Eating dessert each morning sounds too decadent to be healthy, but it could be a good way to lose weight. Researchers from Tel Aviv University found that among dieters already controlling the number of calories they eat (1,600 calories a day for men and 1,400 calories a day for women), adding dessert — a small cookie or slice of cake — with breakfast helped them shed more pounds.
In the 32-week study, both groups ate breakfasts that were rich in protein, including options like tuna, egg whites, cheese and low-fat milk. During the first half of the study, both groups lost weight, but in the final 16 weeks, those refraining from dessert in the morning regained an average of 22 lb., while those indulging their sweet tooth lost another 15 lb. on average.
The combination of the protein-heavy meal, which reduces hunger, and the sweet treat to cut down on cravings may be the perfect formula for controlling eating, say the researchers. Which means it may be possible to have your cake and eat it too, as long as it’s for breakfast.