There is no reason for an eating style that excludes dessert. While chocolate cake with ice cream is not going to cut it on a daily basis, the model here is mostly sane food with the occasional binge. This chapter represents exactly that.

A couple of things to bear in mind. One, the number of treats you allow yourself daily can fluctuate according to how you feel; remember, it’s the long run that matters, not any given day. If you’ve already indulged in a bag of chips in the afternoon and a steak in the evening, you might reconsider the ice cream sundae; on the other hand, if your day has been rigorously lean, go for it.

Two, consider the composition and size of a dessert. We all agree that desserts usually should be sweet, and these fit that description. What’s not essential to desserts is very high fat, superhigh calories, junk, or massive portions. (There’s a big difference between a huge slice of cake and a sliver. Just reminding you.)

Sometimes dessert is a good pear, or slices of fruit with a sweet topping. Sometimes, yes, it’s that cake. Mix them up, keep them under control, and not only will you be satisfied, you’ll be fine.

Here are a few of my favorites. There are many options, from the marvelous No-Bake Fruit Tarts to Chocolate Fondue to a more or less classic Rice Pudding. None will make you feel that you’re making a sacrifice.