An all-day dessert idea
By Mercedes Kay Gold, CNP, CPT
The Standard American Diet (SAD) is an epic failure for supporting health. Sugary cereals, white pancakes slathered in syrup and fried eggs and sausages are slow to be eliminated from meal plans. Fit and fabulous is something we must strive to be. Eating healthy fuels the body for optimal energy. Clean eating is a produce-piled plate. Eating a rainbow at every meal is mandatory. Plant-based love can be fun! Let’s nosh on nature’s candy dipped in chocolate love anytime! Chocolate hummus and fruit is a decadent dreamy all-day dessert with body-boosting benefits. NO GUILT here!
Fresh is first and fruit floods the cells with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. On-the-go or at your desk, berries are hydrating and cleansing. Rich in fiber, low in carbohydrates and ranked low on the glycemic scale, they promote fullness and support weight-loss and management. Berries are a keto dieter’s dream.
Chickpeas, often referred to as the garbanzo. are powerhouses of plant-based proteins – high fiber, low fat and blood sugar stabilizing protein plus complex carbohydrates for endless energy. With just 210 calories in a cup and packed with potassium, magnesium and vitamin B6, feel free to indulge.
Nut butters are nothing but heaps of health. Health fats, protein and of course that fabulous flavor paired with chocolate for a taste sensation. Nut sensitivity or allergy, tahini is top-notch. This stellar sesame seed paste is high in selenium, zinc and non-heme iron.
Cacao powder contains an array of antioxidants – flavonols, a type of flavonoid helps protect you from heart disease. Chocolate contains polyphenols, helping improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Low in magnesium may have you craving chocolate often. Cacao is rich in theobromine, reducing inflammation throughout the body.
Date or maple syrup adds a bit of sweetness, but feel free to dip mangos, grapes or ripe bananas and skip sugar in the hummus!
Let’s take it to the next level and pair berries with the power of plant-based protein. I am crazy for chocolate hummus.
Chocolate hummus
- 1 15oz or 425 gram can of chick peas
- 4 tbsp cacao powder
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple or date syrup
- ¼ cup runny tahini* or runny nut butter
- ¼ tsp Himalayan salt
Directions:
- Rinse and drain chick peas.
- Combine all ingredients in the food processor and blend until smooth.
*Nut-free option
Mercedes Kay Gold is a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Holistic Nutritionist who loves helping others live their best life when not spending time with her children and grandson, Theodore. She can be reached at mercedeskaygoldfitness@gmail.com
