It's the beginning of a new year, you've set your health goals and your sweet tooth is craving goodies! You're trying to stay on track with those goals while trying to find a healthier way to make that dessert you so desire.
For starters, don't get stuck on healthy being all beans and greens packed into something trying to taste fun. There are great options to curve that giant cup of sugar or oil you're about to put into that mixing bowl. Moderation is key... Or is it? You can enjoy that slice of cake every now and then or you can switch it up and make those small healthy changes to your dessert recipes and turn them into guilt-free, good-for-you sweets in disguise! We all deserve to enjoy what we are eating, no matter what food lifestyle we have.
Here are 8 tips on replacements for your recipes including their benefits!
1. Switch out regular flour
Try using whole wheat flour, coconut flour, or almond flour instead. If you are worried about messing the recipe up, use some of both flours for a more reliable consistency. Using these flours adds protein and is a great option for people with gluten sensitivities.
2. Dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate
You don’t have to switch out the chocolate chips, they make them in a dark chocolate version! Dark Chocolate is rich in antioxidants, fiber, iron, and zinc, among other nutrients. Look for dark chocolate with 70 percent cocoa or higher for the best benefits.
3. Banana Ice Cream!
No more processed sugar or dairy! Freeze those bananas overnight. Blend them in a food processor, and enjoy! Mix in some cocoa powder, vanilla, or even other fruits such as strawberries, mangos, or blueberries, add in your favorite nut butter or peanut butter if you like! Top your creation off with dark chocolate chips, nuts, or cut up fruit. It really does taste like real ice cream and is a healthy treat!
4. Coconut oil instead of butter
When your recipe calls for butter, think about switching out for coconut oil instead. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, but is lower in sodium. It contains lauric acid, which is a healthy saturated fat that has been found to help lower cholesterol and aid in weight loss.
5. Honey, maple syrup, or monk fruit sweetener instead of white sugar
Use a more natural sweetener such as honey, maple, or monk fruit sweetener which contain healthy vitamins and minerals rather than just empty calories. These sweet substitutes are easier to digest, which will keep your blood sugar more steady and prevent you from experiencing a crash in energy as your day goes on.
6. Evaporated skim milk instead of heavy cream
Replace high-fat heavy cream with evaporated skim milk. It has the same consistency but less fat and calories. Use this when making cakes and scones. Use the same amount that is called for in your recipe.
7. Unsweetened applesauce instead of oil
Similar to oil, applesauce still adds moisture and flavor. It works best in cake, muffins, and breads. This will lower your fat and calorie intake, and up your consumption of fiber and vitamin C. Just use ¾ of a cup of applesauce for every cup of oil for a healthier version.
2. Use the Water From Your Can of Chickpeas to Make an Eggless Meringue
If you are trying to avoid eggs, you can still have that cloud-like fluffiness they provide, all in part to the beans liquid known as aquafaba. Bush’s Beans has a recipe for a simple meringue, whip 2 cups garbanzo (another name for chickpeas) bean liquid with 1/3 cup of powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use the meringue as you would normally in any meringue dessert, or just top a dessert with it.
One of my favorite treats we offer for healthy options are the Morning glory muffins. They have a little of everything to get your day going strong while getting in your protein and vitamins at the same time! Click the link below to order!
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