Before or after a meal: When should you ideally have dessert?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer as it depends on your health goals and how your body handles sugar, said Dr Amit Saraf, director, internal medicine, Jupiter Hospital, Thane. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

According to Dr Saraf, eating dessert after a balanced meal is generally better. "When you eat a meal with fibre, protein, and healthy fats, it slows down the absorption of sugar from the dessert, leading to a more stable blood sugar response. This is especially important for people with diabetes or those watching their weight," said Dr Saraf. (Photo: Freepik)

Eating dessert before a meal can cause a quick spike in blood sugar, which may lead to energy crashes and increased cravings later. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

"Having dessert before your meal can lead to a sudden spike in blood sugar, especially if your stomach is empty. This can cause a quick burst of energy followed by a crash, leaving you feeling tired and craving more sugar. Over time, it may also interfere with appetite control and lead to overeating," said Dr Saraf. (Photo: Freepik)

If you have a sweet tooth, it is okay to indulge occasionally just try to pair it with a meal and keep portions in check. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Moderation and timing make all the difference, noted Dr Saraf. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

What happens if you’ve already had dessert before a meal? "It is not the end of the world. Just try to balance it out. Focus on including fibre, protein, and healthy fats in the rest of your meal to help steady your blood sugar. Staying active, drinking water, and keeping portion sizes in check can also help reduce any negative impact," said Dr Saraf. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Do you agree? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)