Healthier Chocolate Alternatives For Valentine's Day

Just because Valentine's Day is coming soon, doesn't mean it is an excuse to start eating unhealthy. Whether you are trying to ease your chocolate cravings or simply want a healthier alternative to chocolate for you and your loved ones, there are many different solutions to choose from. With recipes and ideas for those who are looking to make a small change, you do not have to worry about the high fat and calories that come from indulging. Here are two delicious healthier chocolate alternatives that we have found for Valentine's Day.

No-Bake Superfood Chocolate Brownies

(Recipe From Ambitious Kitchen)

Ingredients:

I Cup of Packed Medjool Dates

1/4 Cup of Raw Walnuts

1/4 Cup of Raw Pecans

1/2 Cup of Shelled Pistachios

1/4 Cup of Unsweetened Shredded Coconut

3 Tablespoons of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil

1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

1/4 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

1/4 Cup of Dried Cherries or Dried Goji Berries

For Toppings

1.5 oz of Dark Chocolate

1 Tablespoon of Goji Berries

1 Tablespoon of Pecans

Instructions:

Add dates, walnuts, pecans, only ¼ cup of pistachios to the bowl of a food processor. Process until chunky. 

Next add in unsweetened shredded coconut, chia seeds, cocoa powder, coconut oil and vanilla extract. Process again until mixture is chunky and slightly clumping. If mixture is dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of warm water.

Next add in remaining ¼ cup pistachios and goji berries and pulse again a few times until pistachios are slightly chunky. Add mixture into a 8x4 inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper, pressing evenly towards the sides of the pan.

Add dark chocolate to a small saucepan and place over low heat until melted. You can also microwave in 30 second increments, stirring in between until chocolate is fully melted and smooth.

Pour over the bars, tilting pan so that the chocolate covers the bars evenly. Garnish the bars with 1 tablespoon of the following: pistachios, goji berries and crushed pecans.

Place bars in the freezer for 30 minutes-1 hour to harden. Once ready to serve, sprinkle with sea salt then cut into 8 squares. Store safely covered in the freezer for up to 1 month. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Servings: 8 squares

Serving size: 1 bar

Protein: 4.5g

Chocolate Peanut Butter "Truffles"

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of Natural Peanut Butter

1/4 cup of Honey or Natural Sweetener

1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

1/3 Cup of Protein Powder

1/3 Cup of Flaxseed

1/2 Cup of Rolled Oats

1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon

1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds

1 Tablespoon of Chocolate Chips

1/4 Cup of Unsweetened Coconut

Instruction: 

In the bowl of a food processor, add in the peanut butter, honey, vanilla, protein powder, flaxseed meal, oats, cinnamon and chia seeds. Pulse together until well combined. Add in chocolate chips (and coconut if using) and pulse a few more times. Use a medium cookie scoop or your hands to grab dough and roll into 10 balls, place in an airtight container.    

To make without food processor: add wet ingredients to a medium bowl, mix to combine. Add in dry ingredients and mix together until combined. I usually have to use my hands to mix and work with the dough. At this point you should be able to form balls that stick together. Because all peanut butter/nut butter consistencies are different and depending on what protein powder you use, you may need to add in more nut butter or sweetener to help the balls stick together. 

Servings: 10 balls

Serving size: 1 energy bite

Protein: 7.5g

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-Patrick