Short answer: Yes! Of course we can eat sugar-free and still be crazy satisfied! In fact, even more so since there is no extra weight hanging around. There are so many reasons we eat besides the functional one. Emotions. Habits. It’s delish. It’s there.
Well, food should be delish and fully enjoyed. Why not?
But here’s the thing: we got confused as to what tastes good.
Our taste buds have been so immersed in sugar and salt that they don’t detect the natural sweetness that surrounds them in every way.
Check out this Harvard report on the impact of sugar.
Nature’s Candy
I’ll always remember one starry summer childhood night by the campfire, munching away at some fresh green grapes when, with surprise and delight I said to my older and wiser cousin, “They’re just so sweet!” To which she warmly replied, “Yep. That’s fruit for yah – Nature’s Candy!”
A line that will stay with me forever, and hopefully, with you as well.
Because there is always always a way to make food you love that is natural, delicious and nutritious. Always.
Homemade Treats that Satisfy
I’ve got the biggest sweet-tooth you’ve ever seen! If I say no to gelato… something is seriously wrong with me. That’s why at home I make my fave summer (err… who am I kidding, also winter/fall/spring) treat sugar-free.
The sugary goodness of an italian gelato is left for now and then, to be appreciated all the more since it’s special (and when in Italy.. well, to be appreciated daily, of course.. or bi-daily, is that a word?)
Love it or Leave it
The point is: Love your food! It’s the only way you’ll eat better. You know it, I know it, your doctor knows it. NOBODY wants to be eating boiled carrots and broccoli with a single baked chicken breast every day for dinner (just thinking about that makes my face scrunch up).
From gelato to homemade nice cream, pasta to zoodles, or sugary brownies to hidden veggie brownies (covered in frosting!!! Did I mention that?? Healthy fudgy frosting!!)
It’s not saying ‘no’ to dessert.. It’s finding better dessert.
So, it’s time to get creative. Find what works for you, start simple, start small, and start now.
Fudgy Dark Chocolate Brownies with Frosting
Incredibly moist brownies with a frosting that kills.
All natural, Gluten & Processed Sugar-free.
Ingredients
Frosting:
- 1 avocado pitted peeled
- 1/2-2/3 cup Dutch 24% fat cocoa powder (to taste)
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup soft medjool dates
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Brownies:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato at room temperature
- 1 avocado pitted peeled
- 2 large ecological eggs at room temperature
- 3/4 - 1 cup Dutch 24% fat cocoa powder (to taste)
- 1/4 -1/2 cup soft medjool dates
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup optional
- 2 tbsp raw almond butter optional
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Frosting: Blend all the ingredients for the frosting in a food processor then place in the fridge.
Brownies: Blend all the ingredients together in a food processor and bake in a wax paper lined 8x8 pan (or 5x8 pan for super thick fudgy brownies) at 350 F/ 180 C for 30 min or until set. Let it cool, then store in the fridge.
Recipe adapted from the delicious Paleo Gluten Free Eats
Enjoy!