A Healthier Way to Enjoy Chocolate
Eating healthy doesn't mean saying goodbye to everything you crave. Chocolate can be part of a balanced snack, as long as it's paired with nutritious ingredients such as fruit, nuts, oats, and yogurt. Choosing dark chocolate or cocoa powder can also help keep added sugar under control while still providing plenty of chocolate flavor. Here are just 5 creative ways to snack while still enjoying chocolate.
1. Chocolate Banana Yogurt Cups
Slice one banana and layer it in a small bowl or cup with some plain Greek yogurt. Sprinkle a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder over the top and add a few dark chocolate chips if you have some on hand. If you want some crunch, add on some chopped almonds or walnuts on top!
2. Dark Chocolate Apple Bites
Apples and peanut butter are a match made in heaven, but add on some dark chocolate, and you've got a serious winner. Cut your apples into thin slices before spreading a small amount of peanut or almond butter onto each piece. Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle lightly over the slices, and let it set in the fridge for a few minutes before enjoying.
3. Chocolate Oat Energy Balls
Combine rolled oats, natural peanut butter, cocoa powder, and a small amount of honey in a bowl, stirring until well-mixed. Add in a few dark chocolate chips, then roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. Let them set in the fridge for a few hours, and then you've got a healthy snack that provides fiber, healthy fats, and a little chocolate sweetness.
4. Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Bark
Spread plain Greek yogurt in a thin layer on a lined baking tray and top it with sliced strawberries (or really, whatever fruit you like!). Add a light sprinkle of dark chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate on top before freezing the tray until firm. Break the yogurt into small pieces and enjoy!
5. Cocoa-Dusted Nut Mix
For a simple treat, combine unsalted almonds, cashews, and walnuts in a bowl with a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder. Add a few dark chocolate pieces and toss everything together until evenly mixed and it's ready for snacking.
