Homemade Better-for-you Holiday Sweets

On December 9, 2018 By The Golden Graham GirlIn Cookies, Gluten-free, Grain-free, High-protein, Low-fat, Paleo, Pies, Tarts & Turnovers, Random, Special Occasion Desserts, Specialty Diets, Truffles, Bites & Balls, Uncategorized, Vegan, VegetarianLeave a comment

I know this tme of year gets even busier for busy professional working moms (just like me). I was so busy that in last week’s post about Smart Strategies for Holiday Eating, I completely forgot to point out that you can also MAKE your own foods to BRING to the events. When you’ve got better-for-you recipes like the ones I’m about to share, you can be confident in your food choices because you know exactly what is in them and just how delicious they are! It’s so disappointing to “waste” calories on a sub-par goodie, isn’t it? I’ve been known to (discreetly) spit out crappy chocolates and dry cookies. If I’m eating it, it had better be DELICIOUS!

So, I assure you that all of the recipes that follow fit the bill for both better-for-you than their traditional counterparts AND delicious – AS delicious-tasting as the originals, if not MORE SO! Some of the recipes are vegan, some are keto- and/or paleo-friendly and ALL of the recipes lack refined/processed sugar. I actually filmed full-length LIVE demos for FIVE of the recipes on Facebook and I shared those same five recipes as my weekly Instagram video series.

Forgot about a class party? Need to bring a dish to a potluck (as I suggested above)? Just want to hide in the basement with some snacks until it’s all over? I’ve got you covered! For all of my recipes and MORE of my top picks from my favourite food bloggers, read on!

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Low-carb Hot Cocoa

On August 27, 2018 By The Golden Graham GirlIn Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Grain-free, Low-fat, Nutritious Noshes (Snacks), Paleo, Specialty Diets, Vegan, Vegetarian1 Comment

It feels like it’s been a while since I’ve posted a recipe. Long, too long (say that in your best Sean Connery voice). I’m one of those weirdos who still likes hot beverages even in hot weather (don’t worry if this makes you a weirdo, too; we can be weird together). Actually, apparently it’s not actually all that weird. Some of the hottest places on earth (the Equator; African nations) drink hot, HOT coffee and other hot beverages to encourage the body to sweat to help with this body-cooling mechanism.

So, here’s to sweaty days and sweaty nights, and I swear this low-carb hot cocoa is actually really great on cold winter days and nights, as well. With fewer than fifty calories per mug, it’s basically perfect all of the time. Unlike “regular” hot chocolate, it’s also completely sugar-free, and also dariy-free, gluten-free and vegan. And you can make it without breaking a sweat.

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Weeknight Winner Wednesday: Easy Meatless “Cheater” Chili (Dairy-free, Gluten-free, High-fiber, Low-fat, Vegan)

On June 24, 2015June 21, 2015 By The Golden Graham GirlIn Dairy-free, Dinners, Fitness Foods (Meals), Gluten-free, High-protein, Low-fat, Lunches, Vegan, Vegetarian4 Comments

I’m back with the second installment of Weeknight Winner Wednesdays! This edition features a high-fiber, flavourful meatless chili that you can have on the table in about two shakes (that’s twenty minutes) with one simple make-ahead ingredient. No sweating over a simmering pot for hours. And with high-fiber beans stealing the show, no one will miss the meat in this vegetarian, low-fat chili. YOU control the heat, so you can make this just as hot (or not) as you like. This is another nutritious and delicious dish you (and your family) are sure to love.

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Quick and Easy Curried Chickpeas with Brown Rice (Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Low-fat, Vegan)

On June 13, 2015 By The Golden Graham GirlIn Dairy-free, Dinners, Fitness Foods (Meals), Gluten-free, Low-fat, Lunches, Meals under 350 Calories, One-pot Wonders, Vegan, Vegetarian2 Comments

Craving Indian food but don’t have time to cook? Wait – don’t pick up that phone! You can get all the great taste of Indian takeout without the guilt with this super-fast, easy (& healthy!) recipe. Serve it on its own as a light lunch or dinner or pair it with your favourite Indian dishes as part of a family feast. This vegan dish still packs a punch of protein from the chickpeas and brown rice and is a great source of fiber. It’s gluten-free, too! You can throw all of the ingredients in this single serving recipe into a to-go container for an easy on-the-go meal (just heat and eat) OR multiply the recipe to feed the whole family.

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(Paleo) Quick and Easy Guacamole (5 ingredients!)

On May 24, 2015May 25, 2015 By The Golden Graham GirlIn Condiments, Sauces, Spreads & Toppings, Dairy-free, Fitness Foods (Meals), Gluten-free, Grain-free, Nut-free, Paleo, Specialty Diets, Vegan, Vegetarian2 Comments

Ah, guacamole. If I’m eating guacamole, I’m eating some version of Mexican food or Tex-Mex and that means I am a happy girl. Sadly, South Korea is a little bit lacking in the Mexican food department (I know, I know – you don’t come to Korea for the Mexican food), although I hear that there are a few notable exceptions for Mexican food restaurants in the foodie districts in Seoul. At least avocados are readily available at my local Costco. So, I decided to make my own guacamole at home. When I realized how easily you can make this healthy dip with only a handful of ingredients, I just had to share this recipe with you!

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(Paleo) Simple Apple Cinnamon Roasted Squash Soup (Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Grain-free, Vegan)

On May 20, 2015May 31, 2015 By The Golden Graham GirlIn Dairy-free, Dinners, Fitness Foods (Meals), Grain-free, Low-fat, Lunches, Meals under 350 Calories, Nut-free, Paleo, Specialty Diets, Vegan, Vegetarian4 Comments

I’m always impressed by a bowl of warm and creamy roasted squash soup. This soup is no different: the rich, earthy, subtly sweet flavour of the roasted squash is enhanced by a just-right blend of spices. Adding apple adds an unexpected yet complementary flavour and touch of sweetness to the dish. No matter what time of year you make it, the taste will make you think of fall with its brilliant-hued leaves and crisp weather. Savouring a bowl of this soup is just like snuggling into your favourite cozy knitted sweater.

Not only am I impressed by this kind of soup, I’ve also been intimidated by the idea of preparing such a soup. Not anymore! I promise that this recipe will show you how easily you can prepare this sophisticated yet comforting dish.

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Mint Chocolate Avocado Protein Pudding

On April 28, 2015May 28, 2015 By The Golden Graham GirlIn Custards, Mousses & Puddings, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, High-protein, Nutritious Noshes (Snacks), Specialty Diets, Vegan, Vegetarian6 Comments

I don’t know about you, but it seems like avocado-based puddings are EVERYWHERE these days (and by everywhere, I mean all over Pinterest). I love me some avocado (sliced and sprinkled with sea salt, in guacamole, on my burgers, in my salads, etc.) and I also love chocolate, so it wasn’t too much of a stretch to get me believing in the avocado-chocolate combination. I fiddled around with a few recipes, making my own adjustments here and there until I had absolutely nailed the creamy, cool texture of a traditional dairy-based chocolate pudding. And then, to justify it as a gym-friendly snack, I threw in some protein powder. Naturally. You’ll see that I do that with a lot of recipes. There are only so many egg whites, chicken breasts, cans of tuna, and Quest Bars (yes, there is even a limit to those, sadly) a girl can eat before she needs to get creative with her protein choices.

But, add MINT to the equation (an idea I first got from these ridiculously good No Bake Andes Mint Bars) and it was like the heavens opened with an angel chorus and I was bathed in a warm white light: Hallelujah! Mint Chocolate Avocado ECSTASY!

I’ll show you what I mean!

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