This Health Study Has Some Good News for Chocoholics

This time of year can be a battle for the health conscious, what with so many Christmas cookies, candy canes and hot cocoa varieties available on a daily basis. It can be heartbreaking to resist that bowl of Lindt chocolate truffles on your coworker’s desk, but the splurge probably isn’t worth it in the long run, right? Well, not so fast — being a chocoholic may not be all bad. A new study out of The University of Aberdeen published in the BMJ journal Heart shows a correlation between eating more chocolate and having a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

More than 21,000 people in England were analyzed for their eating and exercise habits, as well as lifestyle variables. Those who ate the most chocolate (16 to 100 grams per day, or about 1/2 to 3.5 oz.) had a 14 percent lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and a 23 percent lower risk of stroke than those who ate less chocolate. There was also a correlation between more chocolate and a lower body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, inflammatory proteins and diabetes.

But take it all with a grain of salt (mmm… salted chocolate…). There are many, many variables that may come into play in a study like this. Dark and milk chocolate weren’t differentiated, for instance, and any of the other factors (like exercising regularly or having a lower BMI) could also be responsible for the lower risk of heart disease. So as usual, the disclaimer here is everything in moderation, down to how much you let studies influence your actions.

The main takeaway at this point is that you probably don’t need to avoid chocolate in the long run. “I think a little chocolate is okay for a reasonably healthy adult without major risk factors, or at least not too many of them,” the study’s author, Phyo Myint, told Forbes. So treat yo self to a square a day from that chocolate gift box you won at the office Christmas party — it might be better for you than you think.

(h/t Forbes; Photos via Scott Olson/Getty Images and Junko Kimura/Getty Images. Featured photo via Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Your quest for indulgence without guilt has officially reached its end, thanks to these delicious low sugar desserts! There’s been so much innovation with healthy sweets in the past few years, and it’s luckily brought us to impressive low sugar desserts like these.

These dessert recipes range from fruity bites to chocolatey treats that embrace wholesome ingredients (fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, oats, chia seeds, honey, etc.) so you can get your dessert fix – sans sugar spike. With these low sugar desserts, no dish at the dessert table is off-limits. Scroll for our go-to's!

Parfait Popsicles

Popsicles are one of the best desserts you can enjoy on a hot summer's day, and with these low sugar desserts, you could be in for a treat every day if you wanted to! Crafted with fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, and granola, these frozen bars are easily made possible with some simple molds and popsicle sticks. They're naturally sweetened with honey, which makes 'em a delightfully light low sugar dessert! (via Brit + Co)

Blueberry Parfait Milkshake

Dessert for breakfast? Love it. Breakfast for dessert? Even better. This thick milkshake assumes the flavors of a classic blueberry parfait, but retains a more dessert-like sweetness for when the cravings really strike. Using frozen Greek yogurt for the base ensures a rich texture (and lots of protein) for sipping down as slow or as fast as you want! (via Brit + Co)

Baked Apples with Crumb Topping

Low sugar desserts have nothing on baked apples. They're just like apple pie, but healthier! Each tender bite of this recipe is doused in natural sweetness from maple syrup that mixes in with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla for a full flavor effect. You'll love this option even more alongside a scoop of sugar-free ice cream! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Chocolate Olive Oil Sponge Cake

The creators of this recipe attest that the cake is "unbelievably light, perfectly moist, and decadently rich." If that's not enough detail to convince you to make it, the fact that it's also vegan, grain-free, and sugar-free will definitely help you decide. Once it's done, top it with fruit and flowers for crowd-pleasing curb appeal. (via No Eggs or Ham)

Raspberry Brie Dessert Pizza

Dessert pizza makes our hearts *so* happy! The crust of this dish is sweetened lightly with honey, while almost all of the toppings remain untouched by refined sugar. To make this dessert even lower in sugar, omit the candied pecans that get sprinkled on top. Low sugar desserts are truly what you make them, so each inclusion or exclusion should be based on what works best for you and your health! (via Completely Delicious)

Roasted Peaches with Vegan Ice Cream + Granola

Roasted peaches (or honestly, even grilled peaches) are like baked apples – when cooked, the fruit becomes more juicy and tender than it already was, unlocking unforgettable flavor after unforgettable flavor. What makes this healthy dessert even more enjoyable is the fact that it's low in sugar! Make sure to serve each half with some naturally-sweetened granola for some good crunch. (via Gastroplant)

Healthy Apple Cake

This healthy cake is a little bit different as far as low sugar desserts go. It swaps xylitol for granulated sugar, a naturally-derived sweetener that has fewer calories and doesn't spike your blood sugar as significantly as traditional granulated sugar. With notes of apples and cinnamon, you just have to make this easy cake. (via Where Is My Spoon?)

Rainbow Fruit Pizza

You can literally taste the rainbow when you prep this dessert pizza! To make it lower in sugar, opt for a lower sugar cookie dough (we like Sweet Loren's) and sub the powdered sugar in the cream cheese frosting for maple syrup or stevia. From there, go crazy with the colorful fruit, and dig in! (via Bowl of Delicious)

Tahini Date Shakes

Dates are a great healthy option for sweetening your low sugar desserts, and this homemade shake features them in the tastiest way. When paired with tahini, dates offer a satisfyingly sweet balance to the salty, nutty spread. These drinks also include a splash of strong coffee, making them great for a midday pick-me-up! (via The First Mess)

Banana Cream Pie Dessert Nachos

These lower-in-sugar dessert nachos give actual banana cream pie a run for its money! You'll start by making the cinnamon chips (so worth it, plus they taste like Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists), then drenching them in a rich pudding and dark chocolate drizzle. Each bite is crunchy yet smooth, plus there's chocolate involved, so how could you not love it?! (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Slow Cooker Coconut Milk Rice Pudding

This low sugar dessert is concocted in the slow cooker, giving it all that sweet time to slowly simmer in a mix of coconut milk, turmeric (which has great anti-inflammatory properties), cinnamon, and vanilla. The recipe includes granulated sugar, but you could easily swap it for a squirt of honey, which not only provides a healthier option, but gives each bite a boost in flavor! (via A Virtual Vegan)

Freedom Cookies

Low sugar desserts that double as low-carb desserts can be very tasty. Case in point: freedom cookies! These healthy baked bites are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, sugar-free, and low-carb. There's no tricks here – only treats! These low sugar desserts taste just like OG sugar cookies without spiking your blood sugar. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Tang Yuan (Glutinous Rice Balls)

These chewy rice balls are about to become your new dessert obsession. They're sweet, but not too sweet, so you can truly savor every bite! Inside a glutinous outer layer of rice dough, you'll find a nutty black sesame filling that brings the ultimate comfort. These bites are traditionally served in a warm gingery broth, which you can optionally sweeten with maple syrup or honey for a healthier effect. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Healthy Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

Oh my gosh. We are salivating over these low sugar desserts! Instead of being packed with sugar-laden marshmallows, these bites are actually bound using a medley of sunflower butter, honey, and dark chocolate chips – all making for immaculate flavor! Opt for a healthy cereal of any kind to solidify these sweet treats. (via Munching with Mariyah)

Easy Homemade Frozen Yogurt

If you're resisting the urge to get fro yo based on your low sugar diet, resist no more. You don't even have to leave the house for this recipe! This frozen yogurt is make with an easy, painless mix of bananas, berries, Greek yogurt, and honey that form a refreshing bite every single time. Rainbow sprinkles are optional, but we're totally here for adding them in excess. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Single-Serving Blueberry Crisp

Let's hear some noise for easy low sugar desserts! This one only requires 8 ingredients (and none of them are sugar)! The crumble topping and blueberry filling part of this recipe are both sweetened up with a dash of maple syrup, which also speaks to the fruity, cinnamon-y notes included in each spoonful. This recipe is exceptionally awesome since it yields a single-serving for the times you're just wanting a little something. (via Earthly Provisions)

Cottage Cheese with Fruit

Cottage cheese has earned its title as a classic when it comes to high-protein desserts and low sugar desserts, but it doesn't taste super great on its own. Try doctoring it up with any fresh fruit you have on-hand and a squeeze of honey, and you'll fall in love! (via The Fast Recipe)

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Lead image via The Girl on Bloor.

There are two things I know for sure: Ken loves Barbie, and Ryan Gosling loves Eva Mendes. The couple met on the movie set for The Place Beyond the Pines in 2011, and have created such a beautiful life together! Eva's just as excited for the Christmas remix of "I'm Just Ken" as we are, and Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes' constant support of one another is making us think back on all their cutest moments.

A Full Timeline Of Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes' Relationship

Images via Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

August 2011 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Meet During The Place Beyond The Pines

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes took a chance at romance after they played a couple in 2011's The Place Beyond The Pines. Once they were linked, they were seen walking around Disneyland "like a dating couple, [walking] very closely, holding hands and their arms touching side-by-side," according to a PEOPLE eyewitness.

Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for SXSW

November + December 2011 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Spend The Holidays Together

During Thanksgiving in 2011, Eva Mendes was filming Holly Motors in Paris, so Ryan Gosling took a trip to the City of Lights so they could spend the holiday together. They also ended up going on Funny or Die's Drunk History Christmas the next month to reenact a 21+ version of The Night Before Christmas *and* spent New Year's together!

Image via Sonia Recchia/Getty Images

September 7, 2012 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Attend The Toronto International Film Festival Together

To promote The Place Beyond the Pines, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes spent a lot of time together on the TIFF red carpet. Years later in 2019, when Kelly Clarkson pulled up the picture, Eva couldn't help but gush over Ryan — especially since they hadn't announced they were dating at the time. “Oh my God, that’s so old," she says of the photo. "That’s literally me going, ‘I’m not in love with him. What? I’m not in love.’ ‘Cause we were trying to be very professional."

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

May 2014 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Work Together On Lost River

Ryan and Eva reunited on a film set again for Lost River, which was both Ryan's directorial debut and served as a semi-autobiographical story for him. "For me, it was crucial to work in this intimate, low-budget, small way, with people I had worked with before, because I feel like in my experience that’s where everyone was at their best," Ryan tells Sunday Style (via Mangalorean). "They know what is at stake for you personally, and all the work that’s gone into getting there."

Eva also told her Instagram followers in a since-deleted postthat Lost River is the project she's most proud of. "There was one film I'm extra proud to be a part of," she said. "A dark fairy tale. A magical fantasy. To all the struggling single mothers, to all of us in cities that feel like they're burning down or flooding around us, to everyone fighting for the ones they love, this was a good one."

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

September 12, 2014 — Eva Mendes Gives Birth To Their First Child

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes welcomed Esmerelda Amada Gosling into the world in September of 2014. Eva later said that she didn't even want kids until she got together with Ryan. "I was lucky enough to work my bum off for 20 years," she tells Nova 96.9's Fitzy & Wippa (via PEOPLE). "I never wanted babies before until I fell in love with Ryan, and it kind of worked out to where I was 40 and having my first baby. I think I was 42 for the second one, so it worked out in that way that I had a career and then I change my focus to my family."

Ryan also went on to tell GQ in 2023 that he was in a similar place before meeting Eva. "I wasn’t thinking about kids before I met her, but after I met Eva, I realized that I just didn’t want to have kids without her," he says. "And there were moments on The Place Beyond the Pines where we were pretending to be a family, and I didn’t really want it to be pretend anymore." I could cry!!

Image via Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

December 7, 2015 — Ryan Gosling Gives A Rare Interview About His Relationship

While Ryan and Eva have kept their relationship very private, he told Hello! that "I know that I'm with the person I'm supposed to be with" and that literally the only quality he looks for in a woman is "That she's Eva Mendes. There's nothing else I'm looking for." Swoon!

Image via Brad Barket/Getty Images

April 29, 2016 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Have Their Second Child

Eva Mendes gave birth to her and Ryan's second baby, a daughter named Amada Lee Gosling, in April 2016 — after keeping the pregnancy a secret until it was almost time to deliver! Amada is named after Eva's grandma.

Image via Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

January 8, 2017 — Ryan Gosling Dedicates His La La Land Golden Globe To Eva Mendes' Brother

While accepting his Golden Globe for Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Ryan Gosling made sure to let the world know just how much of a role Eva had played in the process. “I would like to try and thank one person properly, and say that while I was singing and dancing and playing piano,” he says in his speech, “my lady was raising our daughter, pregnant with our second and trying to help her brother with his battle with cancer.”

Eva's brother, Juan Carlos Mendes, had passed away the previous April and Ryan took the opportunity to dedicate the award to him.

Image via Dominique Charriau/Getty Images

February 12, 2020 — Eva Mendes Reveals Ryan Gosling Is A Great Cook

When an Instagram account asked what Eva and Ryan liked to cook, Eva revealed just how amazing Ryan is with food. "Ryan is an amazing chef AND baker," she says in her reply. "For reals. Incredible. No joke. I'm not sure that what I do is cooking. It's more like steaming veggies and juicing and making rice. He really cooks. I survive." Can I get Ryan Gosling to make me a meal sometime?

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

January 1, 2022 — Ryan Gosling Shares About Their Quarantine Life

“Time, in general, is something I think about a lot now. My kids are growing up so fast I need to keep an eye on the clock in a way I never used to,” Ryan Gosling tells GQ. “I feel like I need more time to process [how much the pandemic played into that]. But [Eva and I] have two kids, so we spend a lot of our time trying to keep them entertained.”

While they enjoyed their time together, Ryan's also candid about the effect of lockdown on their children: “Our kids were at a difficult age not to be able to see other kids and interact with people, even though Eva and I did our best.”

Image via Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros. Pictures.

June 2022 — Eva Mendes Embraces The Kenergy

When the world went crazy for every bit of Barbie news, so did Eva Mendes. "So. F. Funny," she says in an Instagram caption sharing the first look at Ryan Gosling's Ken. "So. F. Good. So F excited for you to see this…#Thatsmyken."

"It's a funny photo and he's trying to be funny, so it worked on all levels," she goes on to say on The Talk. "But when I saw it, when he sent it to me from work, I was like, 'Can I please have that underwear? Please, I never ask for anything'...So, anyway, I do have it. I'm wearing it right now."

Via Eva Mendes/Instagram

November 2022 — Eva Mendes Begins Dropping Hints She Married Ryan Gosling

When Eva showed off a new tattoo on her wrist in November of 2022 on Instagram, fans immediately began dissecting its meaning. The tattoo, which reads "de Gosling" (which is similar to Mrs. Gosling) could mean that Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are actually married! She went on to tell Today in Australia (via DailyMail) that "Everyone is so welcoming here and my husband Ryan is here, and we are having the best time." 👀

Image via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SiriusXM

August 9, 2023 — Ryan Gosling And Eva Mendes Love Family Time

In the midst of crazy release schedules and commitments (not to mention the actors' strike), Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes always prioritize their family life. "When they are not working, they are all about their girls," a source tells People. "Ryan is such a fun dad. He is goofy and his girls love it." The source continues by saying the family loves to go to the beach or the desert (same TBH).

Image via Warner Bros Pictures.

December 18, 2023 — Eva Mendes Can't Wait For The "I'm Just Ken" Christmas Remix

If the original version of "I'm Just Ken" wasn't good enough, Ryan Gosling is blessing us with a Christmas remix — and Eva Mendes is just as excited as we are. "Ken not wait for this," she says in an Instagram caption.

Image via Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Warner Bros.

January 13, 2024 — Ryan Gosling Mentions His Family During His Acceptance Speech

At the 2024 Santa Barbra International Film Festival, Ryan Gosling won the Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film — and he totally deserves it! With a career that includes iconic films like La La Land and Barbie, as well as The Notebook, Blade Runner 2049, and Crazy Stupid Love, all kinds of film lovers have gotten to see Ryan's work onscreen. During his acceptance speech, Ryan got choked up talking about how acting allowed him to meet "the girl of [his] dreams."

"I dreamed of one day making movies and now movies have made my life a dream," he says in his speech. "So the way I see it, there's no way I have contributed half as much to cinema as cinema's contributed to me."

Image via Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros. Entertainment

January 24, 2024 — Eva Mendes Celebrates Ryan Gosling's Oscar Nomination

After the Oscar nominations were announced January 23, Eva Mendes took to Instagram to celebrate Ryan Gosling's nomination for Best Supporting Actor. "So proud of my man. So much hate when he took on this role," she says alongside screenshots of the first (very negative) reviews of his casting. "So many people trying to shame him for doing it. Despite all the #Notmyken ridicule and articles written about him, he created this completely original, hilarious, heartbreaking, now iconic character and took it all the way to Oscars. So beyond proud to be this Ken’s Barbie."

Image via Caroline McCredie/Getty Image

February 22, 2014 - Eva Mendes Announces Upcoming Children's Book

Yesterday Eva Mendes shared with People that she's penned a children's book named Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worries that'll debut September 17. It's all about a little girl who's always worried that her scary brain is the real monster she's afraid of at night. Through gentle reminders, Desi's mom helps her understand that being afraid is normal and teaches her how not to let scary thoughts control her.

Eva Mendes told People the books is like "a love letter to my kids and yours" because "...Learning how to train our brain to work for us and not against us is easier said than done!" Since we know racing thoughts doesn't just affect adults, we love that Eva is finding a way to share some of her parenting tips with other parents.

Pre-Order Eva Mendes' Children's Book:

Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worriesby Eva Mendes

Image via Eva Mendes/Instagram

March 10, 2024 — Eva Mendes Celebrates Ryan Gosling's Oscars Performance

Eva Mendes celebrated the Oscars on March 10 with a post highlighting Ryan Gosling's performance, and his entire run as Ken! "You took Ken all the way to the Oscar’s, RG," she says on Instagram. "Now come home, we need to put the kids to bed."

We love the way this couple can have fun with each other — and highlight how much teamwork parenthood requires!

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

March 13, 2024 — Ryan Gosling Details How Eva Mendes And Their Daughters Helped Him Prepare For His Oscars Performance

Leave it to Ryan Gosling not to take credit for his amazing Oscars performance. He gushed to People about how Eva Mendes and their daughters helped him make sure his Kenergy truly shined bright. "They are such a huge part of this for me...it was my girl's interest in Barbie and disinterest in Ken that got me into this in the first place. It was beautiful to have them there at the end," he said.

As we all saw, the unmistakable Kenergy was in full force and effect during the Oscars.

Image via Eva Mendes/Instagram

March 26, 2024 — Eva Mendes Says It Was A "No Brainer" To Stay Home With Her Kids

Deciding how to maintain a work-home balance when you have kids is something every parent thinks about, and it turns out that extends to celebs, too! After starring with Ryan Gosling in The Place Beyond The Pines, Eva Mendes decided it was a "no brainer" to stay home with their family since acting can take you all over the world, which the actress revealed in a recent episode of The Today Show. “It was almost just like a non-verbal agreement that it was like, ‘Ok, he’s going to work and I’m going to work, I’m just going to work here,'” she says. She also says she's “so lucky” to “have this time with [their] children.”

“I have never experienced anything like [working with Ryan Gosling]. The way he works, his commitment to his craft, how he wants to make everything as best as it can be, and that means making his co-stars as best as they can be,” she continues. “But unfortunately — or fortunately — there is only one Ryan!"

Image via Eva Mendes/Instagram

April 1, 2024 — Eva Mendes Says Her Daughters Make Everything Better

After losing her brother in 2016, Eva Mendes says she has a "complicated relationship" with the month of April — but that her daughters make it infinitely more bearable. "[April 2] would have been my brother’s birthday," she says on Instagram. "In a couple of weeks from now is the day we lost him…but then, the end of April we got the biggest blessing of all, my little girl was born 8 years ago. I hate you April. But I love you more."

Image via Will Heath/NBC

April 13, 2024 — Ryan Gosling Hosts SNL

During his latest stint hosting SNL, Ryan Gosling did a hilarious sketch about a man who picks up a Cuban accent after getting married to a Cuban woman. Eva Mendes was all over it! "Coño! My Cuban Papi made this Cuban Mami so happy with this!!" Eva wrote on Instagram. "Years of hanging out with my Dad paid off."

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

May 1, 2024 — Ryan Gosling Is The Ultimate Support System For Eva Mendes

Eva Mendes is not here for the mom-shamers. She told People (in honor of its 2024 Beautiful Issue) that staying home to focus on Ryan Gosling and her kids was the "easiest decision I've ever made" because she wanted to be there for their formative childhood years.

"When I was 40, it was a big deal for people when I was pregnant, and it wasn't for me," she says. "And then I was 42 and I was pregnant with my second one and people were like, 'Oh my God, you're going to be so tired. That's why people have kids in their 20s.' I was like, that's the most sorry, asinine thing I've ever heard."

"[Ryan supports me] in all the ways I need to be supported," she continues. "He's got me in all the ways."

Check back here for the latest news on Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes, and don't forget to read up on Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce's Relationship and Tom Holland and Zendaya. :)

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This post has been updated.

Healthy desserts can sometimes seem a bit boring, but we promise that these low-carb desserts are anything but! When you're craving something sweet (but don't want to go into a total carbohydrate comatose), reach for any these low-carb desserts, and they're sure to satisfy.

All 13 of these low-carb desserts will fit right in to your low- or moderate-carb diet with ease. The best part about these dessert recipes is they don't sacrifice flavor one bit. From brownies to cookies, these low-carb desserts defy tradition in the tastiest way possible!

Keto Matcha Cheesecake

This low-carb dessert recipe leverages the power of the Instant Pot to give the cheesecake that cheesecake-y texture we all know and love. While the adventurous combo of chocolate and matchacould lead you to think this recipe's super complicated, it's actually one of the easiest low-carb desserts you can make with just a handful of ingredients! (via The Essential Instant Pot Keto Cookbook by Casey Thaler for Brit + Co)

Keto Carrot Cake

Since the Keto diet is one of the strictest when it comes to eating low-carb, Keto desserts like this carrot cake are a great option when you're looking for low-carb desserts. This one is especially suitable for a crowd, since it yields 8 whole servings of nutrient-dense, icing-slathered carrot cake. (via Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets & Treats by by Urvashi Pitre for Brit + Co)

Matcha Frozen Yogurt Bark

Frozen yogurt bark is perhaps as low-carb as low-carb desserts get, and even more so when you opt for plain Greek yogurt as the base. This matcha-infused dessert is decorated with raspberries, coconut flakes, and lemon zest, but you can totally get creative with it and omit the matcha or throw in some chocolate chips to your heart's desire. With this recipe, not only are you gonna be snacking on a sweet that's low-carb, but one that's also high in protein! (via Brit + Co)

Keto Strawberry Shortcake

Have you ever seen a mug cake so beautiful?! We certainly hadn't until we discovered the greatness of this Keto-approved, low-carb dessert. You will need a handful of pantry staples to make it, but the extra lift is worth it. The result is this delicately-layered strawberry shortcake that provides the perfect platform for fresh berries and yogurt icing! (via Brit + Co)

Low-Carb Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

"Mini" and "cheesecakes" were all we needed to hear to be sold on these low-carb desserts. These finger food-sized cheesecake bites abide by a low-carb or Keto diet, but aren't devoid of flavor or sweetness at all. Each piece is sweetened using stevia and vanilla extract, and of course, there's plenty of pumpkin spice to boot. (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cookies

High-protein desserts that qualify as low-carb desserts are simply iconic. Case in point are these decadent chocolate-peanut butter cookies crafted with low-sugar chocolate chips, natural PB, and flavored collagen or protein powder! They'll come out of the oven unbelievably tender and gooey – the ideal form for dipping into cold milk, or enjoying with coffee. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Keto Chocolate Cups

These chocolate bites are one of those 3-ingredient desserts that live rent-free in our heads. They're basically like fat "bombs" for satisfying strong sweet cravings and maintaining ketosis (if that's what you're going for) with a small dose of healthy fats. While the cups are low in carbs, they are higher in calories than your typical candy, so they're best enjoyed in moderation. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Chocolate Chia Pudding

Whether you chow down on chia seed pudding for breakfast or dessert is really up to you, but this recipe in particular is just perfect for an after-dinner treat! You only need 5 ingredients to make the base, and from there, you can go wild with adding berries, nut butters, or even a drizzle of honey for garnish. Since this dessert requires an overnight chilling period, you can meal prep several jars to have at the ready when your sweet tooth strikes. Craving more? Check out our recipes for Apple Pie Chia Pudding and Papaya Boats with Chia Filling! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Keto Cereal Bars

Healthy? Check. Indulgent? Check. These cereal bars are the answer to all your low-carb dessert dreams! Each one boasts an impressive balance of crunchy Keto cereal, creamy chocolate chips, and nutritious almond slices that easily tackles any craving. You can use any type of cereal you'd like for these low-carb desserts, but the classic cinnamon squares are simply impeccable. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Keto Brownies

We're so thankful brownies can still be part of a low-carb diet! Where most other low-carb brownie recipes fall flat, this one shines with a fudgy texture and an uber-chocolatey flavor. This pick uses butter for the fatty base, but you can easily swap in ghee or even coconut oil for a healthier, dairy-free option. (via Olive You Whole)

Cottage Cheese Chocolate Pudding

Let's hear it for another high-protein, low-carb dessert! This chocolate pudding is surprisingly made with cottage cheese that's sweetened and blended until smooth. You'll pop the mixture into the fridge for an hour or so to firm up a bit, then you can coat it with a satisfying chocolate shell and dig in! (via Rachel Mansfield)

Frozen Yogurt-Covered Strawberries

These frozen yogurt-covered strawberries are super low in carbs, and they're the perfect thing to have on your plate on a hot summer's day. The combo of fresh fruit and creamy yogurt will feel oh-so refreshing, plus you can easily eat a high volume of this sweet snack without ever feeling weighed down! (via Live Eat Learn)

Vegan Samoa Macaroons

Girl Scout cookie lovers, listen up! These low-carb desserts were made for you. Each one of these vegan bites emulates the flavors of chocolatey, coconutty Samoas – but without an intense amount of carbs. Just one of these rich and dense macaroons will satisfy you 'til it's time for the next sweet treat. (via Munching with Mariyah)

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Thanks to Challengers and The Watchers, I can already tell 2024 is going to be a year of shocking movies (and shockingly good movies), and that trend is going to continue thanks to Verity & Colleen Hoover. While It Ends With Us might be the most popular Colleen Hoover book, Verity is arguably the craziest, and The Hollywood Reporter just confirmed that a movie is officially in development! While we wait for more news, browse the Colleen Hoover merch you can wear to opening night ;).

Is there a movie about the book Verity?

Image via Amazon

Yes, a movie based on Colleen Hoover's Verity is officially on the way! The movie's in development at Amazon MGM Studios (the studio behind Florence Pugh's A Good Person and Zendaya's Challengers). Hillary Seitz is currently writing the script for the film, and Eat the Cat's Nick Antosca and Alex Hedlund are producing.

What is Verity about?

Image via Vlada Karpovich/Pexels

In Verity by Colleen Hoover, Lowen Ashleigh is a writer struggling to make ends meet. That is, until she's offered the job of a lifetime by Jeremy, husband to the ultimate it-girl author, Verity Crawford. The thriller writer is no longer able to finish the remaining books in her series, and Jeremy wants Lowen to pick up where she left off. While Lowen is over the moon to step in (both into the job and their huge family estate), a secret manuscript and family secrets lead Lowen to realize Verity's hiding a lot more than she's letting on. B+C editor Haley Sprankle says this is one of the craziest books she's ever read, and I know this is definitely going to be one of the craziest movies we've seen!

Who's in the Verity cast?

Image via Mike Coppola/Jon Kopaloff/Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Since the movie is just now in development, we don't have an official Verity cast list yet. But considering It Ends With Us is starring beloved actors like Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and Jenny Slate, I'm confident the cast of Verity will feature some incredible names.

Popular fancasts for Verity include You's Victoria Pedretti or The White Lotus' Alexandra Diddario as Lowen, Rosamund Pike or Margot Robbie as Verity, and Shia LaBeouf or Theo James as Jeremy. Without a doubt, the cast of Verity needs to be warm and welcoming at first glance, but also have an unexpected edge that reveals itself as we move through the story.

One Reddit user points out that the characters need to offer "just toxicity but also feigned innocence," and each of these actors do exactly that, which makes them incredible picks for the movie. If Blake wasn't already in It Ends With Us, I know she'd do a great job because she proved her thriller acting chops in A Simple Favor!

When did Verity come out?

Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for TIME

Colleen Hoover self-published Verity in 2018, and in 2021, the book was acquired by Grand Central Publishing. It sold more than one million copies in 2023, and has more than 340 thousand Amazon ratings and over two million Goodreads ratings. Talk about a hit!

What movie is similar to the book Verity?

Image via Lionsgate

If you love thriller books like Verity, then I'd recommend checking out other relationship-centric thrillers like Gone Girl, Rebecca, and A Simple Favor. For period drama fans, I cannot recommend Will Poulter and Lucy Boynton's Why Didn't They Ask Evans enough!

Follow us on TikTok and YouTube for the latest entertainment updates, and check back here for new info on Verity & Colleen Hoover's other books!

Lead image via Amazon.

Personal style is personal for a reason. Whatever you wear is a complete reflection of who you are, and this is especially true for what shoes you slip into every day. Everyone’s got their go-to sandals, but sneakers are an entirely different game, I tell ya.

If your fave footwear brand is New Balance and you just so happen to be in the market for some squeaky-clean sneaks, I’ve basically done all the research for you to help you find your perfect pair. This list of the most popular New Balance sneakers details not only each style’s practicality, but their personality, too.

Ahead, find your perfect New Balance sneakers – based on your vibes!

New Balance 9060: The ‘Fit Flexer

If you just can’t resist dressing to the nines every single day, the New Balance 9060s will fit right into your fashionista flair.

These “proudly futuristic” New Balance sneakers deliver on Y2K aesthetics beyond compare. The wider base is reminiscent of Nike Shox – very tech-y and otherworldly. The upper part is made from mesh and suede, supplying a super elevated vibe.

The white and cream white coloration is so easy to pair with most every ‘fit. They’ll match with cargo pants, vintage jeans, or even mini skirts and denim shorts.

Reviewers of the New Balance 9060 are glad they invested in this $150 shoe because it's so versatile.

One reviewer toted the 9060’s for fitting into “all aspects” of their lifestyle. Another said that the arch supports “unreal,” so though they’re more fashion-forward than other New Balance kicks, they’re still uber-comfortable for a range of activities.

New Balance 990: The Thrift Shopper

The New Balance 990s are straight-up dad sneakers to the core, so if you gravitate towards the thrift store (or all things vintage-y), you’ll find that they go swimmingly with most outfits and will stand up to long thrift trips.

While they were originally manufactured for running (and they still are), the 990s scream streetwear to me. They appear more elevated than your average athletic running shoe, thanks to the smooth pigskin and fine mesh.

The inside is fitted with a bouncy FuelCell midsole cushioning, and the shoe is available in 4 different widths. The range!

The New Balance 990s are very similar to the New Balance 993s, which is less performance-based.

New Balance 574 Core: The Weekend Warrior

Whether you're hitting the club or the farmer’s market on the weekends, you want to be comfortable (I mean, who doesn't?). The New Balance 574 Cores are made for the weekend warriors.

New Balance describes this signature shoe as “uncomplicated, rugged, durable, and comfortable.”

Though the 574s are pretty basic, they’re earned themselves icon status. You’re sure to see at least one pair when you go out.

The outer layer is made from suede and mesh materials dotted with 100% recycled polyester details.

New Balance 550: The Sneakerhead

These New Balance sneakers aren’t just black and white. They’re “sea salt” with “gray matter” and “magnet.” So yeah, if you consider yourself overly particular about your sneakers, the New Balance 550s are the shoe for you.

These were revived from the late 80’s and early 90’s then re-released full-time in 2021, and they’ve been a modern fan-favorite ever since.

The flatter soles on these sneaks mean they’re not as practical for running or walking long distances, but since they have a history with basketball, you might be able to rock ‘em on the court. More than anything, they definitely give basketball vibes, which is perfect for any streetwear ensemble.

The mixed materials and chunky approach to the classic New Balance logo give these an unmistakable air.

According to New Balance, these best fit people with an average arch height. The thick sole and cushy ankle padding work the hardest to support your feet, rather than an arched insole.

New Balance 530: The Gym-Goer

The New Balance 530s are giving Erewhon baddie. They’re giving I drink smoothies for breakfast. They’re giving I live and breathe pilates.

The stark white colorway of these sneakers reminds me of the clean girl aesthetic, and they’re so pretty, you may have a hard time getting them dirty.

Though very stylish on the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that counts with the New Balance 530s. They’re fitted with an ample midsole section that cushions and compresses your step.

New Balance Fresh Foam: The 10K Steps A Day-er

For the more athletic among us (hello, hot girl walks!), the New Balance Fresh Foam sneakers are the way to go. They’re designed especially for walking and running, so you can count on them to be comfy.

They have an extra-soft cushioning for a cozy step, and every aspect of the footbed is intended to stabilize the foot.

This shoe especially supports walkers or runners with the tendency to step heel first, a bonus co-signed by the American Podiatric Medical Association – this pair received their Seal of Acceptance.

The upper part of the shoe is made of mesh, so it’s highly breathable, even on hot days. They’re great for high arches, too!

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Images via New Balance.