Virtuous Treats

Let’s face it, sometimes we need to indulge our sweet tooth. Thankfully, there are ways to do so without compromising health and wellbeing goals.

Being healthy doesn’t need to mean deprivation and suffering. Everything in moderation is a mantra we can get behind. So, if an apple just isn’t going to cut it, there are now so many choices for sweet treats which still feel indulgent while being a good source of nutrients for the body.

If opting for chocolate, go for a dark variety with a high percentage of cocoa solids –70 per cent or more. Not only will you need less to feel satisfied but cocoa is an excellent source of antioxidants, among other things. Strawberries dipped lightly in a good-quality dark chocolate are a wonderfully healthful treat. Frozen banana dipped into chocolate is also a favourite with the children. In fact, any fruit dipped in dark chocolate is a winner.

Homemade ice blocks are a great way to control the sugar level while using as many wholesome ingredients as possible: use Greek yoghurt and add whizzed up strawberries and maple syrup, or try a banana, avocado, honey and yoghurt combination.

Bliss balls have not finished strutting around in the health limelight – the choices are seemingly endless for combinations; just blitz, roll into a ball and enjoy. Some combinations we think sound delicious: tahini, honey and dessicated coconut; walnut, pistachio, dates, good-quality cocoa, cranberries and goji berries; dessicated coconut, carrot, raisins, coconut butter or oil, cinnamon and a tiny drop of vanilla extact… let your imagination run wild. Just make sure you are using good-quality whole foods.

A dressed-up fruit salad is also something to look forward to for pudding, as is drawing on the goodness of fruit and nuts to create a sensational Raspberry Yoghurt Parfait with Passionfruit Curd (pictured above). See below for the recipes. Enjoy!

• Summer Fruit Salad with Lemongrass and Star Anise Syrup
• Raspberry Yoghurt Parfaits with Passionfruit Curd