Part of our philosophy when it comes to nutrition is to avoid processed junk food laden with sugar, but if you know us you know we also have a quite the sweet tooth.

(Ahem, ladies… This sweet tooth seems to sharpen itself particularly in alignment with “that time of the month”… know what I’m sayin’?)

So anyway, when cravings like that hit, we just hit back! But these days we’ve been doing that happy hitting in a much healthier way.

Today we’re sharing one of those healthy options with you.

Now, if you’re feeling lazy, by all means just enjoy piece or two of dark chocolate when the sweets fairy strikes. It’s easier, faster and as long as you don’t eat the whole bar, there are tons of benefits to eating dark chocolate in moderation.

3 Benefits of Eating Dark Chocolate

1. 75% or higher dark chocolate is loaded with compounds called flavonoids which prevent fat-like substances in the bloodstream from clogging arteries, thereby decreasing the risk of heart attack and stroke
2. The flavonoids in dark chocolate also modulate nitric oxide, a compound that is critical for healthy blood flow and blood pressure. In a study in the America Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it was reported that dark chocolate decreased blood pressure AND improved insulin sensitivity.
3. Dark chocolate contains magnesium, one of the most important minerals for heart health.
   (Source: The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS)

So it’s safe to say including a little dark chocolate in your life will allow you to reap great health benefits.

However, we recommend looking for high quality, high cocoa content dark chocolate ~ look for at least 75% or higher and check the ingredient list to make sure there aren’t any hydrogenated oils or artificial ingredients.

Now, if you’re feeling a bit more lofty, buckle up because you’re in for a ride with this healthy alternative recipe.

We’re amping up the chocolate cake vibes to high so even if they’re technically gluten free brownies, you could pass them off as cake if you wanted. Because you’re just full of surprises, aren’t you? 😉

If you can learn how to make healthy dessert recipes like this one on the somewhat reg to help keep those cravings at bay, guess what?

You’ve already won.

You know why? Because having resources like this in your back pocket really helps, so make sure you Pin this bad boy for later.

It’ll make your food routine more fun (i.e. less boring), and you might even find yourself slowing down to actually appreciate the process behind making your own tasty treats while ensuring they actually nourish your body with high quality ingredients and healthy, all natural macronutrients for da muscles.

Have you ever tried to cut food groups out cold turkey and find yourself saying off-the-wall things like “I will never eat a donut again?” followed shortly thereafter by “Oh my God, I can’t believe I just ate that entire box of donuts…”

Yeah? You’re not alone. We’ve been there too.

Back before we kept healthier options on hand to replace unhealthy foods we were craving, you may or may not have seen one of us turn into the Incredible Hulk-ess, the green goblin of sweets chomping…

Now, after a few years doing this whole “internet bloggy thing,” in our experience helping thousands of women worldwide get fit, eat better and sustain their results long term — we know FOR A FACT — that restriction mentalities just aren’t sustainable!

You hear this constantly, but this is a long term lifestyle, and it’s just not realistic to never ever ever be able to eat a treat again.

So strap in, buckle up and double down because it’s high time you learned how to make your treats healthier without sacrificing the ingredient quality or tastebud-wow-factor ever again.

If you’re pickin’ up what we’re puttin’ down, you’ve come to the right place.

Want more healthy alternative desserts recipes? Get your pretty little paws on all the recipes inside the SSF Bikini Approved recipe library  — Boy oh boy, you’re in for some serious baking bliss with these easy fat burning recipes. 😉

Happy baking!!

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Healthy Homemade Chocolate Brownie Cake Bites

Healthy, gluten-free homemade brownies with fudge frosting.

Yields: 16

Prep Time: 5min

Ingredients

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/3 cup coconut sugar
• 3/4 cup oat flour*
• 1/3 cup Chocolate Isalean protein powder**
• 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut butter (we used Justin’s or you can make your own with the recipe at the link below)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper (do not skip this part! If you don’t line with parchment, the brownies will stick to the pan).
2. Place dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a medium sized microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until the chocolate and coconut oil are melted and combined.
3. Quickly add in the remaining ingredients except for the hazelnut butter and stir until very well combined.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let cool and then remove brownies from pan by lifting the parchment paper up.
6. Frost with hazelnut butter and cut into squares. Enjoy!

Notes

*blend regular old fashioned oats until a flour. Measure after blending
**If omitting protein powder, reduce milk to 1/2 cup.