Celebrate the holidays with low or no-sugar recipes using No Yolking™
By: Kerry Foreman, Owner and Founder of Muskoka Mornings®
With Easter right around the corner, many of us may be worrying about veering off the healthy track. Rest assured, we are here to supply you with delicious, yet wholesome, holiday treats the whole family with love!
What are the health benefits of no-sugar chocolate?
Did you know that dark chocolate is actually good for the brain and increases energy? Dark chocolate is a great source of antioxidants and has been proven to increase energy and brain health.
Dark chocolate high in cocoa contains many great nutrients including fibre, magnesium, iron, and copper. On top of this, when consumed in moderation, dark chocolate can help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. It can also reduce the lodging of cholesterol in arteries, which may help lower the risk of heart disease. One of the biggest benefits we like to focus on is the way that dark chocolate can improve brain function.
One study conducted on sixteen healthy young subjects showed that eating flavanol-rich cocoa for five days improved blood flow to the brain. This data suggested the potential of using cocoa flavanols for treatment of vascular impairment, such as dementia and strokes.
Dark chocolate also boosts the production of the feel-good chemicals in our brain, our endorphins. Not only does an endorphin boost make us feel better, but it also reduces pain and stress. Try to avoid adding sugar though, and use one of the great substitutes we mention in a previous blog, “The Skinny on Natural Sweeteners” .
What kind of no-sugar chocolate is best?
To reap all of these benefits, it is best to buy dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, ideally 70 to 85%.
Some delicious sugar-free chocolate recipes to try using No YolkingTM 100% Egg White Protein Powder:
This Easter, bake up some of our healthy sugar-free chocolate goodies! A recipe sure to please any crowd is our No YolkingTM Protein Packed Zucchini Brownies. While these are perfect anytime you crave a little chocolatey treat without the guilt, you can also use cookie cutters to cut out seasonal shapes, such as a bunny or egg, and decorate them with the kids for your Easter celebration!
If brownies don’t hit the spot, try our Chocolate-Mint Avocado Mousse. Not only do the ripe avocados give this dessert the luscious texture everyone loves but they also add fibre, heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants that are essential for healthy looking skin. Adding No YolkingTM 100% Egg White Protein Powder to the mousse also makes it a protein powerhouse and the cocoa powder helps reduce inflammation. You won’t feel bad “indulging” in this delicious treat!
For more low-sugar, super fun holiday ideas, check out our recent social media post where we shared some simple ways to have a sugar-free Easter that’s still loaded with family fun!
