5 SNACK TREATS EVERY WOMAN COULD USE MORE OF

Ladies, happy Women’s Month!

There are two things we know to be true: 1) women need more breaks, and 2) women need more spoils. We always hear about what to eat and what not to eat, what is good and what is bad, when sometimes all we want to do is have our cake and eat it without feeling guilty, don’t we?

Life is short, and our days could do with many more little moments of joy. There is no reason why you can’t treat yourself to the sweet things in life - and snacks are no exception. So we’ve put together a list of five simple things that we think you deserve more of, more often and guilt-free.

It’s a no-brainer that chocolate comes out tops! Chocolate (certain kinds of chocolate, that is) is good for you, in moderation. Don’t you just love it when science catches up to something you knew deep down all along? 

There are a number of health benefits to enjoying dark chocolate regularly, including antioxidants, and benefits for your heart and brain. So unless you’re allergic to chocolate, you should absolutely treat yourself to some chocolatey goodness every once in a while. And as for all those lovely endorphins, who wouldn’t say no to a little more natural happiness?  

Healthy ways to enjoy chocolate:

• As is: Enjoy a block or two of dark chocolate after supper
• In your oats: Melt or grate a little dark chocolate and stir into your morning oats
• As a drink: Make hot chocolate with plain cocoa or dark chocolate in hot milk
• As a dip: Melt a few blocks of dark chocolate and use as a dip for fresh fruit
• As a coating: Dip dried fruit into some dark chocolate and sprinkle with nuts
• In your granola: Dark chocolate chips or even roasted cacao nibs will take your blend to the next level

Try some of our favourite chocolate recipes with a healthy twist:

• Cranberry, Macadamia and Linseed Dark Chocolate Bark
• Dark Chocolate Ganache Brownie Bites
• Coconut and Pistachio Truffles

What’s a great meal without a little pudding to finish it off? There’s something really comforting about being able to enjoy something hot and sweet at the end of the day. And not all puddings are laden with sugar and syrup either. There are plenty of low-sugar and sugar-free options out there, with added fruit, honey and other natural sweeteners.

Instead of drizzling them with custard or heavy cream, you could try a dash of ideal milk or a sugar-free custard.

Try these puddings with a healthy twist:

• Mango, Coconut and Yoghurt Parfait
• Baked Caramel Brown Pudding with Chia Seed Custard
• Chocolate Chia Pudding
• Slow-cooker rice pudding with dried fruit and nuts

Life without cake would be frightfully dull, wouldn’t it? Not many people can resist sitting down to a cup of tea and a slice of cake when they need a pick-me-up. The good news is that there are so many options out there if you are looking for cakes with fewer calories and more health benefits. 

Whether your cake is gluten-free, sugar-free, or crammed with lots of dried fruit and nuts, they are sure to hit the spot just as well as regular cake.

Try one of these moreish cake recipes:

• Sugar-free Pecan Nut Scones
• Pecan and Date Tea Loaf
• Healthy Banana Bread
• Low-sugar Chocolate Sandwich Cake
• Healthy Fruit Cake

Afternoon tea doesn’t get better than a hot cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit for dipping. It’s one of life’s simple pleasures and you deserve to have those moments of bliss several times a week. Sometimes your sanity depends on it!

If you’re looking for ways to enjoy healthier options with your cuppa, look for recipes with reduced sugar or sugar substitutes, or with added nuts, seeds and dried fruit. 

Try one of these brilliant biscuit recipes with a healthy twist:

• Nuts and Seeds Rusks
• Sugar-free Almond and Apricot Cookies
• Crunchies with Dried Fruit and Nuts
• No-bake Chocolate Mango Cookies
• High Energy Almond Bars
• Mango Cashew Snack Bars

Nothing beats a thick, ice-cold milkshake. It’s one of those treats that takes you back to being a kid, when life was simpler and full of fun. We may grow older, but a love for a classic milkshake lasts a lifetime! 

While your average milkshake tends to contain quite a lot of sugar, smoothies, frappes or vegan-friendly milkshakes can make excellent - and equally delicious - alternatives if you’re wanting to cut back. 

Try one of these healthy milkshakes / smoothies:

• Warm Caramel Almond Smoothie
• Apple Pie Smoothie 
• Iced Frappuccino
• Strawberry Smoothie
• Sugar-free Peanut Butter Milkshake