Can Brownies Be Healthy? How to Indulge and Still Lose Weight
Brownies are a classic dessert choice, but their calorie count can be a concern, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. So, will indulging in a brownie derail your weight goals, or can an occasional small serving fit into a balanced lifestyle?
In this article, I'll share my tips for maintaining my ideal weight (and even losing weight) while still enjoying a guilt-free serving of brownie. Keep reading to learn how!
Are Brownies Good for Weight Loss?
In general, brownies contain added sugars, fats, and carbs, which means they don’t contain many nutrients. Although the dessert can be a good source of protein and fiber (depending on its ingredients), one serving can reach 400 calories or more. On the positive side, if there is quality chocolate in your brownie, your body may benefit from a slight boost in antioxidants, among other properties.
As I always say: enjoy your favorite food in moderation, and you will be able to reach your weight goals. Obviously, if you eat a brownie every single day, it won’t get you closer to your ideal weight or your dream body. However, savoring a serving occasionally won’t do you any harm. Here’s how I do it:
My SECRET to Eating Brownies and Losing Weight…
If you’ve been following me for a while, you KNOW I’m a huge believer in still LIVING and ENJOYING your life while losing weight.
Here’s why I am so passionate about still enjoying your favorite foods and drinks and losing weight...
If you don’t learn the SKILLS to enjoy your favorite foods and drinks in moderation, you will ALWAYS fail on your journey to health, and you’ll end up gaining the weight back (and usually more!).
So... my secret to enjoying a brownie and still losing weight?! It has 3 parts:
1. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF!
What foods and drinks are your absolute favorites?! If you’re honest with yourself, you will choose a FEW foods or drinks that you absolutely love.... not 20+ that are your favorites.
2. PLAN AHEAD!
I can’t stress enough the importance of this step. Plan ahead and decide exactly when you’re going to enjoy your favorite non-nutritious foods, and it will be 10x easier to execute. If you never plan ahead, you’ll rely on your motivation to always say NO... which never lasts.
3. WATCH YOUR PORTION!
See that massive brownie in the pic... I cut it into thirds and enjoyed it on 3 separate occasions. Planning ahead to enjoy a non-nutritious treat doesn’t mean you need to order the largest size possible.
Be mindful of your portions when you DO plan ahead to enjoy!
Can You Eat Brownies While Losing Weight?
As you can see from my example, you absolutely can eat brownies while losing weight. Moreover, you can bake them yourself once in a while using a healthier-than-in-a-store recipe (I will share one below).
Remember–one serving of the most delicious and indulgent brownie will not ruin your progress but will definitely satisfy your craving. Losing weight without eliminating your favorite foods is absolutely possible, and that’s what we practice at Strong with Sarah.
Get in touch with us or explore our offers and see how we can help you feel good in your body and acquire healthy lifestyle.
How Often Can You Eat Brownies and Lose Weight?
Are you a big fan of brownies but also want to lose weight? Then you might be thinking about putting yourself on a strict diet and limiting yourself to eating one brownie a month, or even worse, eliminating them altogether. The good news is that all of this is totally unnecessary.
The key to eating brownies and losing weight is moderation. The amount and frequency with which you can enjoy warm and fudgy brownies with a scoop of ice cream on the side totally depends on your body, your goals, and, most importantly, the nutrition choices you make outside of the brownie.
Let’s say that in addition to weight loss, one of your goals is to consume small amounts of sugar. According to the American Heart Association, you should limit your daily sugar intake to 25 grams for women and 36 grams for men. Depending on the recipe you use, one brownie may be within that limit.
Healthy Recipe of Brownies
Healthy brownies can be as fudgy and flavorful as the ones you buy from coffee shops. You can prepare them in half an hour, and you can even make them with more protein! Here is what you need:
1 cup almond flour
⅓ cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp sea salt
⅓ cup melted coconut oil or butter
2 eggs
⅔ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup chocolate chips
Now to the important part – the instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Grease an 8-inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix all ingredients together well.
Spread into your pan.
Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let them cool and enjoy!
Discover more healthy 20-minute recipes here!
Final Words
Are brownies good for weight loss? They can be! Remember that weight loss happens by creating a calorie deficit over time. Brownies can definitely fit into a calorie deficit as long as you are also enjoying other healthy, nutritious foods.
Overall, enjoying your favorite indulgent meals once in a while and in moderation can fit into your lifestyle, even when you are counting calories or macros.
Just keep in mind that every weight loss plan should have a balance, and indulging every now and then is also what allows your weight loss to be sustainable.
