Tag: sweet treats

sugar

Top 5 Tips to Kick Sugar Addiction

Holidays are a great time to gather with family and friends, create memories and celebrate.  They are also a time when sugar and less nourishing foods fill the table.

Since the holiday weekend, I’ve heard from clients and friends how they are struggling with cravings, especially sugar.  Did you indulge in sweets and yummy treats over the weekend?  You’re definitely not alone.  Cutting back from sugar and resisting cravings can be challenging but there are some ways to do so successfully.

Below are my top tips for kicking sugar cravings and bouncing back to healthier habits with ease.

Top 5 Tips to Kick Sugar Addiction

  1.  Consume Gut-Healthy Foods:  Sweets and less nourishing foods can be hard on our gut.  Loving our gut is so important for optimal health and disease prevention.  Adding in foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented foods and drinks like kombucha and kefir can provide many benefits.  Not only will they nourish the gut, but they also decrease sugar cravings.  Add apple cider vinegar to homemade salad dressings to help reduce sugar cravings.
  2. Fill Up on Fiber: Fiber not only helps you feel full but it also helps to to detoxify the body.  Something our body naturally wants to do during the spring season.  Some recommended foods are avocados, Brussels, artichokes, figs, quinoa, coconut and berries.
  3. Don’t Skimp on Fat:  When we hear the word fat, we often think negative thoughts.  Healthy fat is so good for you and provides so many health benefits.  It’s better to burn fat for energy than relying on sweets and caffeine for energy.  Not only will consuming healthy fat provide more energy, but it will also help kick sugar cravings.  Some recommended healthy fats are avocados, coconut oil, avocado oil and nuts.
  4. Don’t Forget the Protein: Protein is important and should be incorporated in your meals.  Not only does healthy protein provide many benefits, but it helps balance blood sugar and reduces sugar cravings.  Some preferred protein sources are grass fed beef and bison, wild caught salmon, organic chicken, adzuki beans, kefir, pasture raised (humane certified preferred) eggs and lentils.
  5. Healthier Swaps:  If you’re craving sugar, there are healthier alternatives to feed the cravings.  I love snacking on goji and mulberries.  When making drinks or meals, swap out sugar and substitute it with local raw honey.  Pure maple syrup is another great alternative.  Grapes and baby carrots are a sweeter treat when you’re trying to eat healthier and fight off the cravings.  Coconut sugar is a great substitute for meals and treats.  I love snacking on dates and use them for many of my healthy treats.
RECIPE: Try this healthy treat recipe if you’re desiring something sweet and satisfying: CACAO DATE BLISS BALLS

Fighting off sugar cravings can be challenging but adding in these tips and being aware of your mindset can really help.  Have you implemented tips that you’ve found work for you?  I would love to hear and welcome your comment below.

PS… Feeling like you need a reset this Spring Season?  Join me and other ladies as we Spring Into Sexy!  Will you be joining us?  For more information: https://kimwilson.me/spring-reset/

NOTE: SPACES ARE LIMITED!!! REGISTER ASAP!

Have a SWEET day, Friends! 

XOXO,

Kim

chocolate

Dark Chocolate Coconut and Cranberry Bark

When you think of Valentine’s Day, what’s the first thought to come to mind?  Are you thinking about romance?  Maybe it’s a gorgeous bouquet a roses.  Many times, I think of chocolates.  I am not much of a “sweet’s person” but I do enjoy some dark chocolate from time to time.  That’s one of the reasons why I love this Dark Chocolate Coconut and Cranberry Bark recipe.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s guilt free, easy to make and stores well.  One batch makes plenty to share too!  want more, double up the recipe. ?❤️

Instead of over indulging with a box of chocolates and hitting a sugar crash, try this cleaner and healthier option.  You may find yourself keeping these staples in your pantry.  I find myself making this recipe more than once a year.  In fact, I add peppermint to it during the holidays.  It makes for a yummy and festive treat or gift.

Dark Chocolate Coconut and Cranberry Bark #healthytreats #chocolatebark #cleanrecipes

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This recipe is very flexible, so add ingredients that you like.  If you want some peppermint, throw in some peppermint extract.  If you want more crunch, chop up some raw nuts and add them into the melted chocolate mixture.

 

dark chocolate coconut and cranberry BARK

INGREDIENTS:

1- 1/2  cups dark chocolate chips (I used extra dark and organic)

4 Tbsp organic coconut milk

1- 1/2 cups organic coconut oil (melted)

Handful of  shredded organic coconut (unsweetened)

Handful of dried organic berries (of your choice), chopped

*Optional: A pinch of Himalayan or Sea Salt

*Note:  Raw nuts (chopped) would be yummy in this recipe too!  If you decide to add peppermint, add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract to the melted chocolate.

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare an 8×8 inch glass baking dish with parchment paper.  The paper should cover the bottom of the pan and all four sides.

On your stove top, heat the chocolate in a double boiler (or sauce pan over a pot of simmering water).  Continue stirring while the chocolate melts.  Add in the coconut milk.  Stir until you have a thinner and creamy chocolate texture.  If you choose to add peppermint, salt or nuts, add it in now.

Spread the melted chocolate evenly across the bottom of the pan.  Freeze your chocolate until it sets.  I’ve discovered the freezer is a better (and less time consuming) option than the refrigerator.

When your chocolate is ready to come out of the freezer, start to melt your coconut oil in a clean dish.  Once heated, coconut oil turns into a liquid texture rather quickly.  If your oil still has some lumps in it, continue stirring until all of the lumps are gone.

Pour the melted coconut oil over your chilled chocolate.  It will spread very easily.  Sprinkle the shredded coconut and chopped berries over the melted oil.  Chill in the freezer or fridge until the oil sets.  It will have a pretty white top once it’s done.

Once both layers have chilled and set, remove them from the fridge or freezer.  You can add more coconut and berries, if you choose.  I like to do it while the oil is still warm because it molds the toppings into the bark.

Remove the bark from the pan and peel off the parchment paper.  Place your prepared bark on a cutting board and chop into pieces.  Serve and enjoy!

Note:  If you want to store your bark, I recommend storing it in the fridge or freezer.  Room temperature may melt the bark and make it softer.  You can also use coconut butter instead of coconut oil.  Coconut butter is usually found in health food stores.  You can also make your own.  To do so, blend an entire package of unsweetened shredded coconut in your food processor or high speed blender.  The flakes turn into a creamy, buttery texture.  Both options are delicious, so choose whichever one you prefer.

I would love to hear your thoughts about this sweet treat!  If you have any suggestion about other ingredients that you like, I welcome you to comment below.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Beauties! 

 

XOXO,

Kim

CACAO DATE BLISS BALLS

With the holidays quickly upon us, I know sweet temptations will arise.  I am already hearing the concerns from friends and clients.  That’s why I want to share this yummy cacao date bliss balls recipe with you.  It’s a must try!

This yummy treat will not only help satisfy your cravings and sweet tooth, but it’s packed with many health benefits too!

Dates are rich in several vitamins, minerals and fiber.  With the high amount of fiber, they help with constipation and promote healthy movement through the body.  Dates are also a super food for strengthening bones and providing extra energy.  Other benefits include boosting the nervous system and increasing sexual stamina.  Dates also help to diminish allergic reactions and provide heart health.

Cacao is an AMAZING superfood!  It’s packed with so many benefits and is much healthier than processed chocolate.  Cacao helps to naturally lower blood pressure, provides energy and mood enhancers, helps to balance hormonal mood swings, helps prevent premature aging and provides protection for your heart.  Cacao is also great for healthy skin, hair and nails.  Cacao should be a staple in your kitchen!  You can add it to so many recipes, drinks and treats.

Pumpkin seeds are often seen this time of year.  They have become a staple in my kitchen because of the many benefits they provide.  They effectively reduce inflammation, help to lower cholesterol, naturally fight depression, promote better sleep and help to maintain a healthy metabolism.  Pumpkin seeds are a great antioxidant and can be added to recipes in a variety of ways.

I’m not sure what’s better about this recipe- the simplicity of making it, the delicious and sweet taste or the powerful punch of healthy benefits. 

 

CACAO DATE BLISS BALLS

Yields:  25 Balls

Ingredients:

8 dates, soaked

2 cups pumpkin seeds, soaked for 5 hours then rinsed

¼ cup raw cacao

½ cup coconut flakes

2 tablespoons water

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon cinnamon

BLEND:  Blend all of the ingredients using a high-speed blender. Take a spoonful and roll into a ball. Set each ball on a tray.

Finally, allow the balls to harden in the refrigerator.

NOTE:  I used a cookie dough/mellon baller to make mine more round.  You can also use a spoon.

 

I would love to hear your feedback!  I welcome you to share in the comments section below. Enjoy, Friends!

Happy Holidays!

 

XOXO~

Kim