When it comes to the Holidays, I most often get asked, “Can I have the sweet treats and Holiday Desserts?”
If you have worked with me, you know the answer is never a definitive “yes” or “no”. This is because each individual is different. If you are working diligently on your health through diet and lifestyle and you don’t want to indulge during the Holidays because you know that by doing so, it will derail your progress, than you know the answer. If you are in a stage in your health journey were you are confident that if you include some decadent desserts and other indulgences, it won’t overly impact your overall health goals, than you know the answer.
3 keys to maintain a healthy relationship with food, especially during the holidays.
- I don’t believe in deprivation. Deprivation, essentially keeping us from enjoying something, creates a unhealthy relationship with food. This is especially true if we have unresolved cravings which can lead to shame and quilt when we do “break down” and partake of items on the “naughty list”.
- I also don’t label foods as “good” or “bad”. Instead, I categorize them this way: Optimal Foods support our health. Less Optimal Foods may slow down our progress. Not Optimal Foods can begin to decline or revers our health.
- And the famous 80/20 rule. Where 80% of our decisions are optimal to support our health and goals and 20% of our decision can be less optimal. This is where we can find that healthy balance.
Knowing this, you might now be able to measure the quality and quantity of the ‘indulgences’ you are looking to eat and how far up or down the scale you go.
I put the question back to you; can you have the sweet treats & holiday desserts?
Essentially this question is asking you, do you want to completely avoid the less optimal foods, indulge a little in those foods, or go all out without monitoring your intake? Each of those choices will impact your health journey either more positively or more negatively. So, where on this sliding scale of optional to less optimal do you want to be?
Holiday Desserts Can Be Healthy and Delicious
When it comes to the Holidays and desserts, we don’t have to live in deprivation and isolate ourselves while others partake. We can find/create delicious and decadent foods to indulge in that are more optimal for our health so we can still enjoy the fun of the season and what it has to offer without ‘deprivation’ and still not overly impact our health in a negative way!
two e-books to Help Survive the Holiday Temptations, avoid Deprivation & Enjoy Decadent Holiday Desserts
- Surviving the Holidays E-Book teaches it’s readers how & what to indulge in AND how to support our health when we do indulge a little. Having a healthy relationship with food is a critical part of our health and health journey, no matter what phase or season we are in.
- Holiday Recipes E-Book gives it’s readers hundreds of healthy recipes that are delicious and decadent to give us more balance to our choices over the holidays.
The Decadent Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
The Decadent Chocolate Peppermint Truffles is one of the 25 holiday desserts recipes in my newest Holiday Recipe E-Book. Try it out. A client already emailed me back and said she switched up the peppermint for orange and created a whole new flavour. I have always loved the orange and/or peppermint chocolate combinations, especially over the Holidays.
Decadent Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pitted Dates packed
- 3 cups Water just boiled
- 1/3 cup Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 tsp Peppermint Extract
- 3 tbsps Coconut Oil
- 1/3 cup Dark Chocolate Chips
- 1/4 tsp Sea Salt large flakes, for topping
Instructions
- Add the dates to a medium-sized bowl and cover with just-boiled hot water. Let them sit for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Drain the dates and add to a blender or food processor along with cocoa powder, peppermint extract and coconut oil. Process until the mixture comes together.
- Remove the chocolate mixture and scoop into rough teaspoon-sized balls. Don’t roll them with your hands just yet as they will be too oily. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and put them in the freezer to set for about 8 to 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, add the chocolate chips and microwave on high for 30 to 45-second intervals until melted. Stir with a spoon to fully combine.
- Remove the truffles from the freezer and use your hands to smooth them into balls. Take each ball and roll into melted chocolate with a spoon and then place them back on the baking sheet. Top with flaky sea salt and let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes to set or place in the fridge to set faster. Enjoy!
Notes
- Leftovers – Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to seven days.
- Serving Size – One serving is equal to approximately two truffles.
- Additional Toppings – Top with crushed up candy cane or shredded coconut flakes.
- More Flavor – For a silkier chocolate coating, melt the chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil.
Healthy Holiday Recipe Book
only available in November & December
To help you stay balanced this holiday season, I have put together another holiday recipes collection this year. You are going to fall in love with these healthy, decadent, and amazingly delicious goodies.
What’s Included:
- 100 beautifully presented recipes with photos
- Holiday Survival Check List
- Healthy, delicious & nutritious favorite holiday recipes that includes; 25 Holiday Breakfast Feasts, 25 Tasty Holiday Appetizers & Snacks, 25 Famous Meals & Side Dishes, 25 Decadent Holiday Dessert
Health Is A Relationship Between You & Your Body. Eat Good, Feel Good, Look Good.
Is it time to reclaim your health? Book your first session with me! Let’s work together to naturally support your health with a functional-health approach utilizing holistic nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits.
Have Questions? Contact me to learn how I can help support your health and wellness goals. And then don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn for more health tips, strategies & recipes.
