Fortunately, addiction to coffee, sugar or chocolates is not illegal. However, many desserts and beverages that contain these ingredients have high sugar content and calorie count. Due to the addictive nature of these foods, it is impossible to stay away from them!
Good news is – contrary to popular belief, neither chocolates, coffee or peanut butter cause weight gain or the accumulation of unhealthy body fat.
Consuming these (or any) food items regardless of their constituents in small proportions is known to reduce the chances of binge eating, keep you motivated to stay on track.
Make sure that your cravings do not get the best of you, as suppressing your desires leads to higher chances of fallout.
There are many simple recipes you can whip up with these ingredients. This will add a flavoursome twist to your diet plan and will not set you back in your fitness journey!
Try these sweet, tasty recipes to fight hunger pangs and your sweet tooth-
Cocoa Almond Butter Dip
Cocoa powder is known to have fewer calories, fat, and sugar than a typical chocolate bar. It contains a similar profile of cancer-fighting antioxidants typically found in foods like fruit and beverages such as tea, coffee, and red wine. An optional touch of flaky sea salt helps enhance the chocolate flavour in this recipe.
Ingredients:
- Quarter cup almond butter
- One tablespoon cocoa powder
- One tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- One and a half teaspoons maple syrup
- Quarter cup water
- Flaky sea salt for garnishing
Quick Method To Prepare:
In a bowl, whisk together almond butter, cocoa powder, melted coconut oil, maple syrup and water. You can serve this immediately at room temperature, chill it for at least one hour or keep it overnight in the refrigerator for a cool, creamy dip. Serve with a garnish of flaky sea salt and sliced or chopped fruit, crackers or pretzels on the side.
Chocolate Hazelnut Bite
These are very similar to the popular hazelnut and chocolate spread that many seem to enjoy. This dairy-free snack does not contain lactose but does provide nutritious fibre and healthy fat from oats, chia seeds, and nuts.
Although these treats are much healthier and contain fewer calories than a traditional snack would, they are high in FODMAP content and hence should not be consumed in excess. To curb your sweet tooth, have one per serving.
Ingredients:
- One-third cup packed brown sugar
- Quarter cup water
- Two tablespoons peanut butter
- One tablespoon canola oil
- One teaspoon vanilla extract
- Three tablespoons chia seeds
- Three-quarters cup toasted skinned hazelnuts
- One cup rolled oats
- Quarter cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Quarter cup sifted sorghum flour
- Quarter teaspoon salt
- Two tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
Quick Method To Prepare:
Combine the brown sugar and water in a small saucepan and boil over medium-high heat. Stir periodically just until sugar dissolves.
Continue boiling for one minute and let it simmer. Reduce the heat to low, add the peanut butter and canola oil, and stir this mixture until peanut butter melts. Remove from heat, add some vanilla and set aside.
Add the chia seeds, hazelnuts, oats, cocoa, sorghum flour, and salt to the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture becomes a coarse powder. Pour in the brown sugar mixture and pulse until the mixture becomes a stiff paste. This should take one minute. Now enjoy your sweet and healthy snack.
Peanut Butter Granola
Although the name Granola leads you to believe that this is a very healthy alternative to your high sugar breakfast or high-calorie snack, packaged granolas can contain high levels of both sugar and sodium.
This does more harm to your body than help and it does not cut calories away from your meal. This makes it a poor choice for someone who is dedicated to the goal of fitness.
Ingredients:
- Two cups of rolled oats
- One and a half cups of crispy brown rice cereal
- Half a cup of natural peanut butter
- Two tablespoons unrefined coconut oil
- Two tablespoons honey
- One teaspoon vanilla
Quick Method To Prepare
Heat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat. In a large bowl, stir the oats and cereal. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat coconut oil in the microwave, until it is pourable. Stir this oil in peanut butter, honey, and vanilla.
Pour mixture over the oats and cereal and stir until evenly coated. Spread mixture onto prepared baking sheet in a single thin layer, trying to make sure there are no holes where you can see the baking sheet. Bake them for about ten to fifteen minutes, until edges are lightly browned.
Remove from oven and let cool for fifteen minutes without stirring. Once the granola has cooled, break it into pieces. Store in an airtight container on the counter for up to one week.
Mocha Dusted Almonds
Flavonols found in cocoa are effective in lowering blood pressure when consumed as part of an overall healthy diet. Cocoa also contains potassium, calcium, magnesium and copper, all of which play a role in maintaining healthy blood pressure.
It also contains a significant amount of iron and phosphorus. We recommend using unsweetened cocoa powder because it doesn’t have added sugar or fat.
Ingredients:
- One cup of raw almonds
- Half a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil
- One tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder
- One teaspoon of instant coffee granules
- One teaspoon of powdered sugar
In a skillet, toast almonds over low heat, stirring them every couple of minutes. Do this until they are fragrant. This should take about three minutes.
Add olive oil and stir to coat them. Remove from heat. Blend cocoa powder, coffee, and powdered sugar in a high powered blender or food processor until the coffee granules are incorporated into a powder.
Pour the almonds and cocoa mixture into a medium bowl and toss them to coat evenly. Shake off excess powder. Spread these over parchment or waxed paper to cool. Store these almonds in an airtight container at room temperature.
These recipes will never leave you wondering what you want to have between your meals. These snacks are bound to fill your stomach and your heart with joy, as they will allow you to enjoy much loved and craved taste without having to go against your diet regime.
