Something even better than coffee or chocolate is both of them together. Neither are touted as health foods but in the right package they can be pretty nutrient dense. A non-traditional brownie like this based off of dates and nuts is full of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. I do not believe in intense restrictions or avoiding beloved foods but I think that choosing ingredients as close to their natural state as possible combines the best of both worlds- health and pleasure. Something like this allows for a chocolate fix but does not have ingredients that are really draining for the body like refined (white) flour and sugar. Continue Reading →
Strawberry Banana Snake
This fruity snake is basically a restructured fruit and yogurt bowl. It takes a few extra minutes to make but that time is well worth it when it comes to getting picky eaters to willfully eat some fruit. A different way of plating food (and adding some chocolate googly eyes) can make even the most basic ingredients a little extra special. There are a lot of popular diets that focus on taking foods or whole food groups away but one of the best changes we can make to our nutritional habits is adding in more fresh produce whenever and however possible. Continue Reading →Maple Pecan Banana Smoothie
Bananas are a very popular smoothie ingredient because they add density and create a nice texture. If they are frozen prior to being used they become even sweeter and create a thick, creamy smoothie. Nutritionally they are a well known source of potassium, an electrolyte that balances sodium and has been shown to help lower blood pressure. They also have notable amounts of vitamin C for strong immunity and wound recovery as well as vitamin B6 for maintaining hormone balance and forming red blood cells and transmitters in the nervous system. Continue Reading →
Nutritious Rum Balls
Rum balls are a classic Christmas treat. There are endless options but they usually contain some chocolate and of course, some rum. This version is stuffed with other nutrient dense ingredients- almond flour and almond butter for protein and substance, medjool dates and maple syrup for natural sweetness and a vanilla bean for extra flavour. Continue Reading →
Granola Baked Apples
Baked apples were one of my favourite childhood treats, long before I started caring for healthy food. My mom used to cut out the core then stuff them with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. While that combination is impossible to beat, I like to sometimes use granola instead for a more filling and nutritious version. Continue Reading →
Vanilla Maple Pecan Stuffed Dates
Pecans and dates are a delicious combination on their own, perfect for a pre- or post-workout snack, and with just three extra ingredients they get extra decadent. Coating the pecans in a vanilla maple sauce then drizzling dark chocolate over the stuffed dates transforms them into a treat. Continue Reading →
Vanilla Spice Smoothie
There are no greens or weird sea algae powders in this smoothie as is my usual habit- sometimes it’s nice to have a sweet treat with a relatively simple, familiar ingredient list. This version has vanilla protein powder for extra nutrients, frozen banana to make it creamy and medjool dates for some extra but natural sweetness. The addition of spices assists digestion and adds some seasonal flavour, while vanilla almond milk brings it all together. It actually tastes surprisingly similar to egg nog, Continue Reading →
Tropical Smoothie Bowl with Fruit Roses
My very first job as a teenager was at a bakery. I couldn’t believe that I got paid to bake bread and decorate cakes all day, tasks I would have gladly done for free. I loved working with the piping bags and one of my favourite things to make were little icing roses. Nowadays I like to keep my icing intake to a minimum for health reasons, but a similar effect can be created easily with strawberries and thinly sliced fruits with smooth flesh like mangos, kiwis and plums. Continue Reading →
Pumpkin Spice Granola
A sprinkle of homemade granola is a healthy way to liven up a bowl of oatmeal or yogurt and fruit. It adds crunch, sweetness and in this case, some fall flavours. A combination of pumpkin purée, pumpkin seeds and pumpkin spice really drive home the pumpkin theme while pecans add some richness, dried cranberries add some chewy tartness and maple syrup, molasses, vanilla and hazelnut butter flavourfully hold it all together. Continue Reading →
Spiced Apple Chips with Almond Yogurt Dip
Slicing apples really thinly and baking them until they dry out and crisp up deepens their flavour and changes them up a bit. For anyone trying to eat clean or get more fruits and vegetables into their diet, cooking them in different ways can help keep things interesting. These are good on their own, or adding a yogurt and nut butter based dip makes them into a protein rich snack that’s easily portable. Making anything into chips, even something as healthy and common as apples, appeals to kids and picky eaters alike and it is the perfect munchy finger food for curling up inside by the fire. Continue Reading →