Feeling gluttonous after Christmas? Why not try some of these deliciously healthy recipes…
- Hannah Alexandra Smith
- Jan 10, 2018
- 3 min read
January is the month of diets and detoxes, and we’re all looking for ways to cut down after the indulgent festive period. But who says that can’t involve cake? Let’s face it, it’s the height of winter and the rain and cold is feeling relentless. What we really need is something to cheer us up. These recipes offer up five different ways to get your five a day, with each one containing a healthy substitute so you can enjoy a more guilt free indulgence!
A healthier alternative to the richness of regular brownies, this version contains around half the fat but still gives you that intense chocolate hit. Beetroots are rich in fibre and a good source of iron and antioxidants, giving this recipe a real nutritional boost. Taking less than an hour to start to finish, this is an easy recipe with quick results!
Tip: if your hands become stained while preparing the beetroot, try rubbing some lemon juice over them to help remove the colour.
Using olive oil as an alternative to butter can cut down on saturated fat in your baking. It is considered a ‘good’ fat, adding extra antioxidants and vitamin E to the bake. Olive oil adds richness to this cake without being too overpowering, so you still get a delicious chocolatey flavour. Not only does this cake use olive oil, it is also wheat and dairy free, making it ideal for anyone with intolerances.
Good for dinner parties, it is great as a standalone cake, but also delicious served still slightly warm with ice cream.
Perhaps the most obvious ‘healthy bake’ it is probably also the easiest. Having made hundreds before myself, I have discovered that you can pretty much always find a recipe based on what you have or haven’t got in your cupboard. In the spirit of health however, this particular recipe is refined sugar free. Ripe bananas add a lot of natural sweetness, and so only a small amount of honey or maple syrup is needed. This recipe also calls for Greek yoghurt, which is low in fat and high in protein, making this a satisfying and healthy snack. The chocolate chips are optional, but definitely recommended.
Looking for something that sneaks in the ‘health’? There’s no going wrong with a classic carrot cake generously topped with cream cheese frosting. This recipe has had a makeover, cutting down on the sugar and fat of a standard carrot cake. Whilst the carrots have many health benefits and contribute to your five a day, it is the frosting that transforms this recipe. Half of the cream cheese in the frosting is substituted with quark, which contains a lot less fat than cream cheese and boasts a high in protein content.
All of the taste, none of the guilt!
These courgette and lime muffins are a great healthier snack option. Courgette may be seen as an unusual ingredient, but it is surprisingly light and moist in texture. The lime is in both the cake and the frosting and gives this muffin a definitive flavour boost. Tip; make sure the grated courgette is well drained as the extra moisture can affect the rise of the muffins and cause them to sink.
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