Should I Eat Keto Treats?
If you’re following a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle, chances are you’ve asked yourself this question: Should I eat keto treats?
I’ve been asking myself the same thing lately. And really, it’s not just one question—it’s two:
Are keto treats truly keto (fat-burning-friendly), or are they just lower-carb knockoffs with artificial ingredients?
Even if they are keto, is it a good idea to eat sweets if they keep me craving something “dopamine-y”?
I don’t have all the answers yet, but here’s where I’m at in my journey.
The Case Against Keto Treats
My gut feeling is that no, I shouldn’t eat keto treats— unless they’re the only thing standing between me and a full-on derailment.
Here’s why:
My gut — no pun intended — instinct tells me that “keto” treats aren’t actually keeping me in fat burning mode. Even if they are lower in carbs than traditional treats, they still aren’t good for me and the lifestyle I am trying to achieve.
Keto treats, even when low in carbs, can keep me tied to the habit of craving something sweet. That lingering “need” for a reward isn’t helping me move forward. In fact, it’s setting me back if it’s creating more cravings.
This cycle of restriction and indulgence feels like a slippery slope. And I know I’m not alone in this struggle—so many of us get stuck in that same loop.
On the other hand, I have been guilty of telling myself not to eat baby carrots because they’re too high in carbs and then later finding myself face first in cookie dough. Obviously the keto dessert option is better than a traditional dessert… but no dessert at all would be best. I am still trying to figure out when I am in that situation.
Experimenting with Alternatives
Right now, I’m exploring a middle ground. Instead of ruling out keto treats completely, I’m thinking about:
Brown Butter “Treats”
This isn’t really a dessert—it’s just butter caramelized until it tastes naturally sweet. No added ingredients, just rich, nutty flavor.Testing Keto Recipes with a Plan
I’m collecting recipes for keto-friendly desserts but making no hard-and-fast decisions yet. For instance, I’ve got a chocolate chip cookie mug cake recipe bookmarked. It makes one single serving and uses Lakanto Monkfruit sweetener, which I’ve added to my online cart.Tracking My Reactions
I want to see how my body (and cravings) respond to these treats. Do they spike my blood sugar? Do they trigger more cravings? This information will help me decide whether they’re worth including.
Before I can measure the physiological effects, I’ll have to get back into the habit of checking my blood sugar and blood ketones, which feels like a significant hurdle. Luckily I am start tracking cravings immediately… I just have to remember to be honest with myself, even when I’d rather not.
The Emotional Side of Eating
Here’s the catch: if I make a keto treat this Friday night, it’s partly about celebrating the end of the week and giving myself a little energy boost after a long week.
And that’s where I hit a snag. I’ve been trying to break the habit of using food—any food—as a way to manage my emotions. Eating to celebrate, cope, or reward myself is a pattern I’m working hard to change.
Progress, Not Perfection
At the same time, I have to remind myself that I’ve already made a lot of positive changes. My eating habits today look nothing like they did six months ago, and I feel so much better for it.
Maybe I don’t need to overhaul everything all at once. Maybe it’s okay to experiment, reflect, and adjust as I go.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, right?
What This Means for You
If you’ve been debating whether to include keto treats in your life, here are some questions to consider:
Are these treats helping you stick to your plan, or are they keeping you tied to old cravings?
How do you feel after eating them? Physically? Emotionally?
Can you enjoy them in moderation without them triggering a downward spiral?
You don’t need to have it all figured out today. Sometimes, just staying curious and open to experimenting is enough.
Key Takeaways:
Keto treats may help prevent a full derailment, but they can also reinforce cravings for sweets.
Testing how your body reacts to keto-friendly ingredients like monk fruit or erythritol can help you decide if they’re right for you.
Breaking the emotional tie to food is hard, but progress doesn’t have to be perfect. Small steps add up.
If you’re on your own health journey and wrestling with questions like these, I’d love to hear from you. What’s your take on keto treats? Do they help or hurt your progress? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments.
