​​Hi Reader,

There’s a certain type of recipe that’s everywhere on social media right now: protein cookie dough, cottage cheese ice cream, desserts packed with protein powder, greens, collagen… you name it.

And listen, sometimes I’m into it. Sometimes you just want to lighten things up.

And I especially like healthier treats for kids who are too young to really know the difference and could use a nutrition boost.

But lately it feels like the message online is that every dessert needs to be optimized—more protein, less sugar, perfect macros. COTTAGE CHEESE. MORE COTTAGE CHEESE.

I recently bought a version of the Ninja Creami (mine is the Cuisinart version) because people on social media absolutely rave about it. Make your own ice cream but with healthier ingredients?? Sign me up!

I tried it, and I tried recipe after recipe, and I realized…

No combination of milk, yogurt, or protein powder blended together is ever going to taste like actual ice cream. ​
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I know some people genuinely love it, and that’s great—but personally it just makes me want real ice cream even more.

Here’s the thing: I eat dessert most nights. Like 95% of the time. Sometimes it’s a bowl of ice cream, sometimes Oreos, sometimes sometimes a few squares of chocolate. I eat it, enjoy it, and move on with my life.

If most of your meals are reasonably balanced and you’re eating a variety of foods throughout the day, a normal dessert is not the thing that makes or breaks your health.

Constantly trying to “healthify” every food can actually make you feel like the real versions are somehow bad. They’re not. Sometimes the most satisfying choice is simply the thing you actually want.

And satisfaction matters.

PS: I talked more about this (and my actual day-to-day eating routines) on a recent episode of the Looli podcast. If you’re curious what a realistic “day in the life” of a dietitian mom looks like—including the nightly dessert habit—you can listen here.

New This Week From Mama Knows

IN THE RECIPE BOOK

Kid-Approved Banana Oatmeal Bars

To me, there’s nothing better than a dump-and-go recipe that gives you a warm pan of something delicious and nourishing. These banana oatmeal bars are exactly that.

The Best Kids Dishware

We use these every. single. day.

The Elk & Friends plates and bowls have been a staple in my house for years. I love that they are porcelain and feel grown-up, but have a secure silicone cover to prevent accidents.

They're microwave and dishwasher safe, and plastic-free.

And now they come in a discounted bundle!

This Friday is the first day of spring!

Happy Spring, friend! 🌷

P.S. Are y'all using Substack yet? I have some exciting plans in the works over there – subscribe here and pop into the comments to say hello! 👋🏻

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© Mama Knows Nutrition 2026
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