Ummm, wasn’t Christmas just last week? I mean, what the heck? Valentine’s Day has totally snuck up on me this year, and honestly I just pulled out my Valentines day decor box yesterday… On the bright side, since I haven’t decorated yet, I’m already one step ahead, because “technically” its already down and put away.
If you’ve just today realized that Valentines Day is THIS Sunday, and you’ve also been hitting the gym really hard and staying on track with your meal plan. You may be feeling VERY nervous about the tempting treats that may be coming up for this decadent day of chocolate face stuffing, (isn’t that what Valentine’s day is all about, chocolate?) have no fear! My good friend Veggie Lisa and I are going to show you three healthier and very last minute Valentine’s Day treats that you can enjoy with less guilt this year.
Now, one reason you can feel good about these treats is because they’re made with dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has many benefits like just google “dark chocolate health benefits” and you’ll be flooded with tons of scientific facts and studies. My favorite benefit is the mood boosters. I’m always happier when I eat Chocolate. Be careful not to use the sugary stuff, read labels and look for high percentages of cacao and low sugar content, if you want to get fancy you can even buy organic chocolate from the health food store.
Superfood Strawberries
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 lb strawberries, washed and dried
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips (I like to use 70% or higher)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Make sure strawberries are dry and leaves still intact.
- Lay out parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
- Melt chocolate and oil in glass bowl in 20-second increments in microwave (a double broiler can also be used) Stir after each time until chocolate and oil and completed melted. Add vanilla
- Dip strawberries into chocolate. Tap gently to get rid of excess chocolate.
- Immediately roll strawberries in topping of choice.
Some ideas might include: chia seeds, slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, oats, raw sugar or stevia, unsweetened coconut, or chopped dark chocolate.
- Place on parchment or silicone mat. Place in fridge until set. Strawberries will be good for 24 hours.
One of these strawberries will be around 60 calories! Now that is a treat you can indulge in and feel really good about!
Salted Chocolate Almonds
INGREDIENTS:
- Raw Almonds (as many as needed)
- 6 ounces of dark chocolate (I like to use 70% or higher)
- 1 tsp of coconut oil
- Coarse sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Place chocolate and oil in glass bowl. Microwave in 20 second increments until mixture is melted, stirring after each one.
- Dip almonds into melted chocolate using a fork, grouping them together in clusters.
- Tap fork to release extra chocolate. Place carefully on wax paper or silicone baking mat.
- Sprinkle with desired amount of sea salt
- Set in fridge 5-7 minutes until chocolate is hard.
- Will keep up to 3 days in fridge in airtight container.
Healthy Peanut Butter Cups
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 10-ounce bag dark chocolate chips (I like to use 70% or higher)
- ½ c natural chunky peanut butter
- ¼ c coconut oil
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 2 drops liquid stevia
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Melt half of the chocolate chips in microwave for 20 seconds increments.
- Stir after each 20 seconds. Continue until chocolate is completely melted. Place chocolate in a mini muffin tin until the bottom is covered (about 1 TBSP). Place in freezer to harden for 7-10 minutes.
- Mix together peanut butter, coconut oil, vanilla and stevia. Layer mixture on top of frozen chocolate (again, about 1 TBSP). Place back in freezer for 10 minutes to harden.
- Melt the remaining chocolate in microwave using above method. Once it is melted, layer on top of the peanut butter mixture to finish out the peanut butter cup.
- Allow to freeze for 10 additional minutes.
- Pop peanut butter cups out of tins with knife. Before eating, allow to soften on counter for a few minutes. Store in freezer for up to three months.
These treats were so yummy and I feel good knowing that I’ll be indulging in a healthier way this year. What are your favorite “healthy” Valentine’s Day treats?