Don’t Deprive Kids of Dessert—Just Make Them Healthier

How many times have you heard, “Mom, can I have dessert?” and felt torn? On one hand,
you don’t want your kids overloaded with sugar and additives. On the other, you don’t want
them to feel deprived or left out. The truth is, I have personally struggled with this, but
dessert doesn’t need to disappear—it just needs a makeover.

When we take the time to reimagine sweets with real, nourishing ingredients, we give our
kids the best of both worlds: delicious treats that fuel their bodies instead of draining
them.

Key takeaway: Dessert can be both nourishing and delicious when you make intentional
swaps.

The Problem With Traditional Desserts

Most store-bought desserts are:
• Packed with refined sugar that spikes (then crashes) kids’ energy.
• Loaded with artificial dyes, preservatives, and additives that can affect mood and
focus.
• Low in fiber or nutrients, leaving kids craving more instead of feeling satisfied.

👉Did you know? According to the American Heart Association, children ages 2–18
should consume less than 25 grams of added sugar per day—yet the average child
consumes nearly triple that.

No wonder we see tantrums, energy crashes, and picky eating patterns. But the good news
is: you don’t have to say “no dessert.” You just have to rethink it.

Here are some simple, kid-approved swaps that keep dessert fun while nourishing their
bodies:

Ice Cream ➜ Frozen Banana “Nice Cream”

Creamy, sweet, and just as satisfying as the real thing—without the sugar crash.
How to make it:
• Blend frozen bananas with a splash of coconut milk.
• Add cocoa powder or frozen strawberries for flavor.
• Top with dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

Candy Bars ➜ Homemade Energy Bites

These little bites are perfect for after school or dessert—and they taste like cookie dough!
How to make it:
• Mix rolled oats, nut butter, honey, and dark chocolate chips.
• Roll into balls and freeze for quick grab-and-go snacks.

Packaged Cookies ➜ Almond Flour Cookies

Crispy edges, gooey centers, and ingredients you can feel good about.
How to make it:
• Use almond or coconut flour, coconut sugar, and dark chocolate.
• Bake until golden brown and enjoy warm from the oven.

Store-Bought Pudding ➜ Chia or Basil Seed Pudding

Sweet, creamy, and nutrient-dense—chia seeds provide fiber, protein, and omega-3s.
How to make it:
• Mix chia or basil seeds with almond milk, vanilla, and maple syrup.
• Let it thicken overnight.
• Add fruit on top for a colorful finish.
• Or check out my basil seed pudding here

Popsicles ➜ Real Fruit Pops

Skip the dyes and high fructose corn syrup—kids love making these at home.
How to make it:
• Blend fresh fruit with coconut water or yogurt.
• Pour into molds and freeze.
• Add chunks of fruit for texture and fun.

Store Bought Ice-cream ➜ Homemade Ice-cream

Skip the high sugar and high fructose corn syrup—and make it with your kids at home.
How to make it:
Egg yolks
Raw cream
Protein powder
Fruit of choice

Check out this post for the full recipe

It’s not just about the food—it’s about the message you send. When kids learn that dessert
doesn’t mean deprivation, they build a healthier relationship with food long-term.

Here’s how to set the tone:
• Involve them in baking, blending, or stirring.
• Talk about why you choose real ingredients.
• Show them treats can taste amazing and support their health.
Key takeaway: You’re not saying “no” to dessert—you’re saying “yes” to nourishment.

📌Making It Easy for Busy Moms

We get it—life is busy. Here are simple hacks to make healthy desserts stress-free:
• Batch bake cookies or energy bites and freeze extras.
• Keep frozen fruit stocked for smoothies, popsicles, or nice cream.
• Stock your pantry with real-food staples like oats, nut butters, chia seeds, and
coconut sugar.

Pro tip: Choose one recipe per week to make as a family. Soon, healthy dessert will feel
like the new normal.

Want more ideas like this? Grab Taryn’s Free Healthy Swaps Guide and learn how to
upgrade your pantry without the overwhelm.

👉 Download the Free Guide Here