Keto for PCOS| Day 27 | Guilt-Free Treats – My Favorite Indulgences

Life’s too short to never have treats! The beautiful thing I’ve discovered is that I can enjoy “indulgent” foods in a way that doesn’t wreck my health goals. In fact, I think having these little pleasures keeps me sane and prevents binge episodes. So today, I want to share a few of my go-to guilt-free treats that taste delicious and align with my PCOS-friendly lifestyle.

● Dark Chocolate Almond Bark: I melt down a bar of 85% dark chocolate (which is low in sugar and high in antioxidants), mix in a handful of roasted almonds, and spread it on parchment to harden. Once set, I break it into bark pieces. It feels fancy and decadent, but it’s actually pretty low in sugar and has healthy fats from the almonds. A couple of small pieces after dinner and I’m in heaven.

● Berry Coconut Whip “Parfait”: This is super easy – I take a few spoonfuls of chilled coconut cream (the thick part from a can of full-fat coconut milk) and whip it with a little vanilla extract. Then I layer it in a glass with fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, whatever I have). It’s like a berries and cream dessert with no added sugar. The coconut cream is rich and satisfying, and the berries give that natural sweetness. Sometimes I sprinkle a few crushed walnuts on top for crunch.

● Avocado Chocolate Mousse: I know, it sounds weird if you haven’t tried it, but trust me! Blending a ripe avocado with cocoa powder, a splash of almond milk, and a bit of stevia or monk fruit sweetener creates a silky chocolate pudding. The avocado makes it creamy and loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats, and the cocoa satisfies the chocolate craving. I chill it and have it with a few raspberries on top. It’s nutrient-dense yet feels indulgent.

● Cheese Plate Delight: When I want something savory, I’ll make myself a mini cheese plate. I slice up some sharp cheddar or gouda, add a few olives, some cucumber rounds, and a couple of seed crackers (I found a brand made mostly of flax and seeds that’s low-carb). I’ll nibble on this while watching a show, and it feels like a sophisticated snack rather than “diet” food. The protein and fat from the cheese and the fiber from the crackers actually fill me up too.

The key with all these treats is portion and mindfulness. I plate them nicely, savor every bite, and truly treat it as a special thing – no mindless scarfing from a giant bag. This way, I’m fully satisfied with a reasonable amount.

I also make sure these treats fit into my day. If I know I’ll want my chocolate almond bark after dinner, I’ll ensure my dinner is super low-carb (like extra veggies instead of a starch) so my overall day stays balanced. It’s become almost like a game of Tetris – fitting pieces together so that I can enjoy life and still meet my health goals.

I’ve realized that outright deprivation backfires for me. When I used to forbid all “yummy” foods, I’d eventually cave and eat something not-so-healthy and then feel guilty and spiral. Now, by giving myself planned, healthier treats, I don’t feel the urge to cheat – because nothing is really off-limits, it’s just upgraded to better versions.

So yes, you can have your cake (or mousse) and eat it too – just maybe made with avocado and dark chocolate! Finding these alternatives has made this journey enjoyable. I don’t feel like I’m missing out at all; in fact, I prefer my new treats because they make me feel good, not gross and sugared-out. If you have a sweet or savory craving, I encourage you to experiment with PCOS-friendly recipes. You might be pleasantly surprised at how delicious healthy can be.