If you’re looking for some healthy recipes to celebrate Valentine’s Day and not crash your diet, look no farther! Surprise your loved ones with some healthy sweet treats. Instead of chocolate and candy, opt for these better-for-you Valentine’s Day snacks.
Heavenly Filled Strawberries– these are not only delicious, but look beautiful and taste great!
Ingredients: 3 dozen large fresh strawberries, 11 ounces cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup swerve (or other sugar substitute), 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, grated Lilly’s (or other sugar free) chocolate *optional
Directions:
- Remove stems from strawberries; cut a deep “X” in the tip of each berry. Gently spread berries open.
- In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and extract until light and fluffy.
- Pipe or spoon about 2 teaspoons into each berry; if desired, sprinkle with chocolate.
- Chill until serving.
Black Bean Brownies- These have all the great taste of chocolate, but without the zillion calories, as an added bonus they are filled with protein.
Ingredients: 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained, 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided, 3 tablespoons canola oil, 3 large eggs, room temperature, 2/3 cup packed swerve brown sugar, 1/2 cup baking cocoa, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Place the beans, 1/4 cup chocolate chips and oil in a food processor; cover and process until blended.
- Add eggs, brown sugar, cocoa, vanilla, baking powder and salt; cover and process until smooth.
- Transfer to a parchment-lined 8-in. square baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips.
- Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.
If you do not have time to go the homemade route, there are now plenty of low sugar, sugar-free, and dark chocolates available at most stores.
