A Bad Romance: Your Second Stomach (for Desserts only) and You

Happy Tuesday! Let's get real here people....Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" isn't about a guy and some abusive relationship....it's about CAKE, and the abusive relationship with all things delicious. Seriously, that music video made about zero sense to me anyway and would be way more relatable to the average person were it to have been Lady Gaga holding a gigantic slice of four-layer triple chocolate cake (but that's just me). Anyhoo, since I'm kind of on a health kick right now, as demonstrated by my post last week, I thought I'd delve into the food issue a bit more. Now if you are like me, and have a second stomach when it comes to dessert, finding yummies that won't exponentially expand your waistline is a toughie. I don't really subscribe to the whole "have some fruit for dessert, it's healthy and delicious" idea. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE fruit, I could practically write a sonnet about my love of strawberries and apples, but for dessert, I'm usually looking for something of the chocolate/ feel-really-really-guilty-after-eating-it variety. So, I will now share with you some of my favorite recipes for "healthier" desserts. 

1) Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

Parfaits are super great because you can put practically anything in them that you have and there are many lovely variations to try. 

My personal favorite combo:

~Chobani Plain/Non-fat Greek Yogurt (or other low-fat/non-fat yogurt)

~Blueberries (full of antioxidants!)

~Granola

~Small chunks of dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao).

This one is so versatile that you could switch out the blueberries for whichever fruit you wanted!

2) Frozen Chocolate-Dipped Bananas

Let me just say that I am not usually a big fan of bananas, I only buy them because they are super good for you and packed full of awesome nutrients. That being said, I've found that this is a good way to make them taste absolutely scrumptious! 

Ingredients:

~Bananas (or other fruit of your choice)

~Chocolate (I usually go with some good quality dark at least 70% cacao)

~Nuts, Sprinkles or other toppings (optional)

Break chocolate up into chunks and put in a microwave-safe container. Microwave in 30 second increments and stir in between. Finish heating when almost all the chocolate is melted, but not all the way, then stir. Now work quickly and dunk half the banana in the chocolate. If desired, then roll in nuts or sprinkles. Place into the freezer for about 30-45 minutes or until banana is frozen through...then enjoy! You can do this to a bunch of other fruits if you want to as well!

4) Frozen Grapes

Ingredients:

~Grapes

This one is so easy it's not even funny. Simply take as many grapes as you would like, put them in a freezer-safe container and wait until frozen through. Yes, it IS that simple. They taste like little mini slushies and are completely guilt-free (plus they help lower cholesterol!).

5) Cranberry-Chocolate Nut Bites.

Ingredients:

~Chocolate 

~Your choice of nuts and dried berries (I like almonds, sunflower seeds and dried cranberries or craisins)

This one is relatively simple as well and highly versatile too! Melt some chocolate of your choice as in the recipe for the frozen bananas. Lay out some parchment or wax paper. Put a small dollop of the chocolate down on the paper, then quickly place desired nuts and berries on top of the chocolate layer. Finish off by covering the nuts and berries with another small dollop of the chocolate. Repeat this process for however many you would like to make. Wait for them to dry.....and YUM!

That's all I've got for now! I hope this helps you enjoy dessert in a somewhat healthier manner! 

Now, Watch Emma Skate....And Make Healthy Desserts!