If you love chocolate and want a healthy and nutritional substitute to satisfy that craving, you’re in the right place!
Years ago, my chocolate cravings were filled by eating Snickers or Hershey’s Kisses. Both contain inordinate amounts of processed sugars, as well as ingredients such as oils and “artificial flavors.” Got to wonder what those artificial flavors actually consist of. The sodium content is outrageous too!
Realizing all of this, I searched for alternatives and found some healthy options. My two go-to chocolate recipes these days are Raw Chocolate Balls and Chocolate Pudding from The Earth Diet Recipe book.
I wanted to share them with you so you could begin to satisfy your chocolate cravings in a healthy way that actually contains nutritional value and won’t have you feeling hungry just 30 minutes later. Best of all, because these recipes include natural ingredients, there’s NO GUILT!
Raw Chocolate Balls
Raw Chocolate Balls is my number one favorite recipe because it’s simple and you’re getting nutrients in addition to satisfying that craving for something chocolatey and sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of nut meal (Almond or Cashew) Available at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or Earthfare.
- 1/4 cup cacao powder (Available online at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or Amazon.com)
- 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup (“Pure” maple syrup is a healthy substitute. A little more expensive, but doesn’t contain the added ingredients that the Log Cabin or Mrs. Butterworth’s does.)
If you like salt with your sweet, add 1/4 tsp of sea salt. For added flavor, add a 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract.
Mix ingredients together until moist then form 1/2-inch balls.
Calories 106
Total Fat 7 grams
Carbs 13 grams
Dietary Fiber 4 grams
Protein 4 grams
Tweetable Satisfy a chocolate craving with Yummy Raw Chocolate Ball Recipe from @theearthdiet ?
Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Another great choice, especially if you’re wanting something creamy.
Ingredients:
-
- 1 ripened avocado
-
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons raw honey or pure maple syrup or more to taste
Directions:
Blend all ingredients in a food processor (I use a Magic Bullet) until smooth and creamy. Add more cacao powder if you love chocolate! And add more honey or maple syrup if you want it sweeter, but go with the recommended first, then taste and add more if needed.
Serves 1
Calories = 379
Total (healthy!) fat = 22 grams
Carbs 52 grams
Dietary Fiber 13 grams
Protein 5 grams
Tweetable Chocolate pudding tastes oh so good with this recipe using avocados!
With these recipes, not only are you getting a chocolate fix, but you are eating nutritious whole foods. Enjoy!
Get more recipes and a 3-Day Jumpstart to gain more energy & eliminate sugar, in the Mind Body Kitchen: Transform You & Your Kitchen for a Healthier Lifestyle.
