Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or tasteless. With a few simple swaps and some clever ingredient choices, you can enjoy all your favorite indulgences without any guilt.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to some healthy twists on decadent treats that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Cookies are one of the most popular treats out there, but they’re also notorious for being loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. These banana oatmeal cookies are a healthier alternative that still tastes just as delicious.
To make them, you’ll need:.
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 cup of oats
– 1/4 cup of almond butter
– 1/4 cup of honey
– 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, mash the bananas in a bowl until they’re smooth. Add the oats, almond butter, honey, and cinnamon to the bowl and mix until everything is well combined.
Scoop out spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden brown.
Avocado Brownies
The idea of putting avocado in brownies might sound strange, but trust us, it works! Avocado is rich in healthy fats and provides a creamy texture that’s perfect for brownies. To make these avocado brownies, you’ll need:.
– 1 avocado
– 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour
– 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup of maple syrup
– 1/3 cup of coconut oil
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, mash the avocado in a bowl until it’s smooth. Add the flour, cocoa powder, maple syrup, coconut oil, eggs, baking powder, and salt to the bowl and mix until everything is well combined.
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Parfaits are a great breakfast or snack option, but the ones you buy at the store are often loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients. This Greek yogurt parfait is a healthier option that’s still just as tasty. To make it, you’ll need:.
– 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen berries
– 1/4 cup of granola
– 1 tablespoon of honey
.
Begin by layering the Greek yogurt, berries, and granola in a glass or bowl. Drizzle the honey on top and serve immediately. You can also mix everything together and enjoy it as a smoothie bowl.
Zucchini Brownies
If you’re looking for a way to sneak some veggies into your dessert, these zucchini brownies are the perfect solution. Zucchini is rich in fiber and vitamins and adds moisture to the brownies without any extra oil or butter.
To make them, you’ll need:.
– 1 cup of shredded zucchini
– 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour
– 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup of honey
– 1/3 cup of applesauce
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, mix the zucchini, flour, cocoa powder, honey, applesauce, eggs, baking powder, and salt in a bowl until everything is well combined.
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Chia Seed Pudding
Pudding is a classic comfort food, but the ones you buy at the store are often high in sugar and artificial ingredients. This chia seed pudding is a healthier alternative that’s packed with protein and fiber. To make it, you’ll need:.
– 1/4 cup of chia seeds
– 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
.
Begin by mixing the chia seeds, almond milk, honey, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour, or overnight for best results. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and create a pudding-like consistency.
When you’re ready to serve, top the pudding with fresh berries or sliced almonds for some added texture and flavor.
Carrot Cake Muffins
Who says you can’t have cake for breakfast? These carrot cake muffins are a healthy and delicious way to start your day. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and fiber, while the almond flour used in this recipe is high in protein and healthy fats.
To make them, you’ll need:.
– 2 cups of almond flour
– 1 cup of grated carrots
– 1/2 cup of raisins
– 1/4 cup of honey
– 1/4 cup of coconut oil
– 3 eggs
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, mix the almond flour, carrots, raisins, honey, coconut oil, eggs, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl until everything is well combined.
Pour the mixture into a greased muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Apple Nachos
Looking for a healthy snack that’s also fun and easy to make? These apple nachos are sure to do the trick. To make them, you’ll need:.
– 2 apples, sliced
– 1/4 cup of almond butter
– 1/4 cup of granola
– 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips
.
Begin by arranging the apple slices on a plate. Then, drizzle the almond butter on top and sprinkle the granola and chocolate chips over everything. Serve immediately.
Mango Sorbet
Sorbet is a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days. This mango sorbet is a healthier option that’s naturally sweet and full of vitamins. To make it, you’ll need:.
– 2 cups of frozen mango chunks
– 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– 1/2 teaspoon of lime juice
.
Begin by blending the frozen mango chunks, almond milk, honey, and lime juice in a blender until everything is well combined. Transfer the mixture to a container and freeze for at least an hour.
When you’re ready to serve, let the sorbet sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
Smoothies are a great way to pack in a lot of nutrition in one glass. This chocolate peanut butter smoothie tastes like a decadent milkshake but is actually full of healthy ingredients. To make it, you’ll need:.
– 1 banana
– 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
– 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
– 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
.
Begin by blending all the ingredients in a blender until everything is well combined. Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately. You can also add some ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.