Collaborative Post
We all know that eating ( & drinking) is one of the greatest pleasures in life. Sadly though, both activities can be tied up in a lot of guilt, about what we should and shouldn’t consume. Of course, when it comes down to it what we eat and drink is a choice that only the individual can make. However, you will be pleased to discover that whether you are aiming at cutting sugar, eating more healthy fats, giving up meat, or lowering your consumption of caffeine or alcohol, there is always an alternative you can choose that will taste great as well. In fact, I have collected some of the best in the post below so you can indulge guilt-free. Read on to find out more.
Avocado brownies
These delicious morsels are great for vegans and folks that are dairy and egg free. They are pretty easy to make as well, and as they are packed with healthy fat, they should really fill you up!
Basically, the key to making these is to whip up the avocado pulp and oil up first and then add this to the rest of the mix, leaving out the chocolate chips until right at the last minute. Don’t forget to keep a few chips back to garnish as well.
Recipe:
16 tbsp flour
13 tbsp water
8 tbsp vegan chocolate chips
8 tbsp raw cacao powder
7 tbsp Sugar
4 tbsp Puree Avocado
4 tbsp avocado oil
5 tbsp Stevia
1 tsp baking soda
Air fryer chips
Who doesn’t love chips? Of course, it can be pretty easy to feel guilty about eating them because they usually come with a whole heap of fat included. In fact, some places still cook their chips in tallow, which is rendered beef fat, which makes them a big no-no for vegans!
Luckily, when cooking chips at home, you can control how they are made. In fact, you can get an excellent result but slicing your potatoes (Maris Piper are usually best) and then pre-boiling them. Then take them out of the pan and dry off using a kitchen towel and pop them in a hot oven at around 200 degrees centigrade for about 25 minutes. Add a few spritzes of oil or Fry Light, and they come out lovely and crispy.
Who doesn’t love chips? Of course, it can be pretty easy to feel guilty about eating them because they usually come with a whole heap of fat included. In fact, some places still cook their chips in tallow, which is rendered beef fat, which makes them a big no-no for vegans!
Luckily, when cooking chips at home, you can control how they are made. In fact, you can get an excellent result but slicing your potatoes (Maris Piper are usually best) and then pre-boiling them. Then take them out of the pan and dry off using a kitchen towel and pop them in a hot oven at around 200 degrees centigrade for about 25 minutes. Add a few spritzes of oil or Fry Light, and they come out lovely and crispy.
Alternatively, why not go for air fryer chips instead? In fact, with this method, you can use just a tbsp full of oil for a whole batch, and you get to choose the oil you use too! FYI using peanut oil is super tasty and help them to go very crispy!
You can even cook these bad boys straight from raw too, making them a super easy, guilt-free treat or accompaniment to a meal that the whole family can enjoy.
Decaf hot drinks
Caffeine is another of those substances that we can easily fall into the pattern of having way too much of. Of course, this isn’t particularly healthy for us because caffeine raises your heart rate and so can cause anxiety, trouble sleeping, and even upset your stomach. All symptoms that most busy folks could do without on a day to day basis.
However, for those of us that love a revitalising hot drink, it can be tough to make the decision to avoid caffeine, especially if it has become an integral part of your day. Luckily, there is no longer any need to cut out all soothing hot drinks, if you are looking to reduce your caffeine intake. The reason being that you can get products such as decaffeinated tea and even decaffeinated coffee beans now. Something that means you can enjoy the taste and experience of your favourite drink without having to worry that it’s doing you harm. In fact, for those folks that love a hot drink for bed, a decaffeinated option is absolutely the best choice.
Kale crisps
Crisps, if you’re anything like my family, you’ll be tempted to eat them every day! From corn snacks to the traditional potato variety. They all come in those massive family share bags now too, which can make it a little difficult to stop at a single portion and definitely lead to some guilt and recreation once you are done.
In fact, it’s almost as if we could do with something that was like a crisp, but was way more healthy! Of course, what I’m talking about here are kale chips, which might not sound like your new favourite guilt-free snack, but actually, have a whole load of potential.
They are super easy to make as well, just get the curly kale or black kale from supermarkets that is already cut. Then follow the recipe here for oven cooking, or use your air fryer to make them instead. The latter being a super quick method.
Now, you can totally have them plain or salted, but what really makes them for me is investing in some powdered flavouring such as cheese, or salt and vinegar and sprinkling on those instead for that delicious savoury hit without the guilt! Yum!
Alcohol-free cocktails
There are two times in the year where it seems like it becomes mandatory to drink alcohol. Christmas and the Summer. The latter being in full swing! However, alcohol isn’t the best choice for everyone, as too much of the stuff can affect behaviour and your health.
Happily, there are all sorts of delicious alcohol-free cocktail ideas that you can use, so you don’t have to miss out on a refreshing treat during the hot days!
One of the nicest I’ve tried is low-calorie lemonade mixed with elder flower cordial. Add a few slices of cucumber and strawberry too and then chill and you really have a yummy, summer tipple without having to worry about any of the guilt.
Of course, the added bonus is that you won’t have a hangover come the morning after either, and you will have got some of your 5 a day. Something that really makes this alcohol free option not only delightful but pretty darn good for you as well!
Tha avocado brownies sound delcious, I’ve pinned for later