What’s Valentine’s Day without chocolate?! Thank goodness it’s also good for you. This delicious treat is packed with flavonoids, which have been shown to reduce your risk for heart disease. But be aware, this does not apply to any ole’ chocolate. Make sure you buy good quality dark chocolate, which contains the most antioxidants.
Here some easy treats for you and your Valentine’s:
1. Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds: One serving has about 210 calories. It’s so chocolaty rich that one serving can satisfy even the most chocoholic’s sweet tooth. Almonds have heart healthy poly and mono-unsaturated fats and they are high in vitamin E, magnesium and potassium. One serving of almonds provides 6 g protein and 4 g fiber. Trader Joe’s sells Dark Belgian Chocolate Covered Almonds among some other awesome varieties.
2. Chocolate Covered Frozen Bananas with Roasted Almonds: This recipe is not only delicious but it’s great to make with your kids. When you freeze a banana, it’s like making banana ice cream. One serving has about 160 calories, plus you are getting a serving of fruit. Bananas are high in Vitamin C, potassium and fiber. For recipe click HERE.
3. Mock Chocolate Mousse: This delicious creamy treat has only 265 calories. The secret is that it’s made with tofu. Tofu is a great source of plant based protein, it’s high in calcium, potassium and phytoestrogens. Some preliminary studies show that soy products may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Compare this recipe to Applebee’s Chocolate Mousse Shooter which has 460 calories, 32 g fat and 18 g saturated fat! Click HERE for the lighter treat.
4. Hot Chocolate Spiked with Rum: What better way to end the day than with a warm cup of hot chocolate. One cup has about 250 calories, it’s packed with protein and calcium without the saturated fat. The rum helps you forget that this is actually low-cal. Heat one cup of skim milk with a cinnamon stick on the stovetop. Add 2-3 Tbsp of cocoa powder into mug. Add agave and a little bit of the milk. Stir until combined. Add mixture to milk and stir. Lastly, add about an ounce of rum and serve in a big cozy mug.
5. Chocolate Truffle Tart: It’s easy to make and tastes delicious. One slice has only 298 calories. Compare this to an Apple Bee’s Blue Ribbon Brownie which has a whooping 1310 calories! For chocolate truffle tart recipe click HERE
6. Chocolate Angel Food Cake: You can find it at many grocery stores, such as Wegman’s or Whole Foods. If you can’t find chocolate, go with the regular Angel Food cake and add some chocolate syrup and roasted walnuts on top. Angel Food cake is naturally low in calories because it’s made with mainly egg whites. One slice has only 140 calories! You can also make your own, using a bake mix such as Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines.