Quick & Simple Healthy Sweet Treats (Video)

New year, new me. Same taste buds. Let's be honest, whoever said losing weight and getting fit equals giving up everything you love in life was a complete a-hole... and TOTALLY wrong. I love rich treats and snacking. And I'll claim my title as health nut, but I get cravings just as bad as the next person. I find such a sweet spot (heh. heh. get it?) in my heart and soul for whipping up delicious treats with healthy ingredients. All the indulgence, but hold the guilt, please. Still, too much of anything is too much. So, I'm including nutrient/calorie/macro information just in case you feel like going overboard (but can we stop being extra this year? yeah... probably not.)

AND because we just wrapped up the holidays, literally and figuratively, I know someone out there feels just like me and does not feel like slaving away in the kitchen for healthy snacks. Keep in mind, I know that it's cold and warm baked goods feel so much better this time of year, so stay tuned; I'll work on more elaborate and nostalgic treats, but for now, it's almost love day... so, here are some totally simple recipes that involve a very minimal amount of work and a short list of ingredients. Quick. Simple. Easy. Just the way snacking should be! Here's the video, along with a recipe breakdown underneath!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup blueberries
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
• 1 large egg

Directions:In a medium sized bowl, mix all ingredients together. For a softer texture, add more liquid like oil, milk, or water. Spoon mixture into paper-lined muffin pan by the tablespoon. This mixture will not rise, so over-filling is not an issue. Place in oven heated at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Individually wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for best reheating results.

(These also work well for on-the-go breakfast.)

Strawberry Nut Yogurt Bars

Per Bar: 28 Cal/3.6 Carb/3g Protein

Ingredients:

• 2 cups vanilla or plain greek yogurt
• 3 diced strawberries or fruit of choice
• 1/8 cup chopped peanuts or protein granola
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl until blended well. The texture will be slightly more runny and thinner than yogurt texture. Spread mixture evenly onto parchment paper lined baking sheet or container. Freeze for two or more hours. Break off into serving portions. Keep bars (bark) frozen or refrigerated for best texture.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites

Per 5 Pieces: 115 Cal/16g Carb/4g Protein

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• Unsweetened chocolate chips or cocoa powder
• 1/2 tablespoon butter

Directions:

Combine peanut butter and 1 tablespoon maple syrup in bowl. Spoon mixture onto parchment-lined pan or baking sheet, spacing out evenly. Freeze for 3 hours.

Melt chocolate with butter and 2 tablespoons maple syrup. Dip frozen peanut butter balls into chocolate mix and place back onto parchment-lined pan or baking sheet, spacing evenly. Freeze for 3 or more hours. Best served after sitting room temperature for approximately 2-3 minutes.

Chocolate Crunch Bark

Per Piece: 35 Cal/16g Carb/1g Protein

Ingredients:

• 1/8 cup unsweetened chocolate chips or 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I used leftover chocolate mixture from previous recipe)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 tablespoon butter

Directions:

Melt chocolate, butter, and maple syrup in bowl. Spread onto parchment-lined pan or baking sheet. Add rice cereal or peanuts. (You can also add these to the mixture instead of on top). Freeze for 4 or more hours. Break off into serving portions. Keep bark refrigerated or frozen for best consistency and texture.

Hopefully these recipes satisfy your sweet tooth, or make staying in and staying healthy with your honey this year more fun. Either way, it's so easy to live fit and stay satisfied. Snack like a human!