Tag: healthy ready to eat snacks

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How to Prepare Gluten and Sugar Free Desserts Using Pine Nuts


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Versatile Health Providing Pine Nuts

The crunchy but buttery textured, sweet pine nut is often overlooked in many people’s diets.

Pine nuts are actually seeds that are collected from pine trees cultivated mainly in Europe and the US. Eaten for centuries, they were enjoyed by Roman soldiers and Spanish explorers alike who enjoyed snacking on them and they were ground into flour by American Indians.

USES

For the most part, pine nuts can be used wherever traditional tree nuts or peanuts are used. Often found in stir fry’s, they make the cross-over easily between savory and sweet dishes and are an excellent change from the “everyday nut.” Perfect sprinkled over both fruit and vegetable salads.

They are popular in different sauces, especially pesto sauce and you’ll find them in granolas, cookies, chocolates and crunchy health bar creations as well as breads, cakes, biscuits, cookies, confectionery and ice cream items. You can purchase them at any local supermarket or health food store.

This little nut is not in the same botanical category as tree nuts so many people that have nut allergies can tolerate pine nuts. However, there are people that react to both, so always be cautious and sensible.

Most popular in countries where they are harvested, they are widely used in the US, Spain, Morocco and Italy and are called by a variety of names including pinon, pine kernel, pignoli, pignolia and Indian nut.

Enjoyed raw or roasted, pine nuts feature a tough dark-brown outer coat or shell and have a sweet nutty flavor and crunchy texture. However, flavor isn’t the only reason people enjoy pine nuts. They offer amazing health benefits too.

AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS

Offering similar healthy nutrients as other nuts including monounsaturated fats they provide a wealth of anti-aging antioxidants that combat free radicals (and help to control how fast you age) including vitamins A, B, C, and D. You’ll also get a nice boost of energy from the protein, magnesium and iron they offer. Offering similar healthy nutrients as other nuts including monounsaturated fats.

They are a great source of healthy fats that help keep cholesterol and blood sugar levels down, protein (the building block of nearly every part of the body) and like almonds, pine nuts are an excellent source of vitamin E. They are healthy source of B-complex vitamins as well as minerals such as manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium and zinc.

An added bonus is the fiber they provide. Just one serving of nuts provides around 20% of the recommended daily amount of fiber and they are great at suppressing feelings of hunger thanks to the hormone cholecystokinin.

Because pine nuts are also gluten-free, they are a popular ingredient in gluten-free recipes that are gaining popularity.

PROPER STORAGE

Pine nuts must be shelled first and eaten shortly after due to their high oil content (prone to rancidity). Unshelled nuts have a longer shelf life and can be stored safely for many months while shelled kernels deteriorate quickly once exposed to warm, humid air. Be sure to store them in airtight jars inside the refrigerator.

Want to prepare gluten and sugar free desserts using pine nuts? Watch this video – Homemade pine nut cookies – gluten free

You can find delicious raw dessert and treat recipes that feature healthy pine nuts in  “Blended Bites” as well as a great variety of desserts and treat recipes that are not only gluten and sugar free but incorporate veggies into them as well. 

Author Bio:

Carolyn Hansen is the author of The Blended Bites Healthy Snack and Dessert Recipe Collection. This is a one-stop resource for delicious, healthy, guilt-free snacks that you can eat every day. And even better, EVERY ONE of these recipes are RAW healthy snack foods that taste as good as their fattening counterparts.

You can NOW satisfy your snack urge without any negative impact on your weight loss and fitness goals, and without sweating over a hot stove. These easy-to-prepare snacks contain no sugar, no flour or butter and are paleo friendly.

So, if you want to get your hands on recipes for desserts and snacks that you will not need to feel guilty about eating the next time you have a craving for something delicious, be sure to check out Carolyn Hansen’s books at Blended Bites, where she will show you how to take control of your blender and churn out mouth-watering desserts and snacks that will have the kids in your neighborhood lined up around the block for a sample.

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How to Get Rid of Terrible Toxins and Excess Body Fat


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New evidence is emerging regarding the role of the level of toxins in the body as a contributing factor in excess weight. As these toxins are stored in our body in fat cells, those with a higher body fat percentage generally store a greater amount of toxins.

Today more than 80,000 chemicals are in active production and our exposure to these toxins is greater than at any other time in history. More than 3,000 chemicals are added to our food supply and more than 10,000 chemicals in the form of solvents, emulsifiers and preservatives are use in food processing and storage.

The unfortunate truth is we are continually subjected to poor air quality, chemically contaminated food and water, household cleaners, paint fumes, pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides and heavy metals.

It’s not surprising, given the ever increasing amount of toxins in our environment and the foods we eat, that many people suffer a level of toxicity that surpasses the point that their body’s own natural detoxification system can cope with.

When these destructive chemicals find their way into our bodies, they can remain there for years wreaking havoc and causing damage. This damage alters our metabolism (our body’s engine) causing enzyme dysfunction and nutritional deficiencies, creating hormonal imbalances and lowering our threshold of resistance to chronic disease. Chemicals and toxins build up in the body and end up causing problems regardless of body weight.

When body fat begins to accumulate it’s usually an indication that toxins are accumulating too because the body retains fats as a way to protect the vital organs in the body from the toxins that we ingest or create through stress. 

If you currently struggle with excess body fat, especially around the mid-section, it is a visible sign of toxic build up and a good indication that the liver is not functioning as efficiently as it should.

Truth is, everything that crosses our lips must be used by our body or it must be neutralized and eliminated as a waste product. Otherwise it gets stored in your body and piles up like garbage.

Our body’s reaction to a toxic substance is simple: protection, and there are two primary ways that the body takes action against these toxins. First, it will try to flush them out. If that fails, it will try to lock them away.

However, if toxins build up faster than they can be eliminated and reach a level beyond which the body’s detoxification pathways can cope, then the body begins to “dilute” the amount of circulating toxins in an attempt to protect organs and tissues.

It does this by diluting them and storing them in water and fat. Because most of these toxins are fat soluble the body will also make new fat cells to store them as far away from vital organs as possible similar to the way a nuclear power plant seals in concrete and buries toxic radioactive waste. These toxins get sealed up in fat cells and locked away where they seemingly cannot harm us.

IMMUNE SYSTEM

It seems that our highly intelligent immune system does not allow for the removal of excess fat and water if the level of toxins that is stored in them puts our life in jeopardy by their release into the bloodstream. It simply protects us by keeping toxins locked safely away.

Unfortunately, these type of fat cells that are used to store waste are particularly stubborn and the body will not give them up easily. This is the primary reason that so many people have great difficulty losing excess weight. In reality, it becomes nearly impossible to keep body weight down unless the total toxic load is decreased first.

In order for this to happen, we need to shift our diets to healthier foods in order to detoxify the body. This gives the body a chance to cleanse, repair and strengthen itself. Once we get rid of the “terrible toxins” in our body, the protective layer of fat disappears too!

With so many processed foods hitting the shelves these days it is imperative that we steer clear of these “toxic overloads” and stick with what Mother Nature has given us naturally if we want to experience health and healthy weight.

A proper exercise program that incorporates strength training strengthens the entire body and helps it function properly and cleanse itself. However, no amount of exercise will overcome a diet loaded with processed foods.

Want to get rid of terrible toxins and excess body fat? Watch this video – 11 Unexpected Ways to Free Your Body from Toxins

Eating clean is not an option, it is mandatory towards detoxifying the body.

Choose organic fruits and vegetable to avoid chemicals, pesticides and herbicides and give your body a chance to eliminate the accumulated toxins. At the very least, your goal should be to eat “clean” at least 80% of the time.

This does not mean that you have to give up desserts and treats if you plan and choose the right ingredients – even desserts can be made healthy, nutritious using veggies and fruits and will help you meet your daily requirements too…and it’s good for you!

If you are ready to take your traditional desserts and turn them into “life giving” desserts grab my “50 Desserts with Hidden Veggies. “  In it you will discover no bake, Paleo friendly, no sugar, gluten free healthy sweet treat and dessert recipes…

Author Bio:

Carolyn Hansen is the author of The Blended Bites Healthy Snack and Dessert Recipe Collection. This is a one-stop resource for delicious, healthy, guilt-free snacks that you can eat every day. And even better, EVERY ONE of these recipes are RAW healthy snack foods that taste as good as their fattening counterparts.

You can NOW satisfy your snack urge without any negative impact on your weight loss and fitness goals, and without sweating over a hot stove. These easy-to-prepare snacks contain no sugar, no flour or butter and are paleo friendly.

So, if you want to get your hands on recipes for desserts and snacks that you will not need to feel guilty about eating the next time you have a craving for something delicious, be sure to check out Carolyn Hansen’s books at Blended Bites, where she will show you how to take control of your blender and churn out mouth-watering desserts and snacks that will have the kids in your neighborhood lined up around the block for a sample.

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How to Avoid Symptoms and Signs of Gluten Intolerance?


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There’s one food that is at the heart of many different problems today when it comes to health as well as body weight, that food is gluten.

Gluten is coming into greater awareness and getting a lot of attention as more and more people are getting educated about what gluten can do for you and to you.

Gluten is a type of protein found in foods that contain wheat, barley and rye. Many people lack the specific digestive enzymes and capability to break down and digest gluten. When they do ingest gluten, it causes a variety of symptoms to occur.

Those with Celiac disease have a condition where if gluten is consumed it causes damage to the villi that line their intestinal tract. This causes serious malabsorption of nutrients to occur.

Previously only those with full-blown Celiac disease restricted gluten from their diets.

However, with all the attention that gluten is getting these days, many individuals recognize the symptoms and realize that they be may suffering from gluten insensitivity and taking proactive steps to eliminate it from their diets.

Truth is, gluten can really be detrimental to your overall health; far more so than some people realize so it’s really important to learn all there is to know about why gluten has surfaced as a health issue.

Over-consumption of gluten containing foods on a regular basis still has very negative consequences. It can actually increase the risk for a number of other additional diseases as well.

The symptoms of gluten intolerance range quite heavily from one person to another. Some people experience a range of symptoms while others experience a few.

Typical gluten intolerance symptoms include:

Digestive issues: Gas stomach pain, bloating, and constipation can come on very quickly after consuming gluten containing foods. If consumed on a day to day basis these symptoms will take a while to subside.

High Levels of body fatigue: when consuming gluten containing foods some people will note that they experience a high level of fatigue. They may feel lethargic and some even experience a sharp decline in physical performance related activities as well.

Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances can also take place after consuming gluten containing foods. It can lead to issues such as PMS, libido problems, PCOS or even infertility in some cases.

Brain Fog and Neurological symptoms: A very common symptom in those who are sensitive to gluten. Becoming mentally tied, having a hard time concentrating and not being able to think straight are all symptoms of gluten insensitivity. Feeling dizzy or even slightly off balance after eating foods containing this protein will often accompany brain fog.

Headaches: Those very sensitive to gluten often experience headaches on a regular basis. Sometimes it’s just a normal headache that is experienced but in some cases they cause migraines when these foods are consumed.

Inflammation and inflammatory conditions: One of the biggest issues concerning gluten containing foods is that they increase the level of inflammation present in the body. When inflammation becomes very chronic and wide spread in the body you put yourself at risk for a wide number of different diseases such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. Chronic inflammation is nothing to fool around with. It is a serious problem that must be addressed if you are going to sustain proper health.

Mood imbalances: Many people are not aware that the foods they eat can and do impact their moods but the connection is very strong. Feelings of anxiety, depression, mood swings, bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder can all be experienced when consuming gluten containing foods.

If you resonate with many of these symptoms, you are likely suffering from gluten intolerance and you need to be eliminating as many of these gluten containing foods from your diet as possible.

If you are going to go gluten free it’s important that you make an effort to go completely gluten free. Eliminating gluten from your diet isn’t something that can be done successfully 80% of the time. The minute you eat anything that contains gluten, the negative side effects begin coming back so it’s really an all or nothing at all kind of thing.

Be aware that gluten is found in many foods that you least expect so it’s imperative to pay attention to your diet and identify potential problem foods. You must take time to read any food label that you are going to be consuming to make sure it does not contain gluten.

Cut gluten partially out and you’ll still be struggling and putting yourself at risk for all the negative health issues mentioned previously. As long as any gluten is in your diet, the effects will manifest in your body.

Want to avoid symptoms and signs of gluten intolerance? Watch this video  – Vegan No-Bake Cheesecake (Gluten-Free, Refined Sugar-Free, Easy)

Going gluten free doesn’t mean that the “fun foods” are gone for good. For some incredibly delicious sugar and gluten free veggie based dessert and treat recipes visit: “Blended Bites” a compilation of 50 desserts and sweet treats that use veggies as either the main/star ingredient or playing a supportive role. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what the possibilities are once you open yourself to them!

Author Bio:

Carolyn Hansen is the author of The Blended Bites Healthy Snack and Dessert Recipe Collection. This is a one-stop resource for delicious, healthy, guilt-free snacks that you can eat every day. And even better, EVERY ONE of these recipes are RAW healthy snack foods that taste as good as their fattening counterparts.

You can NOW satisfy your snack urge without any negative impact on your weight loss and fitness goals, and without sweating over a hot stove. These easy-to-prepare snacks contain no sugar, no flour or butter and are paleo friendly.

So, if you want to get your hands on recipes for desserts and snacks that you will not need to feel guilty about eating the next time you have a craving for something delicious, be sure to check out Carolyn Hansen’s books at Blended Bites, where she will show you how to take control of your blender and churn out mouth-watering desserts and snacks that will have the kids in your neighborhood lined up around the block for a sample.

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A Higher Fiber Nutrients Rich Dessert Recipe – Chocolate Zucchini Bars


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Zucchini, a summer squash (also goes by the name courgette), has its origins in America although countries like Japan, China, Romania, Turkey, Italy, Egypt and Argentina are the largest producers of Zucchini today.

Although there are a few varieties from yellow (golden) to light green and dark green, the dark green is the one most often found and that most people are familiar with.

This healthy summer squash is actually considered a fruit but most often used as a veggie. It looks similar to a cucumber (and also has numerous seeds like cucumbers) and offers much in the way of health benefits:

Boasting high levels of vitamin C, protein, fiber and carbohydrates. It also offers healthy doses of potassium, folate and Vitamin A, and helps promote eye health and other diseases that occur from vitamin C deficiency such as scurvy and sclerosis and it even helps those who bruise easily.

Zucchini is grown year round and enjoyed raw, sliced or cooked. It is often shredded and used in breads as well as cold and hot salads. Full grown zucchini are a bit tough and too fibrous to enjoy but young zucchini offer a soft covering with a subtle taste and buttery white flesh.

The whole squash, the flesh, seeds and skin of a zucchini can be eaten and enjoyed. It has even been known to help reduce weight (how’s that for an added benefit?) while boosting nutrition because it is very low in calories providing only 17 per g.

The peel of zucchini is good source of dietary fiber, helping reduce constipation and offering some protection against colon cancers. It also contains no saturated fats or cholesterol.

Here’s a great Zucchini recipe to get you started. This is just one of many you’ll find in “Blended Bites” a collection of some of my favorite dessert recipes that use veggies/fruits as a main ingredient.

Creating desserts like this take that awful “guilt” out of the equation. 

Chocolate Zucchini Bars

Base

  • 1 cup almonds
  • ½ cup sunflower seeds
  • 1 cup dates, soaked at least 30 minutes and drained
  • ¼ cup cocoa or cacao powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla essence

Place almonds and sunflower seeds into a food processor and process until mixture is broken down and crumbly. Add other ingredients and process until well combined. Spoon out into a small dish or pan and spread out evenly.

Filling

  • 2 cups desiccated coconut
  • 1 cup zucchini, peeled and diced (about 1 medium zucchini)
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, warmed until liquid
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Blend all ingredients together until are well combined. Spread over base mixture.

Topping

  • ¼ cup coconut oil, warmed until liquid
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Mix all together in a small bowl and swirl on top of filling. Place into fridge to firm up then cut into bars.

Want to have another high fiber nutrients rich dessert recipe? Watch this video – High-fibre chocolate fudgy brownie bites

Ready to take your traditional type desserts and turn them into “life giving” desserts? Grab my “50 Desserts with Hidden Veggies. “  In it you will discover no bake, Paleo friendly, no sugar, gluten free, healthy sweet treat and dessert recipes…

It’s time to make every bite you take count!

Author Bio:

Carolyn Hansen is the author of The Blended Bites Healthy Snack and Dessert Recipe Collection. This is a one-stop resource for delicious, healthy, guilt-free snacks that you can eat every day. And even better, EVERY ONE of these recipes are RAW healthy snack foods that taste as good as their fattening counterparts.

You can NOW satisfy your snack urge without any negative impact on your weight loss and fitness goals, and without sweating over a hot stove. These easy-to-prepare snacks contain no sugar, no flour or butter and are paleo friendly.

So, if you want to get your hands on recipes for desserts and snacks that you will not need to feel guilty about eating the next time you have a craving for something delicious, be sure to check out Carolyn Hansen’s books at Blended Bites, where she will show you how to take control of your blender and churn out mouth-watering desserts and snacks that will have the kids in your neighborhood lined up around the block for a sample.

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How to Create Healthy Homemade Snacks with Lemons?


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Improve Your Health and Your Disposition with Lemons

The lovely little yellow lemon is packed with flavor but thankfully not with calories.

One whole lemon is only 12 to 20 calories, yet provides our bodies with nearly all of our daily vitamin C requirements.

Vitamin C among other things, builds collagen in the body. Collagen is essential for smoothing out wrinkles and lines in the face.

But, lemons are way more than flavor and vitamin C. They are a real powerhouse of antioxidants known as flavonoids that help reduce the risk of heart disease, inflammation and even have the ability to fight certain cancers.

Flavonoids help to locate and eliminate potentially harmful particles called free radicals that could otherwise damage the body’s cells and DNA. Additionally, lemons help to improve cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and relieve heartburn. They provide both antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

This small but powerful superfood not only provides us with Vitamin C, but also provides many B vitamins, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and fiber. When enjoyed with foods high in iron (such as leafy greens) they can help the body to absorb it.

Even though lemons themselves (before you eat them) are acidic in nature, they actually work to keep your body alkaline – a healthy pH level. They also boost the immune system and benefit the digestive system and are known to help with weight loss because the fiber they provide is pectin and studies have shown that pectin reduces hunger cravings (because it helps us to feel fuller longer.)

Like most fruits and vegetables, the whole fruit is what provides full health benefits…so don’t be afraid of using the peel (where most of the vitamin C is found.)

Although the big punch of vitamin C is located in the peel of the lemon, all of it can and should be used…juice it, zest the peel, or use the lemony flesh in any dish that requires a bit of brightening up. Citrus enhances both savory and sweet dishes.

Don’t be duped into buying pre-squeezed lemon juice. Go for the real thing if you really want to benefit from this little yellow jewel. When buying fresh lemons choose the ones that are fully yellow and if possible go organic. Any green left on the lemon means that it has not yet ripened fully.

Avoid lemons that are wrinkled, dull in appearance or excessively hard. Most people are not aware that you can even freeze citrus whole…including lemons. So, there really is no reason to not have fresh lemons at your fingertips. It’s always best to go fresh but this works in a pinch.

Although drinking lemon water has been a mild trend for a while now, this trend is growing rapidly as more and more people discover the exceptional benefits that lemon water provides. Best when used in warm water and perfect as your morning “stimulant.” It’s great for flushing out toxins and preventing constipation.

In a recent study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “regularly consuming vitamin C led to younger-looking skin with less wrinkles.” How’s that for a benefit?

Even the scent of lemons is pleasant to most people and has been found to improve moods as well as decrease stress levels.

Want to create healthy homemade snacks with lemons? Watch this video – Easy Healthy Lemon Bars (5 ingredients!)

So, what are you waiting for? The next time life hands you lemons, make lemon juice!

Looking for some exciting dessert and treat recipes using lemons that actually contribute to your health? Are ready to take your traditional desserts and turn them into “life giving” desserts?  “50 Desserts with Hidden Veggies” is your answser. In it you will discover no bake, Paleo friendly, no sugar, gluten free healthy sweet treat and dessert recipes… It’s time to make every bit count!

Author Bio:

Carolyn Hansen is the author of The Blended Bites Healthy Snack and Dessert Recipe Collection. This is a one-stop resource for delicious, healthy, guilt-free snacks that you can eat every day. And even better, EVERY ONE of these recipes are RAW healthy snack foods that taste as good as their fattening counterparts.

You can NOW satisfy your snack urge without any negative impact on your weight loss and fitness goals, and without sweating over a hot stove. These easy-to-prepare snacks contain no sugar, no flour or butter and are paleo friendly.

So, if you want to get your hands on recipes for desserts and snacks that you will not need to feel guilty about eating the next time you have a craving for something delicious, be sure to check out Carolyn Hansen’s books at Blended Bites, where she will show you how to take control of your blender and churn out mouth-watering desserts and snacks that will have the kids in your neighborhood lined up around the block for a sample.

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Why Raw Cacao is a Super Ingredient Choice for Creating Healthy Snacks?


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Raw Cacao – A Rich Source of Nutrients and a Powerhouse of Antioxidants

The cacao bean is the source of both cacao powder and cocoa powder. However, if you are looking for the purest form of chocolate you can consume packed with the most nutrients, raw cacao is your answer.

Cacao powder has been enjoyed for centuries in the kitchen and as a health aide. It is believed to be the highest source of antioxidants of all foods and the highest source of magnesium of all foods – it even trumps dark chocolate when it comes to antioxidants provided offering 300 different chemical compounds with nearly 4 times the antioxidant power of dark chocolate.

Cacao powder is also considered brain food because it contributes to cognitive function and the flow of blood to the brain – it improves heart health, stress and cholesterol levels and reduces inflammation. It is perfect for desserts, smoothies and even makes the cross-over easily to savory dishes.

Cacao beans grow in cacao pods on the fruit tree known as “Theobroma Cacao.” When the pods are cracked open the cacao bean is released. The bean is then harvested, fermented (not always) and dried.

Cacao and cocoa powder are not the same

In cacao powder the bean is still in its raw state – uncooked, unprocessed and additive free. It is unadulterated and is not as processed as traditional cocoa powder. It is processed by cold-pressing (pressing the oil/cocoa butter out) unroasted cocoa beans which removes the fat but keeps the living enzymes active.

Cocoa powder on the other hand has been roasted at high temperatures which changes the molecular structure of the bean and reduces the enzyme activity lowering the nutritional value.

The fattest part of the cacao fruit is the cacao butter that lines the inside of the cacao bean. Offering a rich, buttery texture similar in taste and texture to white chocolate.

Cacao powder is what remains of the fruit once the cacao butter is cold-pressed removed. It is the most important ingredient for making chocolate. An excellent source of nutrients, offering monounsaturated fats and cholesterol-free saturated fats. It also offers a wealth of vitamins, minerals, fiber, natural carbohydrates and protein.

Cacao nibs are cacao beans that have been chopped into edible pieces similar to chocolate chips but with no added sugars or fats. They do contain the same wealth of nutrients, fiber and fat you find in cacao beans. Nibs are just small bits of fermented, roasted, dried and crushed cacao bean. Offering an intense, non-sweet, chocolaty taste, they are very good for your health.

Cacao nibs and cacao powder are becoming a healthy cook’s best friend and are showing up everywhere.

The versatility of cacao nibs is one reason for their recent popularity. Similar to a macadamia nut in texture, cacao nibs are crunchy yet tender. If chocolate is already a favorite treat of yours, then you’ll likely fall in love with cacao nibs – even if their somewhat “bitter” taste takes a bit of getting used to.

They are perfect as is just sprinkled on your favorite gluten and sugar free cupcakes or mixed into your favorite homemade granola.

Consider creating healthy snacks using raw cacao? Watch this video – Deliciously Ella – Cacao & Almond Energy Balls

Ready to take your traditional desserts and turn them into “life giving” desserts? “50 Desserts with Hidden Veggies” was written with you in mind.  In it you will discover no bake, Paleo friendly, no sugar, gluten free healthy sweet treat and dessert recipes…

Isn’t it time to make every bite you take count!

Author Bio:

Carolyn Hansen is the author of The Blended Bites Healthy Snack and Dessert Recipe Collection. This is a one-stop resource for delicious, healthy, guilt-free snacks that you can eat every day. And even better, EVERY ONE of these recipes are RAW healthy snack foods that taste as good as their fattening counterparts.

You can NOW satisfy your snack urge without any negative impact on your weight loss and fitness goals, and without sweating over a hot stove. These easy-to-prepare snacks contain no sugar, no flour or butter and are paleo friendly.

So, if you want to get your hands on recipes for desserts and snacks that you will not need to feel guilty about eating the next time you have a craving for something delicious, be sure to check out Carolyn Hansen’s books at Blended Bites, where she will show you how to take control of your blender and churn out mouth-watering desserts and snacks that will have the kids in your neighborhood lined up around the block for a sample.

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How to Choose the Right Ingredients to Create Healthy Nutritious Desserts?


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Shift Your Perception about Dieting by Adopting the Addition Diet

Elimination diets have been around for a while now. They are a dime a dozen putting focus on food groups that need elimination from your diet. Filled with words like “can’t,” don’t touch,” and “bad for you”…all pointing the fingers in a negative direction.

It’s no surprise then that many people “fall off the bandwagon” when trying to improve their eating habits by following such negativity.

But just as all things in life change and evolve, so too does healthy eating and there’s a new kid on the block gaining popularity called the “addition diet.” Even the name sounds positive and reflects positive images into our psyches.

The “addition diet” represents a real shift in perceptions (a psychological shift) from negatively to positively approaching our diets. It shifts the “can’t” to “can”…a much more empowered way of doing things.

Truth is, human beings are curious by nature. If we are told we cannot do something or cannot eat something it seems as though a trigger goes off inside and suddenly we want those things more than ever and that’s when real battle begins.

The “addition diet” avoids this negative “dieting” trigger by allowing you to add foods not subtract them.

This puts your mind in a different mindset, a healthy, positive mindset…one focused on the positive rather than the negative putting you on a direct path to success.

Dieting in general teaches us to remove unwanted, unhealthy foods such as certain types of breads, sugar and all processed foods but they fail to inform us on what to replace these foods with so we’re left with a big gap in food and meal choices. Unfortunately, most times we end up filling these gaps with “junk foods.”

The first thing you need to do before beginning an “addition diet” is to make a list of foods that will be added to your eating plan rather than subtracted from. These foods should be real, natural, whole fresh choices.

Your goal should still be stellar health and vibrant living and that can only happen with real live food.

So, if you’re ready to shift your diet perceptions from negative to positive then it’s time to start making a list of foods you’ll want to incorporate into your new “addition diet.”

Here a short list to get you started (this list is only an example and not the end-all).

Fruits and Vegetables: Be adventurous and expand your horizons. Mother Earth has provided us a rich bounty. Try some fruits or vegetables that you have not been willing to try before…or possibly some you have not had in a while. Vegetables such as sweet potatoes are perfect choices but why not reach for that Mango you’ve never tried too?

Protein: This is another area that you can get adventurous in. Quality proteins include things such as grass fed meats, fresh fish from the ocean and free range poultry and eggs. High quality whey protein powders are also good choices.

Healthy fats: Your body needs fat in order to be healthy but we’re talking healthy fats – not bad ones. Coconut oil is one of the perfect fats that can replace some of the “bad fats” that may be lurking in your kitchen cabinets.

Nuts and seeds – There are lots of raw nuts and seeds you can add – nutrient-rich and packed full of healthy fats too.

The whole idea of an addition diet is to focus on adding foods into your diet that “contribute” to your health balance and by doing so; you automatically “crowd out” the ones that are “subtracting” from your health balance.

Simple, important and powerful!

You don’t have to give up desserts and treats either if you plan and choose the right ingredients – even desserts can be made healthy, nutritious (using veggies and fruits will help you meet your daily requirements too) and good for you!

Watch this video – Homemade PROTEIN BARS Recipe (Easy & Healthy)

If you are ready to take your traditional desserts, treats and snacks and turn them into “life giving” ones grab my “50 Desserts with Hidden Veggies. “  In it you will discover no bake, Paleo friendly, no sugar, gluten free healthy sweet treats and dessert recipes…

It’s time to make every bite you take count!

Author Bio:

Carolyn Hansen is the author of The Blended Bites Healthy Snack and Dessert Recipe Collection. This is a one-stop resource for delicious, healthy, guilt-free snacks that you can eat every day. And even better, EVERY ONE of these recipes are RAW healthy snack foods that taste as good as their fattening counterparts.

You can NOW satisfy your snack urge without any negative impact on your weight loss and fitness goals, and without sweating over a hot stove. These easy-to-prepare snacks contain no sugar, no flour or butter and are paleo friendly.

So, if you want to get your hands on recipes for desserts and snacks that you will not need to feel guilty about eating the next time you have a craving for something delicious, be sure to check out Carolyn Hansen’s books at Blended Bites, where she will show you how to take control of your blender and churn out mouth-watering desserts and snacks that will have the kids in your neighborhood lined up around the block for a sample.

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How to Create Healthy Raw Sweet Desserts and Treats to Satisfy Your Sugar Cravings?


Click HERE to Get These Super Healthy Sweet Treats & Dessert Recipes

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Explore the Exciting World of Raw Sweet Desserts and Treats

Have you ever made a cake without having to bake it? Or whipped up desserts like chocolate mousse, cookies, and ice cream without using sugar, flour, dairy, soy or eggs as ingredients? Does that seem impossible to you?

It’s not only possible, it is by far the preferred way to prepare snacks and desserts and most people are astonished to discover how easy it is to make exciting, delicious sweet recipes which use raw and live food ingredients including vegetables.

The truth is, understanding the role that raw foods play in your diet and the expansion of their use is critical to your long term overall health.

Living foods are alive, they have not been cooked – at least to the level that it destroys the enzymes that we would otherwise derive from the food for our benefit. Most times this means the food in its uncooked or raw state.

Raw foods that can be added to your diet daily without first needing to be cooked are any raw nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits, sprouted grains, and beans. These foods are not processed, heated, cooked or altered in any way. They are nothing more than whole foods in their natural living state, a gift from Mother Nature herself.

You might question whether nuts can be considered “live food.” But, if you consider the fact that nuts sprout when soaked in water it’s easy to see that they were just in their dormant state and waiting to be prompted. They are very much alive just waiting for the perfect environmental opportunity of water, light and warmth to activate their inner life force.

This is why it is better to sprout beans, nuts and even seeds overnight – it activates the food’s living energy in the form of enzymes that pass instructions at the cellular level (important to us because it assists our ability to digest food properly.

On the contrary, cooked foods have been stripped of the enzymatic activity that raw living foods have to offer.

Gluten intolerance which is a condition experienced by many is largely explained by this idea as wheat is not sprouted before it is cooked so the gluten (part of the cell structure) becomes indigestible and toxic to those that are particularly vulnerable to it.

If wheat is first sprouted and then cooked at a temperature below 112 degrees Fahrenheit it is still alive when eaten. Essene bread (named after the Essene’s, an ancient civilization that flourished 2,000 years ago) is freshly made sprouted wheat and rye bread that is unbelievable good and contributes to your health rather than causing a toxic reaction. These nature lovers cooked their grains/bread after sprouting on a rock in the sun.

It’s important to elevate the amount of food in your diet which is rich in active enzymes because your body needs them to function properly and will actually deplete its own enzyme reserves if they are not constantly replenished.

It seems that nature gifts each one of us with an “enzyme bank account.” This account needs regular deposits made by taking in the enzymes found in raw foods. If we do not make regular deposits but simply continue to use up our present supply, we become more susceptible to aging, disease and premature death.

Once you discover

Designing healthy snacks is something of an art and cannot be made by simply taking a normal recipe based around sugar, butter and white flour and turning it into something healthy. However, once you get a feel for it you’ll find yourself experimenting more and more. Get the family involved. Find out what their favorite raw foods are and incorporate them into your sweet dishes.

Expand your horizons to include an array of vegetables in your sweet, raw desserts and treat dishes as well as savory dishes. They add moisture, texture, fiber, taste and color. They are a real adventure in boosting your health and fun to explore in more depth.

Not only will nutritional, raw, fresh ingredients (in your snacks treats and desserts) make you feel and look great, but they taste great too. And, the best thing of all, they are guilt free meals.

Eating a wide variety of fruits and veggies is key to maintaining balanced nutrition and a healthy body.

Watch these 2 videos to learn how to create healthy raw sweet desserts and treats to satisfy your sugar cravings

What I Eat When I’m Craving Sugar [Low Sugar Dessert Recipe!!]

Healthy Sweet Tooth Treats | Desserts

Discover no bake, Paleo friendly, no sugar, gluten free healthy sweet treat and dessert recipes that incorporate a wide variety of healthy vegetables…“50 Desserts with Hidden Veggies. ” 

Isn’t it time you began introducing these much ignored nutrient-dense super-stars into all your dishes…including your desserts?

Author Bio:

Carolyn Hansen is the author of The Blended Bites Healthy Snack and Dessert Recipe Collection. This is a one-stop resource for delicious, healthy, guilt-free snacks that you can eat every day. And even better, EVERY ONE of these recipes are RAW healthy snack foods that taste as good as their fattening counterparts.

You can NOW satisfy your snack urge without any negative impact on your weight loss and fitness goals, and without sweating over a hot stove. These easy-to-prepare snacks contain no sugar, no flour or butter and are paleo friendly.

So, if you want to get your hands on recipes for desserts and snacks that you will not need to feel guilty about eating the next time you have a craving for something delicious, be sure to check out Carolyn Hansen’s books at Blended Bites, where she will show you how to take control of your blender and churn out mouth-watering desserts and snacks that will have the kids in your neighborhood lined up around the block for a sample.

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How to Create Healthy Raw Desserts to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth?


Click HERE to Get These Super Healthy Sweet Treats & Dessert Recipes

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

Treat Your Sweet Tooth to Healthy Raw Desserts

Shifting your lifestyle from one with destructive, disease inviting habits to one that embraces health and wards off disease doesn’t have to be as painful as some people believe especially when it comes to diet.

Many people are under the misguided belief that their “sweet tooth” will suffer in this transition and because of that they stay locked into their unhealthy eating patterns and health destroying desserts.

But the reality is, you don’t have to give up your sweet desserts and treats. You simply have to change your perception of desserts and treats and modify them to reflect healthier ingredients.

What better way is there to make a lifestyle shift towards healthier eating and better health than with decadent raw desserts that are as healthy as they are delicious?

Truth is, you can serve up delicious raw desserts, snacks and treats that are created from the healthiest foods on earth…those that Mother Nature provides us.

When your desserts are made with real, whole, healthy ingredients that our bodies were designed to eat and process…those that provide anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes what is there to feel “bad” or guilty about?

You can replace your guilt with “joy of knowing” that you while your taste buds are getting a treat, your body is getting the gift of nutrition.

Dried fruits and other natural sweeteners replace harmful white sugar, coconut and its oil replace butter, cream and eggs (avocados are often used to replace fat too) and ground nuts can be used to replace flour. The only things you eliminate are bloating, lethargy and guilt. In return you get energy and a feeling of lightness…and all the joy, goodness and satisfaction you want and expect from dessert.

With a new perception we can appreciate desserts in a whole new way – raw and healthy. Raw desserts are a delight literally. They taste better than their counterparts and offer fresh dynamic “clean” flavors because they are created from real, whole healthy ingredients.

Imagine throwing almonds, avocados, dates and cacao powder in a food processor and creating rich cream chocolate mousse. Or, how about serving up a slice of “cheesecake” that you’ve put together with healthy ingredients like fruits and nuts that could easily rival something in a gourmet bakery.

And, to make your raw desserts even healthier…try adding vegetables to them.

Raw desserts offer more flexibility than their baked or cooked counterparts and eating them helps us to not only achieve ultimate health but it helps us to maintain a healthy weight. The negative impacts of chemicals in our food and our exposure to food allergens like wheat, dairy and gluten are eliminated.

Next time you serve dessert, feel good about what you are serving. Try serving something made with raw healthy ingredients and watch as people’s face light up and they come back for seconds.

Here’s a simple but delicious fudge recipe that’s sure to quench your sweet tooth and bring in rave reviews.

White Chocolate Goji Fudge

Grind up:

  • 1/2 cup goji berries (usually sticky not really a powder)
  • Blend until smooth:
  • 1/2 cup cacao butter
  • 1/2 cup cashews
  • 1/2 cup agave nectar

Blend in ground goji powder and mix in by hand:

  • 1/2 cup cacao nibs, 1/2 cup whole goji berries
  • zest from 1 orange

Spread in a glass pie plate and chill in the freezer until firm.

Serve and accept compliments with grace…

Isn’t it time you began introducing much ignored nutrient-dense super-star ingredients into all your dishes…including your desserts?

Watch these 2 videos to learn how to create healthy raw desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth:

4 Simple & Healthy Desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth!

5 EASY + HEALTHY SNACKS | Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

For more delicious, nutritious desserts and treats – “50 Desserts with Hidden Veggies.” Inside  you will discover no bake, Paleo friendly, no sugar, gluten free healthy sweet treat and dessert recipes…

Author Bio:

Carolyn Hansen is the author of The Blended Bites Healthy Snack and Dessert Recipe Collection. This is a one-stop resource for delicious, healthy, guilt-free snacks that you can eat every day. And even better, EVERY ONE of these recipes are RAW healthy snack foods that taste as good as their fattening counterparts.

You can NOW satisfy your snack urge without any negative impact on your weight loss and fitness goals, and without sweating over a hot stove. These easy-to-prepare snacks contain no sugar, no flour or butter and are paleo friendly.

So, if you want to get your hands on recipes for desserts and snacks that you will not need to feel guilty about eating the next time you have a craving for something delicious, be sure to check out Carolyn Hansen’s books at Blended Bites, where she will show you how to take control of your blender and churn out mouth-watering desserts and snacks that will have the kids in your neighborhood lined up around the block for a sample.

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What are the Good Fats You Can Use for Preparing Healthy No Bake Desserts?


Click HERE to Get These Super Healthy Sweet Treats & Dessert Recipes

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Choosing Healthy Fats – Good Fats vs. Bad Fats

Although nutritionists and doctors alike have been preaching the benefits of a low-fat diet as one of the keys to managing cholesterol, losing weight and preventing future health issues, it’s really more about what types of fat you eat…not the amount.

Bad fats such as trans-fats and saturated fats have given a bad name to all fats but fat isn’t always the bad guy when it comes to disease and weight gain.

Truth is, eating fat can be heart-healthy when you pick the right fat. In fact, in order for your body to function at peak performance, your body needs some fat…the healthy kind. If you try and avoid all fat you risk not getting enough fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids.

To truly understand the difference between good and bad fats it’s important to know the major types of fats we’re dealing with.

Bad Fats include:

Trans-fats

Trans-fats and some saturated fats are bad because they increase the risk of disease and elevate cholesterol levels and play havoc with your weight. Good fats on the other hand protect your heart and your overall health.

In fact, good fats like omega-3 fats (fish is by far the best source of omega-3 fatty acids) are essential to your body physically, mentally and emotionally. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fat and are proving to be especially beneficial. Getting more omega-3’s in your diet can help to sharpen memory, protect against dementia, balance mood and battle fatigue.

Healthy fats are far more satiating than refined and processed carbohydrates and a healthy diet should include at least 50-70 percent healthy fats.

Healthy fats do not include things like vegetable oils that are often marketed as being “healthy.” These man-made, refined and processed vegetable oils they want to label as “healthy” are actually loaded with unhealthy omega 6-fats that mess with your fat storing-fat burning hormones.

Fructose along with the wrong types of carbohydrates such as grains (that break down into sugar once in the body) lead to weight gain and eventually obesity. Other conditions such as weight-loss resistance are also the result of eating the wrong types of carbohydrates. The key is to begin replacing grains, sugars and lost carbohydrates with healthy fats.

Healthy Fats

Healthier dietary fat includes:

  • Monounsaturated fats
  • Polyunsaturated fats
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (a type of polyunsaturated fat)
  • Some saturated fats (like those found in coconut oil)

There are many readily available sources of healthy fats that you can include in your diet, here’s a few examples:

  • Olives and olive oil – Not for high temperature cooking but perfect for cold dishes
  • Coconuts – All forms of coconut…shredded, dried, fresh and flour for cooking and baking. Coconut oil or butter is good for high temperature cooking
  • Avocados
  • Butter – From grass fed cows
  • Raw nuts – All raw nuts not roasted
  • Seeds – Chia, flaxseed, sunflower, sesame and pumpkin seeds
  • Eggs – Free range
  • Meat – Grass fed

When focusing on replacing bad fats with healthy ones, a good place to start is to eliminate the trans-fats in your diet because no amount of trans-fats is healthy. They all contribute to major health issues ranging from heart disease to cancer.

The answer is not cutting fat out of our diets…it’s learning to make wise healthy choices in regards to which fats we eat as we begin replacing bad damaging fats that are currently in our diets with ones that promote health and well-being.

It’s time to take your traditional desserts and turn them into “life giving” desserts.

Watch this video to learn how to create healthy no bake desserts using good fats – Chia Seed Energy Bars: No-bake power packs for pre/post-workout

Grab my “50 Desserts with Hidden Veggies. “  In it you will discover no bake, Paleo friendly, no sugar, gluten free healthy sweet treat and dessert recipes that use only healthy life giving fats.

Author Bio:

Carolyn Hansen is the author of The Blended Bites Healthy Snack and Dessert Recipe Collection. This is a one-stop resource for delicious, healthy, guilt-free snacks that you can eat every day. And even better, EVERY ONE of these recipes are RAW healthy snack foods that taste as good as their fattening counterparts.

You can NOW satisfy your snack urge without any negative impact on your weight loss and fitness goals, and without sweating over a hot stove. These easy-to-prepare snacks contain no sugar, no flour or butter and are paleo friendly.

So, if you want to get your hands on recipes for desserts and snacks that you will not need to feel guilty about eating the next time you have a craving for something delicious, be sure to check out Carolyn Hansen’s books at Blended Bites, where she will show you how to take control of your blender and churn out mouth-watering desserts and snacks that will have the kids in your neighborhood lined up around the block for a sample.

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