Cooking with Karina: Pro-Sweets

Chocolate Protein Mug Cake (Photo: Karina Arnold) 

Karina Arnold is a sophomore at the University of Oklahoma who’s passionate about healthy cooking. She provides creative, healthy recipes and tips on clean eating.

Comparing the pros and cons of sweets comes down to whether you want to “treat yoself” or stick to your healthy regimen. For me, dessert is part of a balanced diet. Nutritionists and health-nuts alike generally frown upon desserts because they have “empty calories” or “are bad for your gut.” Also, recent studies showing the correlation between sugar addiction and cocaine addiction are hurting the case for dessert. 

Protein cookie topped with Frosting Substitute (Photo: Karina Arnold)

I, a crusader for dessert, believe that it is preposterous to “eliminate” dessert from your diet. Dessert is food for the soul, a part of our body we cannot forget to care for. After dinner, I love to relax with a good book and this Chocolate Protein Mug Cake. This gooey 60-second cake hits the spot. I substituted ingredients from the original recipe to add more protein and nutritional value. Also, substituting flour with mashed banana or oats, dairy milk for cashew, or cocoa for protein powder creates a guilt-less, nutritious and delicious snack.  

Healthify-ing dessert when you want to stay on track is not difficult or less tasty. I prefer this Frosting Substitute over regular frosting (except for buttercream frosting, that has a special place in my heart). Made with Greek yogurt and mixed with flavors of your choice, this frosting is perfect to slather, dip or top cookies, ice cream and fruit. 

Protein Patty (Photo: Karina Arnold) 

Satisfy your sweet tooth and post-workout muscles with these Protein Patties. Sandwich granola, nut butter and fruit between each patty for a filling, protein-packed breakfast or snack. You can make a large batch and reheat for later. My favorite combination is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with granola for a little crunch. 

There are numerous substitutes, recipes and ingredients you can utilize to make dessert delicious and nutritious. However, sometimes diving into a tub of Ben and Jerry’s or snacking on Oreos are the desserts your body and mind really need. Satisfy your cravings as you like, but know that dessert is what you make and bake of it. What are your favorite desserts? Comment below!