When the Sweet Tooth Kicks In: 5 Simple Healthy Recipes!

November 18, 2015

Eating Healthy

For most of us sticking to a healthy balanced diet consisting of meats, fish, healthy carbs and vegetables may not be half as challenging as kicking the sugar habit. Particularly, many people struggle to refrain from having desserts or sweet snacks. But does being fit and healthy mean never eating sweet treats and sacrificing dessert forever? I mean, who can actually do that!!? We’ve found, and even tried, a few recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth and provide you with valuable nutrients without putting you into a sugar coma. In essence if you strive to make a healthy treat, avoid sugar and white flour and use whole organic ingredients such as brown flour or oats, quinoa, chia seeds and organic honey or other natural sweeteners.

1. Chocolate coconut milk ice cream

This simple treat will provide an abundance of fibre, vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6 and minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. Coconut milk is lactose free so can be used as a milk substitute by those with lactose intolerance and by vegans. Coconuts contain significant amounts of lauric acid converted in our bodies into disease fighting substances.

Ingredients:

1cup light coconut milk

Organic cocoa powder or chocolate flavor protein powder (to taste)

Sweetener (stevia or honey)

Dark chocolate chips

Mix or blend all the ingredients up and freeze for about 2 hours (stir from time to time)

2. Quinoa dessert

This healthy quinoa pudding is yummy and provides multiple nutrients such as protein, calcium, magnesium and manganese. It also possesses good levels of several B vitamins, vitamin E and dietary fibre.

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa

4 cups unsweetened coconut milk (for a lighter version choose a coconut drink made from milk and water – less fat)

1/3 cup maple syrup (to be super good try the sugar free version)

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

Rinse quinoa thoroughly with cold water to remove any bitter tasting residue. In a pot mix quinoa, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer under cover for around 20 minutes, stir every few minutes. Remove the lid and simmer until thickened. Pour into bowls and allow to cool before serving.

3. Frozen yogurt with fruit

You can use and greek yoghurt and any kind of fruit mashed up or blended. You can mix in some honey or sweetener too. It really is yummy and refreshing and provides tons of protein, calcium and gut friendly bacteria.

4. Chia seed pudding

Chia seeds contain more calcium than milk, more antioxidants than blueberries and more Omega-3 than Salmon. They are quite magical and make a nice pudding.

Ingredients:

2 cups coconut milk (homemade or natural)

½ cup Chia Seeds

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup (or less) maple syrup (or sub any sweetener)

Optional: ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Blend all the ingredients together for a smooth texture or add the seeds whole for a crunchier feel.

5. Simple oatmeal cookies