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PCSR Day 35: Making Healthy Sweet Treats

90-day health challenge anti-cancer foods cancer prevention cancer resilience healthy snacks nutrition recipe whole food nutrtion Aug 20, 2024
 

Hey, beautiful souls! 🌟 Welcome back to our kitchen for Day 35 of our Proven Cancer Strategies Revealed: 90 Days to Cancer Resilience series. Today, we’re diving into something truly special—sweet treats that not only satisfy your cravings but also support your health journey. And guess what? We’re keeping it all plant-based and naturally sweetened. Let’s get started!

Sweet Treats That Love You Back 🍓

I’m Debbie Saidyfye, and I’m so excited to have you here today! We all love a good sweet treat, but when it comes to our health—especially in the context of cancer prevention—finding that balance between indulgence and well-being can be tricky. That’s why today, I’m thrilled to share three delicious, easy-to-make treats with you: energy bites packed with flax seeds, banana and strawberry bites with a luscious chocolate date glaze, and a refreshing tropical chia pudding. These are not only treats you can feel good about, but they’re also incredibly simple to make. Let’s dive in!

Energy Bites with Flax Seeds 🌰

Let’s kick things off with our energy bites—little powerhouses that are perfect for a quick snack or a healthy dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
  • 1/2 cup raw almonds
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Process the Nuts: Pulse the almonds and cashews in a food processor until finely chopped.
  2. Add the Dates and Flax: Add the pitted dates, cocoa powder, ground flax seeds, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Process until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
  3. Form the Bites: Scoop out small amounts of the dough and roll them into bite-sized balls. Roll them in shredded coconut or flax seeds for extra texture.

These energy bites are packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness from the dates. The flax seeds add a boost of omega-3s, keeping you satisfied and energized.

Banana and Strawberry Bites with Chocolate Date Glaze 🍌🍓

Next, let’s whip up our banana and strawberry bites with a decadent chocolate glaze. This treat is perfect for those moments when you want something sweet but don’t want to compromise your health.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 6-8 strawberries
  • 1/4 cup almond butter
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 Medjool dates, pitted and soaked in warm water for 10 minutes
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup warm water (adjust as needed)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Fruit: Slice the bananas into 1/4 inch thick rounds and halve the strawberries.
  2. Assemble the Bites: Spread a small amount of almond butter on each banana slice, then top with a strawberry half to make a little sandwich.
  3. Make the Chocolate Glaze: In a blender, combine the soaked dates, cocoa powder, and warm water. Blend until smooth and pourable.
  4. Coat the Bites: Dip each fruit sandwich halfway into the chocolate glaze, then place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for an hour.

These bites are not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy natural sweetness with a touch of chocolate. Plus, they’re made with dates, so there’s no refined sugar in sight!

Tropical Chia Pudding with Pineapple and Mango Compote 🍍🥭

Finally, let’s make a refreshing tropical chia pudding, topped with a raw pineapple and mango compote. This is a perfect treat for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Ingredients for Chia Pudding:

  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Ingredients for Pineapple Mango Compote:

  • 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh mango, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

Instructions:

  1. Make the Chia Pudding: In a bowl, mix chia seeds, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  2. Prepare the Compote: Blend the chopped pineapple and mango with the lime juice to your desired consistency.
  3. Assemble: Spoon the chia pudding into bowls or jars and top with the compote. Layering works great for a beautiful presentation!

This tropical chia pudding is loaded with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, making it an indulgent yet nourishing treat.

Q&A Segment: Your Sweet Treat Questions Answered! 🍫

Q1: Can I use a different nut butter for the banana and strawberry bites?

  • A1: Absolutely! You can use any nut or seed butter you like—peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed butter. Make these recipes work for you!

Q2: Can I prepare the energy bites in advance?

  • A2: Yes! These energy bites store beautifully in the fridge for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer. Perfect for meal prep.

Q3: What if I don’t have fresh pineapple or mango for the chia pudding?

A3: No worries! You can use frozen pineapple and mango—just let them thaw a bit before blending.

 Sweet Treats That Support Your Health 🍪

So there you have it—three sweet treats that are as nourishing as they are delicious. I hope you feel inspired to try these recipes at home and see just how easy it is to enjoy healthy, plant-based sweets.

🎉 Join Us for More: Don’t miss our Sweet Escape: Your Sugar Detox Journey webinar next Wednesday, August 21 at 1 pm EDT. We’ll dive even deeper into reducing sugar in your diet and supporting your health naturally. Click the link below to sign up—I’d love to see you there!

🌐 Sign Up for the Webinar

If you enjoyed today’s post, please share it with someone who’s looking for healthier dessert options. And don’t forget to subscribe to our series for more tips, recipes, and inspiration on your journey to cancer resilience.

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