The 3 Nourishing Desserts for a Healthy Gut

Craving something sweet but concerned about its impact on your gut health? Fear not, as you can still enjoy dessert without compromising your well-being—it’s all about understanding what’s beneficial and what’s not. With labels like raw, vegan, sugar-free, and dairy-free dominating the dessert aisle, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about what truly constitutes a healthy treat.

However, amidst the plethora of options, it’s essential to discern which ingredients align with your health goals. While sugar often takes the blame for many health concerns, it’s not the sole culprit. Additives like guar gum and carrageenan can exacerbate digestive issues when combined with sugar. Instead, we recommend alternatives like manuka honey or stevia, which offer sweetness without the negative side effects of refined sugar. Manuka honey, derived from the Manuka tree in New Zealand, boasts gut-friendly properties and immune-boosting benefits.

To help you kickstart a healthier dessert journey, here are two delightful recipes that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also support your gut health.

Chia Berry Parfait:

• Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • Granola or chopped nuts for topping (optional)

• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, mix chia seeds and almond milk. Stir well to combine.
  2. Add honey or maple syrup for sweetness, if desired.
  3. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
  4. In serving glasses or jars, layer the chia pudding with mixed berries.
  5. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, ending with a layer of berries on top.
  6. Optional: Sprinkle granola or chopped nuts on top for extra crunch.
  7. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to chill before serving.

Avocado Chocolate Mousse:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

• Instructions:
  1. Scoop the flesh out of the avocados and place them in a blender or food processor.
  2. Add cocoa powder, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding more maple syrup or honey.
  5. Transfer the mousse to serving bowls or glasses.
  6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  7. Optional: Garnish with fresh berries, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts before serving.