What better way to relieve some stress than to bake and create treats for your loved ones! Below I have included a few of my favorite healthy desserts and new recipes to try out.
Among the many activities one could do with an abundance of free time at home, baking seems to be a no-brainer activity. The baking itself is like a mini-meditation because you are focusing the mind relying on exact measurements and a method to not allow yourself to be distracted by your thoughts can have a very therapeutic effect.
Professor Donna Pincus, associate professor of psychological and brain sciences at Boston University, told The Huffington Post baking can allow people to express themselves creatively. "There's a lot of literature for connection between creative expression and overall well-being," she told the publication. "Whether it's painting or it's making music [or baking], there is a stress relief that people get from having some kind of an outlet and a way to express themselves."
Below I have included a few of my favorite healthy dessert recipes to try out and bake your stress away! Enjoy.
Energy Balls
This has been my current obsession anywhere I go! If you're ever in Düsseldorf try the homemade energy balls at Laura's deli which are my absolute favorite. Otherwise, some grocery stores often include versions of these hearty balls in their organic sections. However, when I have the time I prefer making my own! I personally love this recipe by Jessica Sepel which is super simple and easy to make. These are a must-try, get creative, and test them out!
Ingredients for Energy Balls
Makes: 10 Energy Balls
4 tbsp. LSA mix (linseed, sunflower, almond meal)
2 tbsp. mixed seeds (I like pumpkin and sunflower seeds)
1 tbsp. cacao (can omit)
2 heaped tbsp. almond butter (or any nut butter)
1 tbsp. chia seeds
1 tsp. cinnamon
2-3 tsp. stevia powder/6 vanilla stevia drops
1/4-1/2 cup warm filtered water – start small and add more as needed
1/4 cup desiccated coconut, for rolling (can omit)
Method:
In a high-powered blender or food processor, add all the ingredients and blend until the mixture is smooth. If the mixture is too wet, add more LSA mix; if the mixture is too dry, add a splash of warm water.
Spread the desiccated coconut over a plate.
Roll into balls of your desired size and roll in the desiccated coconut.
Place balls into an air-proof container and refrigerate for up to 7 days.
Ingredients for Matcha Energy Balls
Makes: 8 Matcha Energy balls
1 cup almond meal
3 tbsp coconut oil
3 heaped tbsp desiccated coconut, plus extra for rolling
1-2 tsp matcha powder
5 dates, pitted and roughly chopped
3-4 tbsp filtered water
100 Calorie Mug Cake: Banana or Chocolate?
Okay, now this is the perfect mini, single-serve recipe to satisfy any sweet tooth! I enjoy this delicious chocolate mug cake recipe. However, if you're not a fan of chocolate (unlike me) you can create a healthy banana mix, which can also be doubled as a healthy pancake or banana bread mix.
Banana Mug Cake Ingredients:
1/2 medium overripe banana mashed very well
1 tbsp almond flour
1 tbsp nut butter (I recommend cashew butter)
2-3 tbsp nut milk
Sprinkle of chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional)
OR
100 Calorie Chocolate Mug Cake Ingredients:
2 TBSP flour
1 1/2 TBSP no-calorie sweetener (I recommend stevia extract)
2 tsp cocoa powder
1/4 tsp baking powder
2 TBSP Almond milk
1 tsp coconut oil
1 drop of vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Method:
1. Mix and Microwave on high for 30-35 seconds and enjoy!
Healthy Hot Chocolate
Simple but satisfying! After these long cold months of winter and rain in the Netherlands, hot chocolate hits the spot. After dinner, I love making a D.I.Y. healthy hot chocolate which is lower in calories and sugar than the mixes and will benefit your sleep in the long run!
Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened nut milk of choice (Tip: froth the milk before adding the cocoa powder)
1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tbsp dairy-free semisweet chocolate (chopped)
1/8 tsp peppermint extract (optional)
Sweetener of choice (I prefer 1 Tbsp raw sugar or 1/2 packet powder stevia per mug)
Coconut whipped cream (optional topping)
Method:
1. Microwave on high 45 seconds to 1 minute until chocolate is melted and enjoy!
Easy Choc-Banana
Growing up in Germany this was my favorite simple dessert. It consists of microwaving a banana with chocolate on top. Back in the day, we always microwaved it with Kinder Chocolate (a childhood staple), but now I prefer dark chocolate or cocoa nibs and a sprinkle of cinnamon to top it off (chef kiss). Dark chocolate has many benefits including Vitamins B and K. This simple snack or dessert not only satisfies your sweet tooth but contains a lot of vitamins as well. Try it out with frozen raspberries for a twist.
Ingredients:
1 ripe banana
2 squares dark or milk chocolate (Or a Kinder Chocolate!)
1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Method:
1. Microwave on high 30 to 45 seconds until chocolate is melted and serve.
Melty Chocolate Chip Cookies
Nothing beats the quarantine blues than baking some hearty gooey traditional chocolate chip cookies. This would have to be one of my favorite dessert recipes right now because they are so indulgent and the perfect treat.
Ingredients:
1/3 cup almond butter (heaped)
1 cup almond meal
1 tsp mesquite (optional)
1 tsp organic vanilla extract
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1 organic, free-range egg (or flax egg, if you’re vegan)
100g quality dark chocolate, chopped.
1/2 tsp sea salt
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius, fan-forced.
2. In a bowl, place all ingredients except the chocolate and stir until a dough forms.
3. Add a dash of water if too dry.
4. Stir in the chocolate.
5. Spoon onto a tray lined with baking paper.
6. Form into a large circular shape and flatten.
7. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. (Bake for longer for a crispy consistency).
8. Cut into slices and serve!
Tried any of these ideas? Post a picture and tag me and I will re-post it! Have some recipes or tips of your own? Leave a comment below! To help ensure all of us lead extraordinary lives. Thanks for visiting gorgeousandglobal.com. And see you in my next post!
XOXO,
KEN