, for cardiologist Dariush Mozaffarian, ice cream is a nutritional dessert, rich in protein and healthy fats, and with a lower glycemic index, so he eats it regularly. He pairs this with almonds or sliced strawberries, to make it as healthy as possible.

Vanilla ice cream with pieces of almonds | Source: Pexels

• Boundaries with Empathy: The Simple Parenting Shift Experts Recommend
• You Might Be Using Too Much Laundry Detergent — Here's How to Tell
• TSA May Let PreCheck Passengers Keep Their Water Bottles at Security, Reversing a Post-9/11 Rule

From these doctors’ preferences, dark chocolate emerges as a common favorite, due to its antioxidants and lower sugar content compared to milk chocolate. Most experts agree that the goal isn't to avoid dessert entirely, but to choose treats that are satisfying without sacrificing a balanced diet.