livesimplyhealthy

Chocolate Raspberry Bites

September 20, 2023 by livesimplyhealthy Leave a Comment

Chocolate Raspberry Bites

These Chocolate Raspberry Bites are so decadent and super quick to make. They’re slightly tart and sweet while rich and decadent. They use a few simple ingredients and are vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free.

My Chocolate Raspberry Bites feature:

Rich dark chocolate
Sweet and tart raspberry filing
Naturally sweetened with maple syrup
Topped with flaky sea salt

For more healthier chocolate recipes, try my PB & J Chocolate Cups or Chocolate Rice Cake Clusters.

Follow along on Instagram @livesimplyhealthy for more healthy recipes and nutrition tips, or find out more about my personalized nutrition consulting here. Be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make this recipe!

Chocolate Raspberry Bites

Decadent chocolate covered raspberry bites

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Total Time 20

Course Dessert

Servings 12

Ingredients

Raspberry Filling:

1 cup raspberries
1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon chia seeds

Chocolate Coating:

1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted
sea salt, for garnish

Instructions

To prepare the raspberry filling, add the raspberries, maple syrup, and chia seeds to a small pot over low heat. Simmer on low for a few minutes until the raspberries are broken down. Stir to combine. Remove from the heat and let the chia seeds thicken to form a jam-like sauce. Set aside to cool.
Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dollop the cooled raspberry filling by even spoonfuls onto the parchment paper. Set in the freezer until frozen, about 1 hour.
Melt your dark chocolate coating. Remove your raspberry bites from the freezer. Dip each raspberry bite into the melted dark chocolate by using a fork and removing any excess chocolate. Sprinkle with sea salt. Set back on the parchment paper.
Set the chocolate covered raspberry bites in the freezer until set, for at least 30 minutes. Enjoy. Store in the freezer.

Chocolate Rice Cake Clusters

July 29, 2023 by livesimplyhealthy 1 Comment

Chocolate Rice Cake Clusters

These Chocolate Rice Cake Clusters are one of my new favourite snacks. They’re salty and crunchy while decadent from the homemade chocolate coating. They are vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. This recipe features rice cakes, but you could also used puffed rice.

These Chocolate Rice Cake Clusters feature:

A rich, homemade chocolate coating
Crunchy rice cakes
Flaky sea salt topping
A perfectly crunchy cluster

For more homemade chocolate recipes, try my Peanut Butter & Jelly Chocolate Cups or Caramel Chocolate Eggs.

Chocolate Rice Cake Clusters

Crunchy and chocolatey rice cake clusters

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10

Chilling Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Dessert, Snacks

Servings 8

Ingredients

1/2 cup cocoa butter or coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup cocoa or cacao powder
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons peanut butter
4 rice cakes crumbled
sea salt to garnish

Instructions

To prepare the Chocolate Rice Cake Clusters, add the melted coconut oil, cacao powder, maple syrup, and peanut butter to a medium sized bow. Stir until fully combined and melted together.
Crumble the rice cakes into the chocolate mixture, ensuring that the rice cakes are broken up into little pieces. Alternatively you can used puffed rice instead.
Scoop the chocolate rice cake mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet in 8 even sized clusters. Place in the freezer until set, for at least 15 minutes. Enjoy.

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Greek Quinoa Salad

June 22, 2023 by livesimplyhealthy 2 Comments

Greek Quinoa Salad!

This Greek Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines fresh herbs, a light dressing, quinoa, mung beans, and veggies. Complete with quinoa and mung beans, this protein-packed salad is a filling option for a side dish or main meal. I love enjoying this meal during the summer months.

I made this salad vegan and gluten-free. You could optionally add some feta cheese or plant-based cheese if you’d like.

This Greek Quinoa Salad is:

Fresh
Flavorful
Vibrant
Filled with fresh herbs
Loaded with veggies and olives
Protein-packed
Filling

Greek Quinoa Salad

Light and fresh quinoa salad with a Greek twist

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Entree, Side Dish

Servings 6

Ingredients

Salad:

1 1/2 cups dried quinoa
3/4 cup dried mung beans
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 medium cucumber, diced
1 bunch parsley, diced
Fresh basil or oregano, optional
Sliced kalamata or green olives, to taste

Dressing:

Juice of 1 medium lemon
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Instructions

Cook the quinoa and mung beans separately according to your package directions. Set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, add the cooled quinoa and mung beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, fresh herbs, olives, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir to combine. Let chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavours to develop.

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3 Tips for Better Digestion

June 6, 2023 by livesimplyhealthy Leave a Comment

3 Tips for Better Digestion: Improve Your Gut Health

Learn how to enhance your digestive health with these three essential tips for better digestion. Good digestion is key to overall well-being, and by following these practical strategies, you can optimize your nutrient absorption, minimize discomfort, and boost your energy levels. Discover the secrets to a healthier gut in this blog post.

Mindful Eating:

Discover the power of mindful eating and how it positively impacts your digestion. Incorporate these tips into your routine for optimal results:

a) Thoroughly chew your food: This is one tip I mention to all of my nutrition clients! Enhance digestion by breaking down food into smaller particles. Adequate chewing initiates the release of digestive enzymes, leading to efficient nutrient absorption.

b) Savor each bite: Slow down and relish the flavors and textures of your meal. Rushing through your food can burden your digestive system, causing indigestion. Allow yourself the pleasure of a relaxed dining experience to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which will also help decrease stress.

c) Avoid distractions: Create a calm and focused atmosphere during meals. Avoid multitasking or watching TV while eating, as it diverts attention from the eating process. Concentrate on your food to facilitate optimal digestion.

Optimal Hydration for Improved Digestion:

Discover how hydration impacts your digestive system and unlock the secrets to staying adequately hydrated:

a) Prioritize water consumption: Ensure you drink a minimum of eight glasses of water daily. Proper hydration supports the production of digestive juices and enzymes, aiding in the breakdown of food.

b) Moderate caffeine and alcohol intake: Limit consumption of caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate your body and irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Opt for hydrating alternatives such as herbal teas or fruit-infused water.

c) Include hydrating foods: Incorporate water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and celery into your diet. These foods contribute to your overall hydration and promote healthy digestion.

Fiber-Rich Diet for Optimal Gut Health:

Discover the benefits of a fiber-rich diet and how it supports your digestive system:

a) Promote regular bowel movements: Boost your fiber intake to maintain regularity and prevent constipation. Fiber adds bulk to the stool, ensuring smooth and efficient elimination.

b) Nourish beneficial gut bacteria: Fiber acts as a prebiotic, providing sustenance to beneficial gut bacteria. These bacteria aid in digestion, synthesize essential vitamins, and strengthen your immune system. Incorporate whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts into your meals.

c) Gradually increase fiber intake: Increase fiber consumption gradually to avoid digestive discomfort. Rapid changes can cause bloating and gas. Remember to drink plenty of water alongside fiber-rich foods, as fiber absorbs water in the digestive tract.

Prioritize your digestive health by implementing these three crucial tips for better digestion into your daily routine. By practicing mindful eating, staying hydrated, and embracing a fiber-rich diet, you can optimize your digestion. Enjoy improved nutrient absorption, reduced discomfort, and increased energy levels.

Read more about digestion and gut health by reading 5 Nutrients to Support Digestion.

Healthy Coconut Macaroons

May 24, 2023 by livesimplyhealthy 4 Comments

Healthy Coconut Macaroons!

Healthy Coconut Macaroons

Soft and chewy Healthy Coconut Macaroons. These macaroons are a healthier take on the classic coconut macaroons. I used to love eating coconut macaroons at my grandmother’s house in the summer. This recipe brings me right back.

These Healthy Coconut Macaroons are:

Naturally sweet
Sticky
Soft and chewy
Slightly golden and crisp on the bottom
Coconut-y
Vegan
Refined sugar-free
Gluten-free
Grain-free

For more easy dessert recipes, try my Coconut Chocolate Eggs or Chocolate Chip Cookies made with almond flour.

Healthy Coconut Macaroons

Sweet and sticky coconut macaroons

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Dessert, Snacks

Servings 8

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened fine shredded/desiccated coconut
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
3 Tablespoons melted coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Set aside.
Add all ingredients to a small bowl. Stir until fully combined and sticky.
Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop 8 even sized balls of the mixture on to your cookie sheet. Roll each ball of the mixture into a ball and press down on the cookie sheet so the bottom is flat and the top is dome shaped, like a traditional macaroon shape.
Bake in your preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, until the tops and bottoms are slightly golden. Let cool completely.
Enjoy as is or optionally drizzle with melted chocolate. Enjoy!

Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

May 10, 2023 by livesimplyhealthy 7 Comments

Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins!

These Oatmeal Banana Muffins are soft and comforting. They’re hearty and filling, while tasty and perfectly sweet at the same time. They make a perfect snack, made filling with the addition of oats, coconut flour, coconut milk, and flax or regular eggs. These muffins are made with chocolate chips, but you could also try blueberries or chopped nuts as well!

These muffins are vegan friendly, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. I used a combination of oat flour and coconut flour for the gluten-free base, and sweetened them with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.

Try my Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins, or Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Cookies.

Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Soft and tasty banana oatmeal muffins with chocolate chips

5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 28

Total Time 43

Servings 18

Ingredients

3 medium ripe bananas
1 cup oat flour, 1 cups oats ground into a flour
1 1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup coconut flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
3 flax eggs or eggs
1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup coconut milk or nut milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

Line 2 muffin tins with silicone or paper muffin liners and set aside. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mash the bananas in a small bowl and set aside.
In a large bowl, add the oat flour, oats, coconut flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir until fully combined.
Add the mashed banana, flax eggs or eggs, maple syrup or honey, coconut milk, vanilla, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until fully combined.
Mix in the chocolate chips
Scoop the mixture evenly into 18 prepared muffin cups. Bake in the preheated oven for 27-30 minutes, or until slightly golden.
Let cool before enjoying. Store in the fridge or freezer.

Healthy Chocolate Caramel Eggs

April 5, 2023 by livesimplyhealthy 4 Comments

Healthy Chocolate Caramel Eggs!

The ultimate Easter Egg. Sweet and sticky caramel sauce coated in rich dark chocolate. These Healthy Chocolate Caramel Eggs are so delicious and fun! They feature a healthier date caramel sauce made from naturally sweetened dates and coconut cream. The coating is a rich dark chocolate. Combine the two together and you get a sweet and decadent treat reminiscent of Cadbury Eggs.

This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. You’ll need dates, coconut cream, vanilla, sea salt, and a dark chocolate bar. This no-bake recipe is quite simple to make with minimal ingredients. Enjoy!

Try my Chocolate Coconut Eggs or Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs!

Chocolate Caramel Eggs

Chocolate eggs filled with date caramel.

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 20

Servings 12

Ingredients

Date Caramel

1/2 cup pitted Medjool dates
1/4 cup coconut cream, from a can of full fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons hot water
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Chocolate Coating

One 8 oz Dark Chocolate Bar

Instructions

To prepare the date caramel, add the pitted dates, coconut cream, water, sea salt, and vanilla to a small blender. Blend on high until fully smooth and no date pieces remain. Set aside.
To prepare the chocolate coating, melt the dark chocolate bar and set aside.
To assemble, use a silicone Easter egg mould. Add a spoonful of the melted dark chocolate to each egg cup. Set in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to harden. Remove from the freezer and dollop a spoonful of the date caramel into each chocolate egg shell. Make sure you don't overfill the egg. Set in the freezer to set for 5-10 minutes. Remove from the freezer and add the remaining melted chocolate over each caramel egg to form a shell. Set in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
Once fully set, remove the eggs from your mould. Optionally drizzle with more melted chocolate or caramel for garnish. Enjoy!

Healthy Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

March 21, 2023 by livesimplyhealthy 3 Comments

Healthy Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars!

This no-bake chocolate peanut butter dessert is rich and decadent. It combines two of my favourite flavours, chocolate and peanut butter. These Healthy Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars feature a rich peanut butter base topped with a dark chocolate coating. The recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free.

The base is made from peanut butter and coconut flour and naturally sweetened with maple syrup.

For more chocolate peanut butter recipes, try my Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies, Peanut Butter & Jelly Cups, or Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

Rich and decadent peanut butter bars topped with a dark chocolate coating

5 from 3 votes

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Total Time 25

Course Dessert, Snack

Servings 18

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Base:

1 cup natural creamy peanut butter
1 cup coconut flour
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon sea salt

Chocolate Topping:

8 oz dark chocolate, melted

OR

1/2 cup cocoa or cacao powder
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup

Garnish

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

In a large bowl, add the peanut butter, coconut flour, maple syrup, vanilla, and sea salt. Stir until fully combined and a ball forms.
Add the dough ball to a parchment lined 9x9 baking dish. With damp hands or a spatula, evenly spread the dough to form 1 flat layer. Set aside.
In a small bowl, melt your chocolate or prepare your own chocolate mixture by adding melted coconut oil, cocoa or cacao, and maple syrup and stir until combined.
Pour you melted chocolate over your prepared peanut butter base. Spread with a spatula into an even coating. Set in the fridge until set, at least 30 minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt once set, optional.

Vegan Brownies with Melted Chocolate

February 7, 2023 by livesimplyhealthy 3 Comments

Vegan Brownies with Melted Chocolate!

Your classic brownies topped with gently melted hazelnut chocolate. These Vegan Brownies with Melted Chocolate are rich and decadent. They feature a traditional vegan brownie base topped with chocolate squares that melt and create a rich ganache-like topping. I used hazelnut cherry chocolate, but you could use any chocolate you like for the topping.

This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. Made with natural ingredients like almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup.

For more chocolatey recipes, try my Twix Bars, Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Cookies, or Peanut Butter Cookies with Melted Chocolate.

Vegan Brownies with Melted Chocolate

Rich vegan brownies with melted chocolate squares on top

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Servings 16

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups almond flour
½ cup cocoa or cacao powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ cup coconut oil melted
½ cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
16 chocolate squares I used hazelnut cherry chocolate

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9x9 baking dish with parchment paper.
Add the almond flour, cocoa or cacao powder, baking soda, and sea salt to a small bowl. Stir to combine. Add the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla and stir until combined. Add the mixture to your prepared baking dish and gently pat in an even layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately place the 16 chocolate squares evenly distributed on top of the brownies. Let the heat from the brownies melt the chocolate as the brownies cool. Once cooled, slice into 16 squares and enjoy.

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Dark Chocolate Orange Truffles

December 17, 2022 by livesimplyhealthy 1 Comment

Dark Chocolate Orange Truffles!

These Dark Chocolate Orange Truffles are rich and decadent. Chocolate and orange is one of my favourite flavour combinations around the holiday season. These truffles embody those flavours perfectly, with the use of fresh orange juice and orange essential oil. They’re simple to make and use vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free ingredients.

For more holiday recipes, try my vegan and gluten-free Sugar Cookies, Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, or White Chocolate Peppermint Bark.

Dark Chocolate Orange Truffles

Rich dark chocolate orange truffles

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 20

Total Time 20

Course Dessert

Ingredients

1/2 cup cocoa or cacao powder plus more for dusting
1/2 cup cocoa butter or coconut oil melted
4 tablespoons maple syrup
6 tablespoons coconut cream
4 tablespoons orange juice
5 drops orange essential oil
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

To make the truffles, add the cocoa or cacao powder and melted coconut oil or cocoa butter to a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Add the maple syrup, coconut cream, orange juice, orange essential oil, and sea salt and stir until combined. Place in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes, or until set but still pliable.
Once chilled, scoop the mixture into 20 spoonfuls, and roll into balls. Roll each ball in a small bowl of additional cocoa or cacao powder. Place in the fridge to set for at least 30 minutes before enjoying.

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livesimplyhealthy

Chocolate Raspberry Bites

Ingredients

Raspberry Filling:

Chocolate Coating:

Instructions

Chocolate Rice Cake Clusters

Ingredients

Instructions

Greek Quinoa Salad!

Greek Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

Salad:

Dressing:

Instructions

3 Tips for Better Digestion: Improve Your Gut Health

Mindful Eating:

Discover the power of mindful eating and how it positively impacts your digestion. Incorporate these tips into your routine for optimal results:

Optimal Hydration for Improved Digestion:

Discover how hydration impacts your digestive system and unlock the secrets to staying adequately hydrated:

Fiber-Rich Diet for Optimal Gut Health:

Discover the benefits of a fiber-rich diet and how it supports your digestive system:

Healthy Coconut Macaroons

Ingredients

Instructions

Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients

Instructions

Chocolate Caramel Eggs

Ingredients

Date Caramel

Chocolate Coating

Instructions

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Base:

Chocolate Topping:

OR

Garnish

Instructions

Vegan Brownies with Melted Chocolate

Ingredients

Instructions

Dark Chocolate Orange Truffles

Ingredients

Instructions

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