Healthful Bites

10 Feb 2012
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My Top 5 Non-Food Treats

When you finish a week’s-worth of hard workouts or make it through a particularly busy day successfully, you deserve a reward, right? All too often, however, we think of that reward as spoon + pint of ice cream or burger + fries (or your food splurge of choice which may cancel out all of your efforts in the gym). Since you do deserve to give yourself props for a job well done—and show some love with Valentine’s Day approaching!—here are five ways to treat yourself without food.

Manicure/Pedicure. I feel so spoiled when someone else pampers my hands and feet, but a DIY one does the trick too! The positive feelings continue for days since the pretty nails will brighten your mood and remind you of the awesomeness you accomplished to deserve the mani/pedi.
Massage. This is perfect for a post-workout indulgence since your muscles will get plenty of TLC. Your insides will love it too: research has shown that massages can decrease blood pressure and stress, and may even help to ease symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Movie. In our era of constant connectivity, it’s nice to turn off your technology for a couple hours and lose yourself in a good flick. Bonus points if Ryan Gosling is involved!
New music, book, etc. Step 1: Load your iPod with a new playlist or buy an item off of your Amazon wishlist. (I recommend the new David Guetta album or An Invisible Thread by Alex Tresniowski and Laura Schroff.) Step 2: Relax and enjoy.
“Me Time.” This one is awesome because, as J. Lo says, it “don’t cost a thing.” Sometimes what you really crave is an unscheduled evening or weekend to kick your feet up and do whatever makes you happy. Read that new book? Great! Watch a reality TV show marathon guilt-free? Go for it. Take a long nap? You got it! When you’re constantly go-go-go, nothing feels better than clearing out your schedule and doing what recharges your batteries.

What are your favorite rewards for a job well done?

3 Feb 2012
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Two Must-Try Light Chocolate Recipes

With all of the running I’ve been doing (OK, it hasn’t been that much yet, but go with me here!), it’s time for a treat. But as many experts tell you, exercising isn’t a free pass to go off the deep end. With that in mind, I tried out two different desserts that taste decadent but won’t blow your calorie budget. Bonus: They would both be a sweet way to please your Valentine!

Low-Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies from Skinny Taste

What makes these top the Tollhouse recipe standby? Three key swaps:

Instead of half of the fat, use unsweetened applesauce (which makes for a super-moist cookie!).
Use whole-wheat pastry flour in place of all purpose to boost the fiber and whole grain content without making the baked goods hard and heavy.
Opt for mini-chocolate chips over regular-sized to spread the joy around the batter more.

Note: The mixture will be thinner than a typical batter before baking. But fear not! After exiting the oven (see picture below on right, yes, I’m classy and cool my cookies on a paper towel :) ) they will very much resemble the cookie you’re used to. And they taste fantastic!

One-Minute Chocolate Cake from Chocolate-Covered Katie

A single-serving baked dessert that you can make in a flash and without using your oven? Yes, please! I have no idea why, but something about watching this puff up and solidify in the microwave seems much more magical than an oven-baked cake. Cocoa powder adds amazing chocolate flavor without the fat that comes with chocolate pieces or bars—and makes this recipe vegan-friendly. Applesauce or mashed banana can sub for the oil in this recipe as well, and Katie’s smart recipe utilizes a half-and-half mix of sugar and stevia for great taste and nutrition facts.

I’m so happy that I stumbled upon these two recipes, and highly recommend that you give them a shot! What is your favorite dessert lately?

6 Feb 2010
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Concentrating on Chocolate

Valentine’s Day falls on next Sunday. Are you ready?

Considering I’m thoroughly single, I don’t have too much preparing to do :) (Except for the Valentine’s Day movie—that looks great!) Even single, it’s fun to celebrate the holiday and all those you love, especially in the middle of the harsh winter. Flowers and kind notes brighten up any day!

Many couples celebrate with dinner reservations and something that looks a little like this:

(Image from Lolah’s Tasty Talk)

Share the traditional box of Godiva’s with your sweetheart and you’ll also split the 1,350 calories and 81 grams of fat (for 27 pieces). If you really enjoy the chocolate assortment and do so as an occasional treat, then go ahead and enjoy! But if you eat the mystery bites because they are a gift or simply because they are around, I’ve got a few ideas for how to make your holiday more healthful:

Try whipping up one of these better-for-you chocolate recipes from Eating Well magazine. Chocolate fondue and s’mores can be fun couple activities as well!
We’ve talked about the benefits of dark chocolate before on Healthful Bites. I was lucky enough to try SweetRiot chocolates, courtesy of Dr. Fitness, this summer. Note: these dark chocolate-covered cacao nibs are not for milk chocolate diehards. I can only vouch for the “Flavor 70” SweetRiots (made with 70 percent dark chocolate), but they pack a bit of bitterness. But it’s much better to get a bit of bittersweet in chocolate form than bittersweet in relationships, am I right? The chocolates come in small tins, each with 140 calories and about 11 or 12 grams of fat. SweetRiot is a tasty, antioxidant-packed choice for dessert or a snack. Cupid’s Cacao Three-Pack looks like a pretty nice Valentine’s gift to me!

Better Health magazine also has lightened-up chocolate recipes online here. The Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Bites sure look tasty! Try whipping them up for your honey and sending them off to work with a couple on Monday to make the V-day celebrations continue.
For one of the most visually appealing and produce-packed Valentine’s gifts around, order an Edible Arrangement for your loved one. The company picks fantastic fruits and dips some in chocolate for an added touch of decadence.

(Image from Deal Locker)