Healthy Valentine's Day Snacks

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and with it will come all kinds of candies and chocolates galore. This Valentine’s Day, how about showing your body a little love with some healthy and unique treats? Here are 4 healthy Valentine’s Day snacks to try this year.

No Bake Red Velvet Protein Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups gluten free oat flour (For the paleo option, use 1 cup coconut flour)

• ½ cup coconut flour, sifted (Can sub for almond or more oat flour)½ cup vanilla or chocolate vegan or paleo friendly protein powder

• 1-2 T cocoa powder (adjust depending on chocolate flavor you want)

• 1 T beet powder (optional)

• 2 T granulated sweetener of choice

• ½ cup almond butter (can sub for any nut butter)

• ½ cup brown rice syrup (sub for maple syrup in the paleo version)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 T + dairy free milk of choiceMini chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

1. Line a large baking dish with greased paper and set aside.

2. In large microwave safe bowl, combine the flour, protein powder, granulated sweetener, cocoa powder, beetroot powder and mix well.

3. In a microwave safe bowl or stovetop, combine the nut butter and liquid sweetener and heat until melted.

4. Add the vanilla extract and pour the wet mixture into the dry and mix well- It should be crumbly.

5. Using a spoon, add the dairy free milk of choice one spoonful at a time until a thick, firm batter is formed.

6. Stir through chocolate chips and transfer to lined baking dish and press firmly.

7. Refrigerate until firm before slicing up to enjoy!

Valentines Day Overnight Oats

Ingredients: (serves 2)

Raspberry Jam

1 cup frozen/fresh raspberries

1 tsp coconut oil

1 tbsp chia seeds

1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

Overnight Oats

1 cup oats

2 tbsp chia seeds

3/4 cup almond milk

1 tbsp honey/other sweetener

Directions:

1. For the jam, place your raspberries and coconut oil in a saucepan on medium heat. Stir until the berries have turned mushy and the juices are coming out, about 4-5 minutes. Add the honey/syrup and chia seeds. Keep stirring until it reaches your desired consistency and then remove from heat. Allow to cool down and then scoop into a container/jar and place in fridge

2. For the overnight oats, combine the oats, chia seeds, almond milk and sweetener in a bowl. Mix together until everything is interspersed (especially the chia seeds).

3. Place in fridge for 6-8 hours.

4. Before eating, scoop about 1/3 cup into a mason jar. Add a layer of raspberry jam and another layer oats. Add a final layer of jam and top with fresh raspberries, cacao nibs, and whatever toppings you desire.

Chocolate Beet Bites

Ingredients:

1 small cooked beet (I used Love Beets pre-cooked beets)

1/2 cup of GF rolled oats

1/2 cup of nut butter (I used NuttZo Chocolate Power Fuel)

2 pitted dates

1/4 cup of honey

1 tsp of chia seeds

1 tsp cocoa powderCoconut flakes (for topping)

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients (minus coconut flakes) in a food processor until blended.

2. Roll into small balls and top with coconut flakes.

3. Store in refrigerator.

There You Have It!

3 simple, flavourful and thoughtful snacks you can serve up on your romantic night.