Many store-bought baked goods, like brownies, sure do look good but are basically impossible to “fit into your macros” without sacrificing huge portions of your daily calories.
They’re also not very healthful, being little more than tasty concoctions of refined flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and flavoring, and trans fat.
Many people think the only solution is abstinence from such delectables but they’re wrong–with a little work you can doctor up “cheat foods” like brownies to make them lower in calories and higher in nutrition.
For example, simple go-to methods used by bakers to reduce the butter and/or oil, including applesauce and Greek yogurt.
It’s also a cinch to switch some of those carbs for protein in your typical brownie recipe; all you have to do is replace half the flour with protein powder – preferably unflavored, vanilla, or chocolate.
If you don’t do well with wheat or gluten, you can ditch the flour altogether with a healthy substitute such as hazelnut meal, coconut flour, or even black beans.
Believe it or not there are people who don’t want to eat chocolate every day, and this recipe is for those folks who prefer desserts with lighter flavor. They rely on sweet potatoes not just for their starch but the naturally sweet, buttery flavor.
This protein blondie actually contains no butter or oil. Instead, the fat comes from creamy coconut milk.
62
Calories7 g
Protein5 g
Carbs2 g
Fat2 small sweet potatoes (or 1 large sweet potato), baked
2 scoops WHEY+ vanilla protein isolate
2 scoops vanilla casein protein powder
1/3 cup unsweetened coconut milk (full-fat, not light)
1/3 cup water
1 large egg
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. cinnamon (or more to taste)
Get the RecipeHow can fudgy brownies be good for you when they’re loaded with three different kinds of chocolate?
These look rich and sumptuous, but what you can’t see is that these are also zucchini brownies. That’s right, some of the substance comes from two medium or three small zucchinis, which cut the calories per serving and add a heap of micronutrients.
268
Calories3 g
Protein42 g
Carbs12 g
Fat1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup water
1 egg
1/2 cup natural apple juice
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. espresso powder
1 tsp. salt
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/4 cup hot fudge, warmed
1 cup (6 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chunks
2 tsp. chocolate extract (optional)
Get the RecipeButterscotch brownies are far from “health foods,” but you can amp up the protein and satisfy your urge for cream cheese brownies “guilt-free.”
You could actually use any brownie batter to carry the flavor. This one is all about the swirled topping made from butterscotch chips, a package of cream cheese, and an egg yolk.
287
Calories4 g
Protein34 g
Carbs17 g
FatBrownies:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/8 tsp. salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Butterscotch Cream Cheese:
3/4 cup butterscotch chips
8 oz. (1 package) cream cheese, softened
1 large egg yolk
Get the RecipeSometimes we all deserve an extra-special treat and when you’re ready for a serious reward, reach for these intensely awesome brownies that combine three of life’s greatest pleasures: chocolate, bacon, and beer.
Pick up a smoked porter if you can find one. If not, a standard porter or other dark beer will work too. Either way, you’ll get to sip on the rest of the bottle while the brownies are in the oven.
492
Calories6 g
Protein62 g
Carbs25 g
Fat1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 1/3 cups (8 oz.) dark chocolate, roughly chopped
1/2 cup smoked porter
2 1/3 cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powderå
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
Get the RecipeThe looks of these rich brownies are deceiving. Although they look like regular homemade brownies, they have a secret ingredient that will make people walk into the kitchen to catch a whiff of the heavenly scent of Nutella.
Instead of wheat flour, they rely on hazelnut meal, which also makes them gluten-free. And these nutty chocolate brownies only take 5 ingredients to make!
327
Calories4 g
Protein31 g
Carbs21 g
Fat10 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
3/4 cup butter, roughly chopped
4 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup hazelnut meal
Get the RecipeBrownies are known as a baked good, but that doesn’t need they need to be baked. Since these raw brownies never touch the oven, they are definitely on the fudgy side of the spectrum.
That offers plenty to sink your teeth into, as does the raspberry-cashew layer in the center. And they’re naturally sweetened with a combination of Medjool dates and maple syrup.
581
Calories7 g
Protein90 g
Carbs27 g
Fat1 cup raw almonds (or other tree nuts)
1/3 cup + 1/2 cup cacao powder
4 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
12 Medjool dates
2 cups fresh raspberries (frozen works too)
2/3 cup raw cashews
4 Tbsp. shredded coconut
1/4 cup + 6 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
1/2 cup cacao butter (or more coconut oil)
Get the RecipeInstead of using cocoa to make brownies, you can use chocolate protein powder. In this recipe, that also replaces the flour, making gluten-free brownies with unbelievable macros.
To tailor these for a “clean eating meal plan“, swap out the sugar for 1/4 cup stevia baking blend to reduce the calories and make sugar-free brownies.
200
Calories14 g
Protein16 g
Carbs10 g
Fat3/4 cup WHEY+ chocolate protein isolate
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
Get the RecipeCoconut flour can be tricky to bake with because it adds moisture, but in this recipe that works in your favor to make fudgy brownies.
Replacing wheat flour with coconut also results in paleo brownies. Whether you eat paleo or not, take it to mean that these brownies are loaded with healthy fats from the chocolate, coconut, eggs, and butter.
202
Calories3 g
Protein20 g
Carbs14 g
Fat7 Tbsp. coconut flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
3 large eggs, room temp.
1/2 cup pure honey
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (3 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Get the RecipeOf course these vegan brownies would be healthier by leaving out the Oreo cookies – but why would you want to do that?
The cocoa brownie base is delicious on its own, if you want to bake it that way. However, each fudgy square is downright addictive with the creamy, crunchy, topping made with crushed cookies.
427
Calories6 g
Protein69 g
Carbs16 g
Fat2 Tbsp. flax meal
3 Tbsp. water
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
7 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
2/3 cup (4 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup boiling water
1 1/2 cups sugar
6 Tbsp. Earth Balance
1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
16 Oreos, crushed
Get the RecipeAre these brownies, muffins, or cupcakes? Luckily, with this recipe you don’t have to pick! One unfrosted brownie cupcake make a wholesome breakfast thanks to the black beans, yet one bite will have you convinced it’s also chocolate cake.
So whether you eat one in the morning, afternoon, or evening, this flourless chocolate brownie will meet your needs.
159
Calories4 g
Protein23 g
Carbs7 g
Fat1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
3 large eggs
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
2 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. brewed coffee (optional)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Get the RecipeWho knew quarantine cooking could be so tasty?
Use this weight loss calculator to learn how many calories you should eat to lose fat in less than 60 seconds.
If you’re looking for easy, fast, and delicious high-protein meals, then you’re going to love t...
What is a "skinny fat" physique, what causes it, and how do you get rid of it? Find out here.
Take our 60-second quiz now to learn which supplements can help you achieve your fitness goals faster.
Take the Quiz No thanks, I don't want help choosing supplements."I never thought getting in shape would be this simple! Everything just WORKS when you follow this plan." And if he can do it, why not you?
Take the Quiz No thanks, I don't want to lose weight or build muscle.Our "No Return Necessary"
Money-Back Guarantee
If you don’t like something of ours, guess what happens next?
No, we don’t request you deliver it to a PO box in the Gobi Desert by carrier pigeon. Nor do we ask you to fill a cursed inkwell with orc’s blood and demon saliva and then use it to complete reams of return forms written in ancient Cyrillic script.
We just . . . wait for it . . . give you your money back. Holy moo cows. And that means you can say "yes" now and decide later.
Many companies use shipping and handling fees to increase their profit margins, but here at Legion, we hate profits, so our shipping is free!
Okay, so we do dig on profits, but we also go in for happy customers, and free shipping works like gangbusters. So, if you live in the United States, your order ships free regardless of order size, if you live in the UK, Canada, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Puerto Rico, or Guam, your order ships free when it’s over $199, and if you live elsewhere, your order ships free when it’s over $299.
Also, if you don’t absolutely love our stuff for whatever reason, we don’t request you deliver it to a PO box in the Gobi Desert by carrier pigeon.
We just . . . wait for it . . . give you your money back. No returns. No forms. No nonsense. Holy moo cows.
That means you can say “yes” now and decide later. You really have nothing to lose.
Many companies use shipping and handling fees to increase their profit margins, but here at Legion, we hate profits, so our shipping is free!
Okay, so we do dig on profits, but we also go in for happy customers, and free shipping works like gangbusters. So, if you live in the UK, Canada, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Puerto Rico, or Guam, your order ships free when it’s over $199.
Why the restriction on international orders? Unfortunately, shipping abroad is very expensive, and if we didn’t require a minimum order size, we’d lose a lot of money. But! We're also hustling to improve our international logistics and will be passing our savings along to our international customers.
Also, if you don’t absolutely love our stuff for whatever reason, we don’t request you deliver it to a PO box in the Gobi Desert by carrier pigeon.
We just . . . wait for it . . . give you your money back. No returns. No forms. No nonsense. Holy moo cows.
That means you can say “yes” now and decide later. You really have nothing to lose.
Many companies use shipping and handling fees to increase their profit margins, but here at Legion, we hate profits, so our shipping is free!
Okay, so we do dig on profits, but we also go in for happy customers, and free shipping works like gangbusters. So, if you’re outside the USA, your order ships free when it’s over $299.
Why the restriction on international orders? Unfortunately, shipping abroad is very expensive, and if we didn’t require a minimum order size, we’d lose a lot of money. But! We're also hustling to improve our international logistics and will be passing our savings along to our international customers.
Also, if you don’t absolutely love our stuff for whatever reason, we don’t request you deliver it to a PO box in the Gobi Desert by carrier pigeon.
We just . . . wait for it . . . give you your money back. No returns. No forms. No nonsense. Holy moo cows.
That means you can say “yes” now and decide later. You really have nothing to lose.
Split your entire online purchase into 4 interest-free payments, over 6 weeks with no impact to your credit.
25%
today
25%
2 weeks
25%
4 weeks
25%
6 weeks
Shop and add items to your cart as normal!
Choose Sezzle at Checkout! You’ll be redirected to Sezzle to Sign Up or Log In to complete your order.
Your order will be shipped out right away* and your payments will be split up over 6 weeks.
*shipping times subject to merchant shipping policy
Shop directory. Reschedule payments. Plus more!
In consideration of the services and/or products offered by Legion Athletics, Inc. (“Legion”) including, but not limited to, nutrition plans, exercise routines and coaching, and in addition to the payment of any fee or charge:
I knowingly and voluntarily enter into this waiver and release of liability and hereby waive any and all rights, claims or causes of action of any kind whatsoever arising out of my use of Legion’s services and/or products, and I hereby release and hold harmless Legion and its consultants, officers, contractors, agents, owners and employees from any and all responsibility, liability, cost and expenses, including for injuries, damages or disorders (physical, metabolic, or otherwise), resulting from my use of Legion’s services and/or products.
I understand that fitness activities including, but not limited to, strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular exercise, with or without the use of equipment, are potentially hazardous activities that involve a risk of injury and even death, and I am voluntarily participating in these activities and using equipment and machinery with knowledge of the risks involved. I hereby agree to assume and accept any and all risks of injury or death related to said fitness activities.
I understand Legion’s services and products are not meant to treat or manage any health conditions or circumstances, and I acknowledge that Legion has recommended I obtain a healthcare provider’s approval for my use of Legion’s services and/or products, through regular physical examination(s) and/or consultation. I acknowledge that I have obtained my healthcare provider’s approval or have decided to use Legion’s services and/or products without such approval and hereby assume all responsibility for my use of said services and/or products.
I understand that results from using Legion’s products and/or services are not guaranteed, and I agree to not hold Legion liable for any outcomes or lack thereof.
Please click the checkbox below. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Our scientific review board of nutritionists, dietitians, molecular biologists, doctors, and other accredited experts is responsible for reviewing every article, podcast, and video we produce to ensure they’re evidence based, accurate, trustworthy, and current.
Thanks to their connections, credentials, and academic experience, this team of MDs, PhDs, and other professionals has access to a wealth of research published in the largest and most prestigious journals in the world.
This allows them to not only review individual studies but also analyze the overall weight of the evidence on any and all topics related to diet, exercise, supplementation, and more.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, misleading, out-of-date, or anything less than factual, please let us know in the comments section of the article in question.
We follow a detailed, rigorous, multi-step process to create content that meets the highest standards of clarity, practicality, and scientific integrity.
First, our research associates provide our editorial team with accurate, up-to-date, proven scientific evidence.
Then, our editorial team uses this research to draft articles and outlines for podcasts and videos.
Finally, our scientific review board reviews the content to ensure all key information and claims are backed by high-quality scientific research and explained simply and precisely.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, misleading, out-of-date, or anything less than factual, please let us know in the comments section of the article in question.