The arrival of warmer weather in beautiful Port Macquarie is generally a reminder to us all to check in on our wellness – are we being healthy, active and treating our bodies well? If you think you could potentially do better in the diet department but don’t want to give up on an occasional sweet treat, we are totally on the same page. We’ve done the leg work and found some amazing options – check out these 10 delicious healthy summer treats as an alternative to traditionally indulgent desserts!
So we know it’s a little early, but these look suspiciously like rum balls, and Christmas is oh so close… Exciting! Get a dose of the superfood buckwheat with these tasty chocolately bliss balls. Take a few with you for a wholesome snack on the run, and keep a batch in the fridge to help fight chocolate cravings any time of day. One of these every now and then could keep you from needing a big dessert after dinner!
As the name suggests, sweet potato can add a lovely sweetness to your baked treats if you’re trying to cut back on sugar. These could also make a great lunch box treat! With the help of some grated apple and a small amount of maple syrup, no-one will know these delicious wholesome muffins have no added sugar!
How does it go? ‘You’re not you when you’re hungry..’ These healthy snickers bars will give you the hit you need without the guilt! They are also conveniently free of most of the strange and wonderful ingredients that healthy recipes usually require – you may even have what you need already in the pantry! They look pretty decadent to us… Definitely going to try this one over the weekend!
This twist on the traditional chocolate chip creamy goodness that is Stracciatella gelato is completely dairy free, so much easier on your tummy! It’s main ingredient is probably lurking in your fruit bowl, begging for a better life, or popped into the freezer with good intentions for future use – now is the time. Grab those questionable bananas and give this one a go – because who doesn’t love gelato on a warm day!
There is something about coconut that just tastes like Summer. We aren’t there yet, but gosh we are getting close! The low amount of sugar and the fresh delicious fruit makes this one the perfect option for an afternoon snack that won’t leave you feeling heavy or headachey!
There is something delightful about the fact that peanut butter is considered a healthy ingredient. It’s so yummy! It’s also high in protein and magnesium which are linked to maintaining heart health. These cookies also don’t require you to turn on the oven – an absolute win as the weather heats up! For those with intolerances, this recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, refined-sugar free AND vegan-friendly. They are also only about a 30 minute process from start to finish – great for hungry tummies after school.
Ice cream is the pinnacle of Summer dessert options – and frozen yoghurt is definitely a much more health-friendly option. The flavour combination of berries and basil just screams freshness – it will be a crowd pleaser, for sure!
So this one is a little odd – black beans? In brownies? The evidence is in the reviews… and that picture – wow! We cannot believe something that delicious looking is not completely naughty. They’re gluten free and low fat and a must try!
These are definitely on the naughtier end of the scale but are so much lower in sugar than their original counterparts. With no cholesterol and no butter or eggs in the recipe, they can be easily adapted to whole-grain, vegan, and MUCH lower in sugar, fat, and calories than traditional chocolate chip cookies.
If low carb is your goal, cheesecake is always a good way to go! These are keto compliant and the individual servings allow for perfect portion control. They are designed to mimic the flavours of a cinnamon roll – yum! They are a little more substantial than a cookie, so are the perfect sure for 3:30itis, guaranteed to get you through until dinner time!
And if you really aren’t the baking type – head in to see us at Hastings Coffee Co.. We have some gluten-free, vegan or mini options to keep that perfect balance between health and indulgence – see you soon!
