Who says us fitness folks can’t enjoy our desserts?
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know that proper dieting boils down to simple numbers, and thus, you can always make some room for little indulgences. In fact I like to do this even when I’m cutting simply because it makes it more enjoyable.
That said, I tend to stick to healthier, lower-calorie options because the real indulgent stuff is just too laden with calories (and fats particularly). Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring, though!
Here are 5 recipes I’ve run across recently and liked. Give them a try and let me know what you think!
Tired of snacking on plain ol’ fruit? Infuse mandarin slices with depth of flavor in just 10 minutes.
Instructions
To start, brew one black tea bag. As it steeps, segment two large oranges, placing the pieces in a small bowl. Pour 1/2 cup tea over the top, drizzle with 2 Tbsp. honey, and top with a sprinkle of ground cardamom and cinnamon. Serves four.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 87
Protein: 0.5 grams
Carbs: 21 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Can a twist on a traditional sundae still be delicious without the ice cream? By caramelizing the natural sugar in the banana, this fruit and cheese plate will be a satisfying single-serving dessert.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Slice a banana in half lengthwise, sprinkle with cinnamon and a dash of dark rum, and bake in a lightly buttered dish for about 12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 3 to 5 minutes. Top with 1/2 cup lowfat ricotta, 2 Tbsp. crushed walnuts, 1 tsp. cocoa powder, and 3 diced black cherries (or 2 tsp. dark cherry syrup).
For more temperature contrast, freeze the ricotta beforehand and thaw for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 363
Protein: 15 grams
Carbs: 45 grams
Fat: 15 grams
According to my taste buds, anything with chocolate and peanut butter is probably going to be good. And these little guys are no exception.
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix together 1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder, 1/4 cup milled flax seed, and 2/3 cup peanut butter. Once combined, add 1 Tbsp. honey or agave nectar.
Use your hands to mix in 2 Tbsp. semisweet chocolate chips, and then roll into 1” balls.
Place in the fridge to harden for a half hour minimum, or store refrigerated or frozen until snack time. Makes 14 servings.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 108
Protein: 6 grams
Carbs: 5 grams
Fat: 8 grams
Picture courtesy of The Shiksa in the Kitchen
Instructions
First, make the coffee by dissolving 1/2 tsp. instant coffee granules into 1 tsp. hot water (or use 1 tsp. espresso, preferably cold-brewed).
Then mix 1 scoop unflavored whey protein, 1/3 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup lowfat ricotta, 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract or rum, and prepared coffee until well combined. Add about 1 tsp. of stevia powder or a 0-calorie sweetener of your choice.
Spoon into a dessert dish, and garnish with 1 tsp. dusted cocoa powder and 1/4 cup sliced almonds. Serves one.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 340
Protein: 33 grams
Carbs: 18 grams
Fat: 32 grams
Picture courtesy of Stylish Cuisine
These are still cookies – so know that there’s a lot of sugar in every bite – but the amount of chocolate, eggs, and butter is cut down for a lighter cookie with less fat that’s still rich enough to be a hit at parties.
Instructions
Melt together 1 1/2 Tbsp. butter, 2 oz. bittersweet chocolate, and 2 oz. unsweetened chocolate until smooth. In a small cup, mix together 1 Tbsp. each instant coffee powder and hot water. Add the prepared coffee and 1 tsp. vanilla extract to the chocolate.
In a medium bowl, add 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tsp. baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until combined. In a large bowl, beat together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup egg substitute, and 2 1/2 cups sugar until it is smooth and lightens in color.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Add egg mixture to chocolate mixture in thirds. Once thoroughly combined, slowly stir in the flour mixture, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, and 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips. Using a tablespoon, drop dough onto cookie sheets lined with parchment paper, and with wet hands press each ball down until 1/4-inch thick.
Bake for 15 minutes. One minute after removing from oven, transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie)
Calories: 142
Protein: 3 grams
Carbs: 25 grams
Fat: 5 grams
Who 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.
"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.
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.
