I am sucker for sweets, but not just any sweets. They need to use real ingredients and be made with love! Nadège, located on Queen Street West in Toronto, is a small, quaint bakery bringing luscious French pastries to the city. When walking by the store, you cannot help but be drawn in by their decadent smelling treats.

I have been to Nadège numerous times specifically for their pain au chocolat amand (a mini chocolate almond croissant). Their croissants taste as though you are biting into a cloud with a flakey exterior in croissant heaven.  But this time, I stopped in at Nadège to try one of their highly recommended macarons. It was so difficult to walk into the bakery and completely ignore my good friend, pain au chocolat amand. I quickly ordered one  cotton candy macaron, before the words “and I will also have” could come out of my mouth. The macaron hit every sweet tooth I had. This macaron was a definite upgrade from the pink fluffy stuff in a bag that I begged my parents to get me when I was little. I must admit, I rarely have macarons, but this one was outstanding because of its assertively rich flavour and delicate soft chewy centre. 

And this is how Nutrition Meets Life…

Everyone deserves a little treat now and then, and in moderation, of course.  It’s no secret that mini chocolate crossiants and macarons are full of calories, fat, and sugar.  The bite-size treats make it very easy to have more than just one without even realizing it.  It’s ok to indulge on these heavenly treats on occasion, just make sure you enjoy just one! 

Here are some tips to help you manage your treat days:

• Share a dessert with a friend. This cuts the portion size in half!
• Eat slowly. Eating treats slowly will keep you satisfied and less likely to go back for more. 
  
• Stick to your “treat/cheat days”. It may helpful to schedule your cheat days ahead of time, so you can fit them into your personal health situation and/or goals.
• Balance: Forbidding yourself from having certain treats may only lead to you wanting them more. Work with a Registered Dietitian to establish the balance that is right for you. 

How do you manage your treat days?