One of the wonders of our bodies is that no matter how full we are, there always seems to be room for dessert. One night when I came home from a very filling meal at a friend's house, and then looked for my stash of dark chocolate, I wanted to know why.
Our brain craves variety. We like to change what we're doing throughout the day if we can, rather than repeating the same activity over and over. We like to listen to different songs or pieces of music, rather than listen to the same song repetitively. And we like to have a variety of tastes in our meals. So no matter how filling a savory meal may be, when it comes to adding something sweet, our appetite is peaked again.
There are things other than sweet desserts that can satisfy the craving for variety: fruit is the obvious alternative. But if it's just variety that the brain desires, then why not an herbal tea or great cup of coffee (decaf at night, please). And of course, my perennial evening favorite, a good mood hot cocoa. All of these provide variety to typical mealtime entree fare.
So don't fight it. Indulge your brain and leave some room for variety.
Yours in a Good Mood,
Dr. Susan Kleiner