PHOTO: C-Heads Magazine
Don't you just love it when you see a young model devouring a bacon cheeseburger or pepperoni pizza (ahem, Cara D.) before going on the runway? For fashion week-approved lunches that will keep you going through the day, skip the trans fats and instead opt for a nice balance of protein, veggies and whole grains. These recipes will leave you feeling full, not bloated, and are packed with vitamins and nutrients...because most of us don't have stomachs in outer space.
I try my best to avoid refined sugar, and being gluten-free helps for the most part since most sweet treats are off-limits anyways, but sometimes I just crave a rich fudgy brownie or a gooey chocolate chip cookie. Finding ways to make desserts that taste indulgent but are actually (gasp!) healthy has become a fun culinary challenge for me. Last week I made a chocolate-avocado mousse (pictured above) that my husband couldn't get enough of (he didn't even realize there was avocado in it even though I told him so) and it was a win for both of us - sugar-free, gluten-free, and also dairy-free. When you can incorporate veggies or superfoods into your dessert (without compromising the flavor of course), it's like hitting the jackpot! If like me you crave a sweet treat every now and then (ok, most of the time!) but don't want to fill your body with junk, scroll down for some amazing recipes that you won't believe aren't the "real thing"! Or, if you aren't much of a cook or just don't have the time and energy, do yourself a solid and order Karlie's Perfect 10 Kookies for the next best thing to homemade!
PHOTO: Katy's Kitchen
What's better than a melt-in-your-mouth square of fudge? This one is made with coconut oil and coconut milk, good fats that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. Get the recipe here!
PHOTO: Against All Grain
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic and one of my favorites. These are just as good (if not better) than the real thing, sans the wheat flour and cane sugar. I use ghee in mine and they turn out perfect. Also, the coconut sugar caramelizes as they bake, taking them to the next level. Get the recipe here!
PHOTO: This Rawsome Vegan Life
Okay, so I threw this in as a non-chocolate option for you fruity dessert lovers out there but with a fig and almond crust you can't go wrong. Get the recipe here!
PHOTO: My New Roots
These were my go-to when I was on an elimination diet last fall (minus the honey) and I actually prefer them to a Reese's since I'm not a fan of milk chocolate (or preservatives for that matter). Get the recipe here!
PHOTO: This Rawsome Vegan Life
I've had to suffer through a few too many campfires where everyone around me is indulging in delicious s'mores and all I can have is a bite of dark chocolate. Never again with these babies! I can't wait to make them the next time I'm in the woods... Get the recipe here!
PHOTO: Deliciously Ella
I just love sweet potatoes and they are jam-packed with good vitamins. They are also what make these brownies oh so moist and gooey. Get the recipe here!
PHOTO: The New Zealand Herald
You had me at salted banana... This recipe couldn't be easier - just pop all ingredients into your food processor/blender and then into the fridge to chill for a couple hours before you dig into the creamy goodness. Get the recipe here!
PHOTO: This Rawsome Vegan Life
Cupcakes used to be my kryptonite, but now I can enjoy them free of harmful ingredients with these wholesome chocolate ones. They even contain Omega-3 rich chia seeds, which lend them moisture and lightness. Get the recipe here!
