Guilt is something that most of us experience when it comes to treating ourselves, yet it is so counterproductive to any good we do. We should never associate joy with guilt, and still, treating ourselves has become synonymous with that emotion. Working on that is key to a happy mind, and it prevents over indulging. So, while we are busy kicking that emotion to the curb, I have designed some healthy treats for you to enjoy, without any of the associated guilt! Here are my top 5 treats to enjoy guilt free!

1. Goji berry and oatmeal biscuits:

Love cookies?! They are certainly more-ish, so here’s a recipe for some superfood bites, which are high in protein and a small amount of good carbs, so they should keep you fuller for longer meaning you will be satisfied with just one!

Ingredients

  • A cup of whole-wheat flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup oats
  • 1 cup goji berries
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup agave
  • 3 egg whites
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Combine all of your dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another, then add the wet mix to the dry, and stir well. This should yield about 15 cookies so divvy up 15 onto a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes on approx. 170 C. Job done!

 

2. Nut butter Fudge

I’m a big fan of nut butter and also of fudge! Yet these days I steer clear of regular fudge as it is full of sugar and nasty ingredients. Here’s a recipe for some Nut Butter Fudge which is high in good fats and low in sugar.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup organic nut butter of choice (not the cheap nasty ones!) Almond is my fave
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of Himalayan sea salt (or any good quality sea salt)

Directions

Mix all the ingredients in one bowl and stir them until you get a nice smooth mix. Line a cake tray with baking paper and then spread the mix evenly into it. Put the tray in the freezer for a few hours and then remove and cut into squares or shape of choice. These are best kept in an airtight box or bag in the freezer and eat at your leisure!

 

3. Healthy Banana-Berry Ice cream

I scream you scream we all scream for Ice Cream! Who doesn’t love the feeling of sitting down with a tub of the cold stuff? Most brands on the market are full of nasty ingredients so here’s a simple way to make a healthy snack with just four healthy ingredients! This is low in fat, but high in natural sugars, so go easy on your portions. It yields about 3 cups, so one cup will be plenty for a sweet treat

Ingredients

  • 2 frozen sliced bananas (before you freeze make sure you slice up)
  • 1 cup frozen berries of choice
  • 2 tablespoons agave
  • ½ cup coconut or almond milk

Directions

Add all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until creamy. This process takes a few minutes and you may need to be patient and stop and stir a few times, it’s worth it!

 

4. Lemon Fro-Yo

  • 3 cups of plain full fat Greek yogurt (non fat is pumped with sugar!)
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
  • The juice of approx five lemons (fresh squeezed please!)

Directions
Pop the agave, the lemon zest and juice into a saucepan and stir together for about 4 minutes until the agave will dissolves into the juice to make a syrup. Place this syrup into a shallow container (no lid)  in the fridge until it’s chilled. 30 mins should do it. Whisk the honey lemon syrup into the yogurt until completely combined. Now place in the freezer and remove every hour for 3 hours to stir, and after 3 hours this is ready to eat!

 

5. Chocolate protein smoothie bowl

Protein is an essential macro nutrient made up of amino acids, essential for building lean muscle, good hair growth, skin repair and it also keeps us fuller for longer. Sometimes my smoothies are so thick that I pour them into a bowl, and that way it feels as though I am eating it as a meal.

Ingredients

  • A scoop of chocolate protein powder (I use Ellement my own brand www.ellementlife.com)
  • Half an avocado (full of good fats and makes it nice and thick and creamy)
  • A half cup of oats (gluten free if possible)
  • A handful of berries (I use blueberries)
  • Some chia seeds, which are great source of fiber, omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins and minerals
  • Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
    Topping:
  • 2 table spoons of Cacao nibs
  • 2 tablespoons of goji berries
  • Coconut flakes

In a blender, blend the protein powder, oats, avocado, blueberries, almond milk, chia seeds, frozen spinach, water and ice (and cinnamon if you opt for it) Once blended and thick, pour into a bowl. On top sprinkle the goji berries (which turn crunchy as soon as they hit cold!), Cacao nibs and coconut flakes. A perfect breakfast dish, or post workout.

Enjoy!  A x