I love sweets as much as the next person. It takes consistent willpower to avoid consuming processed sugary sweets and indulgent foods regularly. They are so yummy and often are just sitting there calling your name from behind the counter of your favorite coffee shop or grocery store…
Best to avoid these habitually. Don’t fret though … life does not have to be free of sweet treats. There is a health conscious way to prepare and enjoy delicious tasting treats. Make them yourself and swap the less desirable ingredients for more healthful options. We have paleo sweets regularly made simply and from whole ingredients. For example, instead of white sugar use maple syrup or honey. Instead of tradition processed white flour, use almond or coconut flour. Instead of adding sugar to that banana loaf, use more bananas. Better still, add some power foods to amp up the health value. I love organic coconut flakes, cacao nibs, pumpkin seeds or walnuts.
Here are two of our favorite paleo treats. They soothe that sweet craving and leave you feeling satisfied; not gunning for more sugar in ten minutes as most processed sweets will. These leave you with a satisfying feel and don’t derail your nutritional goals. Try these recipes for you and your family.
I. Paleo Cookie Bar (No bake)
This is Darren’s absolute favorite. It’s the way to his heart after a busy day. Imagine a moist cookie dough base with sea salt and chocolate topper for the win.
Base Layer
1.5 cups almond flour
2.5 Tbsp coconut flour
3.5 Tbsp maple syrup
1.5 Tbsp coconut oil melted
2 Tbsp almond/cashew or peanut butter (smooth)
2 Tbsp mini-choc chips or cacao nibs (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch sea salt
Instructions: Mix dry together and add wet. Use some elbow grease and get it to form a uniform mixture. Press with a large spoon so top is relatively flat into and standard loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Place in freezer for 5-10 mins or fridge for 20-45 minutes ( can be left longer).
Top Layer
¼ cup 60-70% dark chocolate chips
2 tsp coconut oil
Flaked sea salt or coarse ground
Instructions: Use pyrex or microwave safe dish ( or double boiler setup if preferred) and heat for 45 sec. Remove, stir w fork and return to microwave for another 30-45 seconds until smooth when stirred. Pour over chilled base and spread evenly. Sprinkle w sea salt. Let set for another 10 mins in the freezer or minimum of 20 minutes in the fridge.
Serve straight from the fridge or if prefer slightly softer, leave at room temp for 15-20 minutes.
II. Paleo Banana Bread
Calling fellow banana bread lovers… this recipe is awesome. It tastes like the real deal BUT has NO SUGAR. Bananas make the sweet! Add a pat of grass fed butter or natural peanut butter to a nice thick slice and a cup of coffee… #perfect
Ingredients:
4 small/med ripe bananas or 3 larger
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup coconut oil melted
1 ¾ cups almond flour
½ cup tapioca flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp fine sea salt
Options: ( I like the plain version but if you wanna fancy it up by all means). Mix and match any one or two of the following into the dry ingredients):
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup dark chocolate chips
½ cup raisins
½ cup chopped dates
½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions: Preheat over to 350F. Place all wet ingred in blender. Pulse until well mixed. Sift all dry together in a bowl. Add wet to dry mix with large spoon until blended (do not over-mix). Transfer to loaf pan lined with parchment paper and bake 50 -60 minutes until deep golden brown or toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely in loaf pan (ideally resting on wire rack if you have). Slice and serve. Store on counter for first 1-2 days and beyond that in the fridge. Can be made ahead and frozen. Just leave on counter overnight to thaw.
Food, to me, is fuel, medicine, comfort and love. It brings people together and should be a source of energy and pride for each of us. Treat your body well. Make your treats healthy, feel good after you enjoy them Make and share with those you love. Bring any left-overs to your gym friends for sampling:)
Have any recipes to share? How did these turn out for you? Let me know: michelle@crossfitdefy.com