Clean Eating Treats!

What if I were to tell you that you can have your cake and eat it too?!?!?!  Yes, even when you have a nutrition plan, you can reward yourself with healthy and clean treats that will not undo your hard work in the gym!









These dark chocolate muffins are delicious and surprisingly healthy.
Total Time: 22 min.
Prep Time: 20 min.
Cooking Time: 12 min.
Yield: 12 servings, 1 cupcake each
Ingredients:
1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained, rinsed
3 large eggs
½ cup pure maple syrup
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
3 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Prepare 12 muffin cups by lining with muffin papers or coating with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
3. Place chickpeas, eggs, maple syrup, cocoa powder, baking soda, coconut oil, and extract in blender or food processor; cover. Blend until smooth.
4. Divide batter among 12 prepared muffin cups.
5. Top each muffin with about four chocolate chips; push into batter.
6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely and enjoy!

Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Banana Quesadilla
Total Time: 15 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 5 min.
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients:
1 (6-inch) whole wheat tortilla
1 Tbsp. all-natural smooth peanut butter
½ large banana, thinly sliced
1 Tbsp. dark chocolate (or semi-sweet) morsels
Preparation:
1. Spread half of tortilla with peanut butter.
2. Top peanut butter with banana and chocolate morsels. Fold tortilla in half; cook in medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once, until chocolate is melted and tortilla is golden brown.

Chocolate Superfood Bites

Total Time: 17 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 2 min.
Yield: 24 servings, 1 bite each
Ingredients:
8 oz. dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
12 Tbsp. raw pistachio pieces
12 Tbsp. pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
12 Tbsp. unsweetened dried cranberries
1 tsp. coarse sea salt (or Himalayan salt) (optional)
Preparation:
1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Place chocolate in a microwave-safe glass measuring cup. Microwave for 60 seconds on 50%; stir. Microwave for another 30 seconds on 50%; stir. Repeat until chocolate is completely melted. If needed, microwave for an additional 30 seconds on 50%. Do not overcook. Chocolate will melt as you stir it.
3. Use a spoon to make twenty-four small rounds of chocolate onto the parchment paper.
4. Working while chocolate is still warm, sprinkle chocolate rounds evenly with nuts, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and salt (if desired).
5. Let the chocolate set in the refrigerator.
Tip: The higher the percentage of cacao in chocolate the better. Look for chocolate that is at least 70% cacao.

Variations:
• The following raw nuts (alone or in combination) can be substituted for pistachios: almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, or walnuts.
• The following seeds (alone or in combination) can be substituted for pumpkin seeds: chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, or sunflower seeds.
• The following unsweetened dried fruits (alone or in combination) can be substituted for cranberries: apricots, blueberries, mangos, raisins, or tart red cherries.
• Substitute unsweetened shredded coconut for seeds.




Coconut Macaroons
Total Time: 20 min.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: 15 min.
Yield: 5 servings, 2 cookies each
Ingredients:
2 large egg whites
2 Tbsp. coconut whey protein (or vanilla whey protein or Beachbody Base Shake)
⅔ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
2 Tbsp. dark chocolate morsels
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 325° F.
2. Place egg whites in a clean medium mixing bowl; beat until stiff peaks are formed.
3. Gently fold in whey protein and shredded coconut.
4. Drop by rounded Tbsp. onto prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until browned; cool.
6. Melt chocolate in a small microwaveble bowl for 30 seconds at 50% heat. Stir and repeat until nibs melt.
7. Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled macaroons.
Tip: Coconut whey protein can be found at health food stores or online.



Not only do avocados add a boost of healthy fats, they also intensify the flavor of chocolate and make these brownies ultra rich, and decadent. These gluten-free treats are so fudgy and moist, you won’t even remember how healthy they are!
Total Time: 51 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 36 min.
Yield: 12 servings, 1 brownie each
Ingredients:
Nonstick cooking spray
1 medium ripe avocado, mashed
¼ cup extra-virgin coconut oil, melted
1 large egg, lightly beaten
½ cup pure maple syrup
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
¼ cup gluten-free flour
⅓ cup dark chocolate chips
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Lightly coat with spray. Set aside.
3. Combine avocado, oil, egg, maple syrup, and extract in a medium bowl; mix well. Set aside.
4. Combine cocoa powder, salt, and flour in a medium bowl; mix well.
5. Add cocoa powder mixture to avocado mixture; mix well.
6. Add chocolate chips; mix until blended.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan; spread to make even.
8. Bake for 33 to 36 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
9. Cool for an hour before removing from pan. Cut into 8 squares.









Nina Pears