Big Fat Treats

If you want to quit sugar, it’s important to “add before you subtract.” In other words, feed your soul and body to avoid deprivation. So, increase the amount of satisfying, wholesome fat you eat, while decreasing the amount of sweeteners you consume. When you increase your fat-to-sugar ratio, you prevent the blood sugar crash that sends you diving for donuts. My clients report that their cravings quit when they eat their Big Fat Treats.

Below are 3 simple Big Fat Treat recipes that you can make in just 5-10 minutes. Healthy fats such as nuts, avocado, and coconut as the basis for these snacks. A little bit goes a long way. Therefore, a few bites will leave you happier than a whole package of Oreos.

Big Fat Treat #1: Fruity Frosty

photo credit: Mordi Photographie

Blend or process until smooth:

• 1 c. frozen raspberries
• whole avocado, peeled & pitted
• 1 Tb. each lime juice and honey

Eat immediately, or scoop into an ice cream freezer and churn according to manufacturer’s directions.

Winning variations

• Peach: 1 c. frozen peaches, 1/2 c. coconut milk, and 1 Tb. orange juice concentrate.
• Cherry: 1 c. frozen cherries, 1/4 c. almond butter, 1 Tb. pomegranate juice plus water for blending.
• Banana: 1 c. frozen banana slices, 1/4 c. cashew butter, 1 Tb. pure maple syrup, plus milk for blending.

Big Fat Treat #2: Chocolate Pudding/Pops

Blend or process until smooth:

• 1 large banana
• 1 Haas avocado
• 3-4 oz. bittersweet chocolate bar, 70% cacao, melted
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 Tb. pure maple syrup, optional

Spoon into cups and refrigerate until serving time, or spoon into molds and freeze for fudgesicles.

Big Fat Treat #3: Ginger Cookies

• 2 c. raw walnuts or pecans*
• 1 c. dried dates (pitted) or figs*
• 1/4 c. molasses
• 4 Tb. arrowroot or tapioca starch
• 1/2 tsp. ginger
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. cloves
• 1/4 tsp. salt

While oven is preheating to 325 degrees, churn nuts and dates in a food processor until they form a smooth paste.* Then, add remaining ingredients and pulse to combine. Next, form 1″ balls. Place on a greased, sprayed, or parchment-lined baking sheet. Finally, flatten with the palm of your hand. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Note: If you do not have a food processor, you can substitute 1 cup of nut butter and 1/3 cup honey for the nuts and dates/figs.