Great Holiday Raw Food Dessert Ideas
Christmas is a time when we think of family get togethers, opening gifts and eating in abundance. It is a special time for most of us, enjoying friends, and good comfort, traditional Holiday foods. But with the Holidays, also comes weight gain, bloating, and even health problems from too many sweets and food.
Today white sugar, white flour, dairy products, trans and saturated fats, refined carbs and excess calories are on the “no-no” list … and with the holiday times it seems that cakes, cookies, candies and hearty fatty meals are our only options. If we even try to cut them out we begin to feel deprived and panic stricken. After all, it is a long-time tradition.
One answer to this problem is to make some raw food desserts and healthier but similar meals, and take them to get togethers and family visits. Try creating some healthy puddings, gluten free cakes and use nuts, dried fruits, oats, dried fruits or even avocados. They have a lot of flavor and are good for you. There are some really great recipes at The Raw Dessert which showcase some delicious cookies, cakes, and treats. Ani Phyo has some amazing raw food recipes as well along with some fun videos. Many of these recipes I can guarantee you won’t even notice a difference and many times taste even better than their processed sugar laden counterparts.
One of my favorite recipes is for a “Flourless Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sauce” which calls for 1 ½ cups raw walnuts, dash of salt, 6-8 pitted medjool dates, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa or carob powder, ½ tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tsp water. For the raspberry sauce you use 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries (thaw and drain if frozen) with ¼ cup pitted medjooy dates, soaked for 30 minutes and drained. Place the walnuts and salt in a food processor with the S blade and process until finely ground. Add dates, cocoa powder, and vanilla … process until mixture becomes sticky. Add water and process briefly. Transfer to a serving plate and form a 5 inch round cake. Place the raspberries and dates in a blender and mix until smooth, pouring over the cake just before serving.
You do not have to give up all your comfort foods, just find a healthier recipe for it. Should you choose to nibble on a few old foods, do so in moderation, do not go overboard, and remember to wait and let your stomach digest properly before the next meal. And always drink lots of water throughout the day.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
