An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Apple Nachos

As I am sure I have mentioned before, I have an uncontrollable urge to snack. Something I have on a regular basis is apple slices with peanut butter so I thought why not expand that? With all of that in mind, this week I made apple nachos! Apples are an excellent source of fiber and also contain antioxidants that carry many health benefits.

What I love most about this recipe is combining fresh fruit and ingredients with a little creativity can turn into a simple, yet incredibly delicious healthy snack. The best part of apple nachos is your imagination. You can use any ingredients to create the perfect toppings in order for this to be your favourite snack. Instead of using apples, you could also use pears or bananas. The recipe I made consists of natural sugar, which makes this a perfect sweet cheat that you can have more than once a week!

A tip I used for keeping fruits such as apples and bananas from turning brown in colour once cut is simply tossing them in lemon juice. Brown fruit is not appealing especially to kids so this little secret helps keep your fruit looking fresh.

Fruit nachos are a perfect a late night snack or after school snack for kids. I hope you all try this simple snack and let me know the alterations you have made!

Those of you similar to myself, here are some tips from Brett to help with your cravings. Enjoy!

Here is my recipe.

Don't Stress, It's No-Bake

“Stressed is Desserts spelt backwards”

Being a student, I personally can relate to the phrase stress eating. When studying for exams or completely assignments I find myself constantly craving for something to snack on, especially something sweet. Well, there is some truth behind this phrase and reasoning behind my uncontrolled cravings. Cortisol is a hormone that stimulates fat and carbohydrate metabolism for fast energy and stimulates insulin release and maintenance of blood sugar levels. As a result, this can lead to an increase in appetite. However, everyone deals with stress in different ways and not every body reacts the same. 

No-bake Cookie Dough Bites

Over the years I have come to realize that I had to find alternatives for my sweet tooth cravings because stress increased my desire for treats. This week I made healthy no-bake cookie dough bites. I think these little sweet cheats are perfect to munch on for a study snack. I found this recipe on Lauren Conrad’s blog this summer and I have been waiting for a time to make them. What I love most about this recipe is not only are these healthy but they are also easy to make. These tasty bites are free from dairy and processed sugar, but also they are full of healthy whole grain oats to help control your appetite.

I recommend all of you the next time you feel stressed over something and begin craving something sugary, sweet cheat yourself to these cookie dough bites that will leave you feeling satisfying and stress free.  

Recipe

My Sweet Beliefs

Hello Sweeties,

I would like to start with thanking you for reading my blog. Eating is a distinct passion of Italians, and in my family this is no exception. At every family occasion, a crazy amount of food is always served (I'm talking about a three or four course meal), and of course dessert! My mother and all of my zie (more commonly known as aunts) all love to bake, leading it to be almost impossible for me to avoid any chance of after-dinner temptations.

I have always been very active growing up and still love to keep fit. However, my weakness is definitely my sweet tooth and my inability to pass up any kind of sweet treat! So this is my perspective, if you work hard all week or you've had a long day, why not treat yourself with something sweet?! I am now becoming very interested in finding alternatives to help my sweet tooth without feeling guilty and over indulging. My recipes will involve a healthy spin to all types of dessert. I love trying to stay healthy, so I hope to motivate all of you to be healthy too with a little sweet cheat.

I am very excited to share with all of you some traditional desserts and some go to alternatives for those of you, like me, who cannot pass up sweets. Each week I will introduce a new sweet to help with those cravings because we deserve to treat ourselves… well, every once in a while.