The Healthy Superfood Snack That We Should Eat More Of

You will never guess what the secret ingredient is in my new (and just a little weird) snack recipes.

I call these “anytime” snacks because they are appropriate for snacking any time of the day.

The most appealing thing about these snacks, in my opinion, is not that they taste great, it’s that the secret ingredient they contain (a very special superfood) was once a common and vital part of our diet.

So common, in fact, that its use extended well beyond the domain of healthy snacks and desserts.

It was found in practically every kind of food item.

Now it’s practically gone from our diet.

This means we don’t get to enjoy the unique health benefits it offers – one of which is increased physical attractiveness.

I am not kidding.

This superfood, which is a protein used widely in your body when it is available, helps to maintain healthy skin, nails, and hair.

In fact it does a whole lot more than that, which is why I created a short collection of snack recipes in which this essential nutrient plays a prominent role.

I want to give you a copy of “The Essential Superfood Now Missing From Your Diet – And What That Means For Your Long-Term Health”.

Inside the book you’ll find 20 of my most recent recipes (all of which are based on this missing but essential nutrient).

You’ll find recipes for green smoothies, green immune boosting gummies, cookies, anti-wrinkle gummies, finger jello (ginger, carrot, turmeric) coffee cubes and a whole lot more.

You’ll also discover:

* The identity of this essential YOUTH-PRESERVING superfood which was once billed as “America’s Most Famous Dessert”

* How to strengthen your CARTILAGE and CONNECTIVE TISSUES without the need for torturous exercise.

* A diet-based BEAUTY ROUTINE that preserves the structural integrity of your skin, hair, and nails.

If the idea of looking good for as long as you possibly can sounds appealing, then here’s where you can find a copy:

EssentialNutrientMissingFromYourDiet

Savory to Sweet – Spinach Coconut Bars

It is common knowledge that veggies are savory in flavor while fruits are sweet. However, limiting these healthy additions to one category is doing them a huge disservice.

That sweets can go into savory dishes is no surprise to most people, but many have not yet expolored the vast possibilities that savory veggies bring to sweet desserts and treats.

The reality is, garden fresh veggies make sweet treats and desserts healthy additions to our menu’s.

There are quite a few veggies that easily shift/cross-over. Carrots are likely the most recognized since most of us have enjoyed this as the “star veggie” in Carrot Cake. Another favorite often found around the holidays, is Pumpkin Pie and Sweet Potatoe Pie, both being long-time holiday tradtions in households spanning the globe.

This post is going to focus on another veggie that brings desserts up a level, adding nutritional value to all recipes it graces.

Savory to Sweet –

That veggie is Spinach. Spinach has been a star and used for many generations in savory dishes. But its time to expand the nutritional reach of this super veggie and the best way to do that is to use it to pump nutrition into our desserts and treats.

For those that have never tried to use this dark green healthy veggie in sweet dishes, this is definitely a “sweet surprise.”

With a bit of imagination and the addition of a few other healthy ingredients, spinach becomes the star player gracing sweet dishes as well as savory ones. Adding a boost of healthy nutritients spinach transforms our otherwise not so healthy sweet treats or desserts desserts that are actually good for us! And, the best part of all? The guilt associated with eating sweet desserts and treats is eliminated and replaced with joyful eating!

“Spinach Coconut Bars”

Spinach Coconut Bars
Recipe Type: Desserts and Treats
Cuisine: All
Author: Carolyn Hansen
Spinach adds a serious boost of nutrition to all dishes it graces and should not be limited to starring in savory dishes alone. This super veggie brings a boost of nutrition to sweet recipes as well such as Spinach Coconut Bars. These will soon become a family favorite. Super easy to make – delicious and nutritious!
Ingredients
  • BASE
  • 2 cups desiccated coconut
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, warmed until liquid
  • 1-2 cups spinach leaves
  • TOPPING
  • ½ cup coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
Instructions
BASE
  1. Place all ingredients into food processor and process until mixture is smooth and creamy.
  2. Spoon into a small dish or pan and place in freezer while you make the topping.
TOPPING
  1. In small saucepan, gently melt coconut oil and honey over low heat. Remove from
  2. heat and stir in remaining ingredients. Pour over chilled bottom layer and return
  3. to the freezer for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate layer is hardened. Cut
  4. into bars

Isn’t it time to begin introducing these too long ignored nutrient-dense super-star ingredients into all your dishes…including your desserts?

For more delicious, nutritious desserts and treats – 

“Blended Bites” 

Inside  you will discover no bake, Paleo friendly, no sugar, gluten free healthy sweet treat and dessert recipes…

For more tools and resources from Carolyn Hansen to assist you in attaining your health and fitness goals please visit:

Carolyn Hansen Fitness

Banana Cream Pie With Benefits…

banana cream pieIn all probability you’ve likely enjoyed numerous cream pies throughout your lifetime including the luscious, delicious banana cream pie.

But, have you ever enjoyed Banana Cream Pie that offers health benefits? Your answer is probably no because back in the days that our grandmothers and moms were creating these delicious desserts, the focus was not on how healthy they are but more focused on flavor and texture.

Those times have passed. These days veggies are being invited into all kinds of dessert recipes to shift them from “empty calories” to calories with benefits and this version of Banana Cream Pie includes green leaves (either spinach, Swiss chard or kale). [Read more…]