As a Dietitian I believe there’s room for all foods in moderation. A regular sugar-filled treat in moderation will not upend a healthy diet. In fact, it can make a healthy lifestyle more enjoyable and easier to sustain long-term. However, for those of us managing chronic illness or working towards a specific health goal, it can be helpful to have sweet treats that are a little more nutritionally balanced.
For a meal or snack to be nutritionally balanced, it simply means that it contains a source of fibre, protein and healthy fats. A balanced snack can help slow down the rate of sugar absorption and provide a more gradual rise in blood sugar rather than a sugar spike. In addition to a more sustained release of energy, a balanced snack can also increase satiety and provide a wider range of nutrients.
With that said, here are four of my favourite “healthier” chocolate sweet treats to make.
Chocolate Nut Slice
This chocolate nut slice recipe is always a favourite, and for good reason, it is delicious. It’s also gluten free, only four ingredients and doesn’t require baking!
This recipe is based on nuts and seeds, which are an excellent source of healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated), protein, fibres, vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, because we’re using mixed nuts and seeds, we get a wider range of nutrients compared to eating just one type. Another key ingredient includes dates, which are a source of antioxidants and fibre, and give a slight caramel taste.
You can watch me make this recipe on my IG reel.
Chocolate Quinoa Balls
If you’re looking for a yummy energy ball that doesn’t contain dates, then you have to try these chocolate quinoa balls. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free and so easy to make. They also keep their shape well whilst being soft to bite into. Oh, and they taste similar to lamingtons.
As the name suggests, these energy balls are based on quinoa. Quinoa is a gluten free psuedo-cereal that is high in protein and contains all essential amino acids necessary for energy production. It’s also high in fibre to support a healthy digestive system and gut microbiome. If you’ve been wanting to try quinoa, this recipe could be a fun introduction.
You can watch me make this recipe on my IG reel.
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
This chocolate chia seed pudding recipe makes the perfect afternoon pick me up or even a delicious and balanced breakfast when paired with all the right toppings. It’s also gluten-free, only four ingredients and easy to prep the night before.
The star of the show is of course the chia seeds. Chia seeds are a great source of soluble fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals and antioxidants. Soluble fibre forms a gel that slows down the transit time of food through the digestive system. This slows down the absorption of sugar, thus not spiking blood sugar levels and keeps you fuller for longer. It can also help to bulk up loose stools or soften firm stools. Meanwhile, omega-3 fatty acids help to decrease inflammation in the body and may be particularly beneficial for those with endometriosis.
Chocolate Banana Bread
This is my go-to banana bread recipe that is gluten-free and safe for those of us with coeliac disease. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also naturally higher in protein and fibre than traditional banana bread recipes.
Unlike other recipes, this banana bread is based on almond flour. Almond flour is one of my favourite gluten free flours to bake with thanks to it’s sweet taste/nutty flavour and moist texture when baking. It’s also known for it’s high nutrient density, containing healthy fats, fibre, protein, vitamin E and minerals (often lacking in processed gluten-free diets).
You can watch me make this recipe on my IG reel.
Let me know if you make any of these sweet treats! If you post it online, feel free to tag me on IG, either @chantelouisee or @dietitianchante 🙂 See you in my next post!
Chanté
