Many commercial desserts contain abnormal and outrageous amounts of calories while others fulfill your sugar intake for days. But there are also other the only reasons to pass on a big dessert, like sleeplessness and dental issues. This list of seven reasons to oppose desserts will certainly get you thinking, but know that there are always some healthy and equally satisfying alternatives as seen in #8 and #9.

1) Desserts Often Have More Calories Than The Main Dish – It’s Like Having 2 Dinners!

While desserts typically appear to be smaller portions, the reality is that certain desserts can have a higher calorie content than a dinner entree. Common desserts are notorious for being packed with empty calories, allowing you to overindulge and not become as full as you would if eating a nutritionally balanced dish. Popular chain restaurants such as The Cheesecake Factory serve specialty items, like Adam’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple Cheesecake, which contains more calories than it does words at a total of 1330 calories– just 300 more than the steak dinner entree. A hot fudge sundae sits at a colossal 1530 calories. It is difficult to imagine returning for seconds after a heaping steak dinner, but desserts have roughly the same caloric content in much smaller portions. The only difference is the empty calories that prevent you from feeling full.

2) Extra calories are stored as fat

American culture certainly has a tendency to abandon the concept of portion control, which makes it very easy to overeat in general. When humans reach their maximum caloric intake, the body begins converting those extra calories to fat. Unless you are fairly active, those fat cells will continue to be stored, making it increasingly difficult to keep weight off. Excessive fat eventually leads to being overweight, which then leads to obesity. Obesity is classified as having a body mass index of 30 or greater and can lead to increased risk of various types of cancer as well as other lifelong health problems. One in five deaths in America are related to excessive weight.

3) Most desserts lack nutritional value

Aside from the obvious potential for weight gain, many desserts are absent in nutritional value. Cookies, cakes, puddings, and other pastries are usually comprised of flour, sugar, oil, sodium, and other fats. Many chain restaurants and product lines will also load their desserts with harmful preservatives and chemicals for a longer shelf life. These chemicals do not add any nutritional value, and they can even make it harder for your body to break the food down for digestion. Several artificial sweeteners, food colorings, and preservatives have been banned in other countries and can ultimately lead to brain tumors, bladder tumors, damage to chromosomes, thyroid tumors, and more.

4) Desserts are high in sugar

When it comes to sugar, the general public is typically aware of its negative side effects, yet the larger population continues to abuse it. Sugar does indeed have addictive qualities, hence the phrase “sweet tooth.” Most desserts are loaded with different types of sugars, even if they don’t always explicitly say so. Sugar comes in a variety of forms including but not limited to glucose, high fructose corn syrup, and sucrose. Overuse of sugar leads to increased risk of diabetes, liver damage, tooth decay, heart disease, and cancer. Raw sugar and natural sugars from fruits should also be eaten in moderation.

5) You might feel restless before bed

Eating dessert before bed can cause a spike in your blood sugar levels, making you feel anxious and restless. Desserts are most commonly consumed after dinner and right before bed, making it difficult to relax and achieve a healthy amount of sleep. Irritability might also occur, causing higher stress levels and discomfort. Spikes in blood sugar levels can also cause adrenal exhaustion, which ultimately damages the endocrine system.

6) Increased amounts of saturated fat and trans fat

Standard dessert ingredients such as cream, butter, and dairy products consisting of whole or 2% milk all contain saturated fats. Saturated fats increase overall blood cholesterol and can negatively affect lipid profiles. There have also been theories that high levels of saturated fat in the body can link to causes of prostate cancer. There have been some conflicting ideas surrounding pros and cons of saturated fats, however trans fats are also a major concern on dessert menus. Trans fats are created industrially and are designed for more solidification of vegetable oils. Products such as margarine, fried doughs, and pie all contain trans fats, which increase bad cholesterol levels and can ultimately lead to heart disease and stroke.

7) Increased risk of cavities

Everyone hates the trip to the dentist, and it’s even worse when you receive the horrifying news that you need a filling. Cavities are often caused by sugar, which can be attributed to desserts. Sugary foods tend to stick to your teeth, which leads to the build up of various acids and bacteria. Eventually, the combination of debris and saliva will turn to plaque and eat away at the enamel of your teeth. Cavities are holes in your teeth due to this process and will many times require a filling. Cavities can be treated naturally, however it requires eliminating sugars and acids from your diet.

Go natural instead

Everyone deserves a little decadence, and while desserts are harmless in moderation, it is important to consider some healthier alternatives. It can even be a fun and adventurous activity to seek out new substitutions for familiar dishes and ingredients. When it comes to ice cream, give an almond or nut based brand a try. While the sugar content is still there, it also provides more nutritional value such as protein. Frozen grapes and blueberries are delicious competitors with popsicles and other artificially sweetened fruity treats. Raw nuts and cacao marry well to satisfy your inner chocolate fiend. Other less practical dishes such as spiced baked pears make a pleasant and warming replacement for your favorite holiday pie.

Drink coffee

If sleep isn’t major concern, then consider drinking coffee as an alternative to dessert. A nice creamy non-dairy latte or foamy cappuccino can offer a smooth nuttiness and consistency that compares with hot chocolate or even pudding. Coffee also promotes increased metabolism and decreases overall appetite and cravings to allow for higher levels of energy and productivity while aiding in fat burning. Coffee also contains beneficial antioxidants and helps fight against heart disease and Alzheimer’s. It also is a great alternative when out to dinner with friends and they all order dessert because you won’t be sitting there with nothing just watching them indulge.