Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean restriction. At COCOTIQUE, we believe wellness is about balance—making intentional food and lifestyle choices that support your health while still allowing space for joy.
Welcome to The Health & Wellness Edit, our ongoing editorial series focused on healthier living, mindful eating, and the brands, experts, and wellness conversations helping people make more informed choices every day.
What Is Mindful Eating?
Mindful eating is about awareness, intention, and choice—not perfection or restriction. At its core, it encourages people to slow down and pay attention to what they eat, how much they eat, and how food makes them feel both physically and emotionally. Rather than labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” mindful eating focuses on balance and sustainability. It invites you to consider ingredients, portion sizes, and timing, while also honoring enjoyment, culture, and personal preferences. This approach helps people build a healthier relationship with food—one that feels realistic and supportive over time.
Mindful eating also plays an important role in overall health, including energy levels, digestion, heart health, and emotional well-being. When people are more aware of their food choices, they’re better equipped to notice patterns—what nourishes them, what leaves them feeling sluggish, and what truly satisfies them. That awareness can support more intentional decisions without the pressure of rigid rules or extreme diets.
Importantly, mindful eating acknowledges that food is deeply personal. Cultural traditions, dietary needs, lifestyle factors, and access all shape how and what we eat. A mindful approach respects those differences, making it more inclusive and attainable—especially for communities that have historically been left out of mainstream wellness conversations.
That’s why mindful indulgence has an important place in a healthy lifestyle. Enjoying dessert, celebrating special moments, and choosing foods that bring joy can coexist with health goals when approached with intention. Wellness doesn’t require giving up pleasure—it’s about finding a rhythm that supports both enjoyment and well-being.
And that philosophy is exactly why we’re spotlighting a brand that brings mindful indulgence to life—showing that better-for-you choices can still feel celebratory, satisfying, and real.
Spotlight on a Wellness-Minded Dessert Brand
For this edition of The Health & Wellness Edit, we’re highlighting Keeping You Sweet, a better-for-you dessert brand focusing on consumers with special dietary needs and those who prefer a healthier option — challenging the idea that healthy eating and indulgence can’t coexist.
Keeping You Sweet offers desserts designed for people who want to enjoy something sweet while still being intentional about what they eat—making it easier to balance wellness goals with real life.
Meet the Founder: April Harris
Founded by April Harris, Keeping You Sweet was created from a deeply personal journey rooted in family, tradition, and healing. April’s approach to baking centers on care and intention, creating desserts that feel comforting, celebratory, and inclusive of different dietary needs.
Her philosophy aligns with modern wellness values: food should nourish the body, support emotional well-being, and still bring joy.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Desserts That Don’t Sacrifice Flavor
Keeping You Sweet is especially known for its gluten-free and vegan desserts, including customer-favorite cupcakes and cake pops. These options offer an approachable way to enjoy sweets while supporting dietary preferences or lifestyle choices. It’s a reminder that healthy eating isn’t about eliminating joy—it’s about choosing what works for you.
Experience It in Person: Wellness, Culture, and Community
If you’re in the Tri-State (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and even parts of Pennsylvania) area, you can experience Keeping You Sweet in person at the Dream Family Reunion, a celebration of Black History Month, culture, and entrepreneurship.
📍 Where: Dream Stage – Court A, Level 1 at American Dream Mall – 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
🗓 When: Saturday, February 7 | 11AM–7PM
🎤 Hosted by: DJ Envy and Loren LoRosa
The event will feature panel discussions, live moments, surprise guests, and opportunities to connect with brands and founders shaping today’s wellness and lifestyle space.
If you're not in the Tri-State area you can still enjoy Keeping You Sweet’s better-for-you treats by shopping online and using code WELLNESS20 for 20% off your order at www.KeepingYouSweet.com.
Why Representation Matters in Wellness
Both COCOTIQUE and Keeping You Sweet are Black-owned companies, and representation in the health and wellness space matters. Inclusive wellness conversations help ensure that health education, lifestyle resources, and brand stories reflect the diversity of real communities.
Through The Health & Wellness Edit, we aim to highlight a wide range of voices, experiences, and perspectives—because wellness looks different for everyone.
The Health & Wellness Edit: What’s Next
As this series continues, we’ll explore topics such as:
- Nutrition and mindful eating
- Mental health and emotional well-being
- Skin health and self-care rituals
- Movement, rest, and stress management
Our goal is to provide educational, approachable wellness content that supports informed decision-making—without judgment or pressure.
Because health and wellness aren’t trends.They’re lifelong journeys—built one intentional choice at a time.
Follow Keeping You Sweet on Instagram and Facebook @keepingyousweet.
This post is part of The Health & Wellness Edit, COCOTIQUE’s ongoing health and wellness editorial series. Some content may include sponsored partnerships. Content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.