Want to satisfy your sweet tooth without backtracking on your fitness plan? Make the most of your cheat days with these low-calorie, health-positive desserts that you’ll feel great about making.
Paleo Nut Cake
Followers of the paleo diet swear by its health benefits, but for some people, cutting out all processed food and refined grains is one of those lifestyle changes that can feel insurmountable. But for diet die-hards and newcomers alike, there’s no denying that desserts are always a winner. This paleo nut cake is a surefire hit with tea or coffee. Serves 4-6.
1 1/2 cups almond flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
4 tbsp vegan butter
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup coconut sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tbsp cacao powder
2 large eggs
1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
In a bowl, mix the almond flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the butter (or applesauce) and coconut sugar, before beating the eggs into the mixture. Follow up by adding the coconut milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
Next, gently mix the dry ingredients in with the wet, while folding in the macadamia nuts.
Remove a 1/2 cup of the batter and combine with cocoa powder in a separate bowl. Once you have your batches of cocoa flavored and vanilla flavored batter, swirl the two together in a loaf pan to achieve a marbled effect.
Bake at 350 F for approximately 30 minutes, then allow the cake to cool.
Berry Parfait
Get your day started right with a filling breakfast! Fresh fruits, yogurt, and oats provide the perfect amount of much-needed fiber and protein that you’ll need to get going strong in the mornings — all while tasting like an ultra-indulgent dessert. Serves 2-4.
1 cup oats
2 cup yogurt (you can go with vanilla or raspberry; add honey for sweetness)
1/2 sliced almonds
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup blackberries
To make a granola crunch, start by combining oats, almonds, and cinnamon in a medium bowl, stirring in melted coconut oil. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, and preheat your oven to 350 F. Next, spread the mixture evenly on the cookie sheet and bake until golden, stirring occasionally. Once done, allow the mixture to cool completely.
The next step is the easy part. Just pile the yogurt, granola, and berries in a tall glass or bowl, alternating layers. You can top your parfait with extra granola and berries, or other dried fruits and coconut shavings.
Sweet Bananas
Bananas are packed with potassium and fiber. Naturally sweet, adding in a little honey and cinnamon makes them sing. These sweet bananas are great to add to breakfast, or to cook up quickly for a lunchtime snack, and can be prepared in a slow cooker or stovetop. Serves 2-4.
1 tbsp coconut oil
3 tbsp honey
Juice from 1/2 lemon
1/4 tsp cinnamon
5 sliced bananas
For slow cookers, add all ingredients together into the slow cooker, tossing bananas gently to make sure they're thoroughly coated. Cover and cook on low for 1 hour.
On stovetop, start by combining the ingredients in a medium saucepan, adding bananas last. Cook together on low heat for approximately 30 minutes, until bananas are soft.
