Nourishing Foods: Finding Balance with Sweet Treats and Healthy Choices

Let’s be real – I’m not someone who always eats perfectly healthy. In fact, I’m a bit guilty of enjoying a piece of chocolate with my cup of tea, especially when it's in my favorite Bloom mug, winding down with my nighttime routine. But here’s the thing – I’ve learned that healthy eating isn’t about being perfect; it’s about finding balance and fueling my body with foods that sustain me.

I never used to be a huge fan of fruit (I know, what was I thinking?), but now I’m totally obsessed! There's something so refreshing about biting into a juicy apple or tossing some berries on top of my oatmeal. The best part? It’s super easy to incorporate fruits and veggies into my day when I shop at my local market, and I even prep them the day before so I don’t have to think about it later.

I’ve discovered that you can enjoy your favorite treats and still nourish your body – it’s all about finding the right balance. And when I’m in the mood for something sweet, I’ve found a few ways to sneak in healthy ingredients without compromising on flavor. So, here’s to enjoying life’s little pleasures, but also fueling your body with wholesome goodness.

Protein Balls with Coconut & Chocolate Chips

These protein balls are my go-to snack when I need a little pick-me-up, and the best part? They’re easy to make, satisfy that sweet tooth, and sneak in some good-for-you ingredients like coconut and protein. The 70% cocoa chocolate chips add the perfect rich flavor without being overly sweet.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)

• 2 tbsp nut butter (almond or peanut butter works great!)

• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (I love using 70% cocoa)

• 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate flavor)

• 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional, but great for extra nutrients)

• 1/4 cup water (or more, depending on texture)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, shredded coconut, protein powder, and chia seeds.

2. Add the nut butter, honey or maple syrup, and chocolate chips. Mix everything together until well combined.

3. Slowly add water, a little at a time, until the mixture sticks together and forms a dough-like consistency.

4. Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.

5. Pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set, and voila – you've got yourself a batch of nourishing, chocolatey goodness!

These little protein balls are perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but still want to give your body a bit of love.

Beetroot Brownies: A Sweet and Nourishing Twist

Now, if you’re anything like me, you’ve got a soft spot for chocolate desserts. But sometimes, I want a little extra nourishment in my sweets, so I turned to beetroot brownies. Not only are they ridiculously delicious, but beets also bring a wonderful richness to the brownies, plus they're packed with nutrients like fiber and vitamins. You honestly won’t even know the beets are in there – they just make these brownies super moist and fudgy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and pureed beetroot (about 2 medium-sized beets)

• 1/2 cup almond flour (or your preferred flour)

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)

• 1/2 cup coconut sugar or maple syrup

• 2 eggs

• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (again, I use 70% cocoa)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp baking powder

• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a food processor or blender, puree the cooked beetroot until smooth. You’ll need about 1 cup of beetroot puree for the recipe.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt.

4. Add the eggs, beetroot puree, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips to the dry ingredients and mix well.

5. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Allow the brownies to cool before cutting them into squares and enjoying the rich, decadent flavor.

These beetroot brownies are the perfect example of how you can enjoy a sweet treat while sneaking in some healthy ingredients. They’re not only delicious but they also pack a little extra nutritional punch from the beets!

Finding balance in my meals, enjoying sweet treats, and still nourishing my body has been such a rewarding journey. It’s all about the small changes, like adding fruits and veggies to my routine, and sneaking in healthy ingredients wherever I can. And let’s be honest – enjoying a little chocolate with my cup of tea isn’t something I’ll ever give up. But now, I feel better about how I’m fueling my body, and I’ve found that balance makes everything taste a little sweeter.

So next time you’re craving something indulgent, why not try one of these recipes? They’re a perfect way to enjoy life’s pleasures without compromising on nourishment.