Tag Archives: sugar-free

Better-For-You Chocolate Mint Syrup and Greek Yogurt Parfaits

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SweetNewYear #CollectiveBiasChocolate Greek Yogurt Parfait has no added sugar and sweetened with stevia.

I have a serious sweet tooth. It’s not a secret that I like to start (and end) my day with a little bit of chocolate goodness. Studies have shown that certain flavonoids in chocolate may decrease recovery time and improve endurance in athletes and, goodness, how I hope that is true! However, munching down on chocolate candy or ice cream isn’t really going to help me achieve my 2016 health and fitness goals – there’s a lot of extra sugar and fat I don’t need in those treats.  When I eat less processed sugar, I have more room in my diet for protein, vegetables and healthy whole grains and that’s what keeps me fueled up to kick butt on a daily basis.

Variation of Side Crow with leg up

Eating for optimal performance and well-being is all about BALANCE!

However, I’ve still been enjoying my daily chocolate but living life with less sugar thanks to Truvia® Natural Sweetener Spoonable. This zero-calorie, stevia-based sweetener is ideal for my healthy lifestyle and keeps me training smart for all my fitness goals – to get on the Spartan Race podium, to nail that next yoga pose, to bring my 5k road race time back down to freaking fast.

Aside from the great taste of Truvia® Natural Sweetener Spoonable and help it gives me to reduce the unnecessary sugar in my life, I also appreciate the product’s versatility. From a spoonful in my coffee or sprinkled on grapefruit, there are so many uses.  Two favorite other uses revolve around my chocolate obsessions – the first is to stir right from the jar into unflavored, plain Greek yogurt (to avoid the added sugar that many brands have) and the second is to make a “better-for-you” chocolate syrup that can be poured on / into  everything from hot almond milk, protein pancakes, fruit slices, and yogurt.  When I stir this chocolate syrup into my Greek yogurt, it’s like eating ice cream – but with lots of protein and very few carbohydrates.Better for You Chocolate mint syrup

Today, I’m sharing the recipe for “Better-for-You” Chocolate Mint Syrup (which can easily be tweaked without the mint) and my favorite ideas for Greek Yogurt Parfaits. I could eat a chocolate Greet yogurt parfait at breakfast, post-lunch and as a bedtime snack . . . and sometimes have!

Ingredients for Truvia Chocolate Syrup

“Better For You” Mint Chocolate Syrup (Stevia)

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, or freeze-dried mint
  • 1 cup water
  • 6 tablespoons Truvia® Natural Sweetener Spoonable
  • 1 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  1. Add mint to teaball / tea infuser and drop in small saucepan with water. Bring water to a rolling boil over medium high heat for 1 minute; turn off heat and let steep for 5 minutes.  Remove and discard mint.
  2. Mix in Truvia Spoonable into hot water, stir until dissolved. Turn burner back on to medium low, whisk in cocoa powder until incorporated and smooth, cooking for about 1 to 2 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla. If needed whisk in a tiny bit more water to achieve desired consistency if too thick.
  4. To make “regular” non-mint chocolate stevia syrup, simply bring water to boil in first step – but omit mint.
  5. May store in refrigerator for up to a month. Makes about 12 ounces.

As I mentioned,  “Better For You” Mint Chocolate Syrup is the bomb drizzled over Greek yogurt, but even better STIRRED in! Check out these yummy ways, I used the chocolate syrup made with Truvia Spoonable Natural Sweetener:

Greek Yogurt Parfait with Stevia Chocolate Syrup

As a Chocolate Greek Yogurt Parfait layered with syrup, granola, nuts and fruit –  I used pomegranate and cocoa granola, but you can substitute your favorite ingredients!ingredients for truvia yogurt parfait

As Chocolate Ombre Greek Yogurt Shooters — they are so tastefully trendy and good for you. Start with a big dollop of syrup in the bottom of glass and then spoon in yogurt that has been mixed with varying amounts of chocolate syrup to achieve gradient shades of chocolate brown.Ombre Chocolate Greek Yogurt Shooters sweetened with Stevia

It’s easy to find Truvia® Natural Sweetener Spoonable on the baking aisle at Walmart – it comes in a 9.8 ounce container, so there are plenty of scoops for your beverages, snacks and recipe ideas. Save SAVE $1.50 on any ONE (1) package of Truvía Natural Sweetener (excluding 7 ct.), Truvía Baking Blend or Truvía Brown Sugar blend – get the coupon HERE.

truvia at walmart

Check out other delicious recipes using Truvia Spoonable HERE and request your free sample!

Do you have a health or fitness goal to share? OR, what would you drizzle chocolate syrup on? Please share in the comments below — XOXO, Jennifer

Sugar-Free Pumpkin Protein Donuts with Cinnamon Frosting

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Sugar Free Pumpkin Protein Donuts - TheFitFork.comI don’t need to explain myself, it’s October. But, I will because I like to talk! October is the month when all things pumpkin happen and I when I kick up my running into a higher gear for a late fall season marathon. This year, I am also doing Spartan Beast in Dallas on Oct. 31st — I know, SCARY in so many ways!

Sugar Free Pumpkin Protein Donuts with Cinnamon Frosting

The point is, I need some extra power in this month of pumpkin-mania and so I’ve pumped up my recipe with protein powder. You can use whatever type of protein powder you prefer — whey, soy, pea, or whatever! This recipe is also sugar-free, gluten-free, nut-free (pumpkin seeds are SEEDS, duh) and Paleo friendly. Enjoy!

Sugar Free Pumpkin Protein Donuts with Cinnamon Frosting

Sugar Free Pumpkin Protein Donuts w/ Cinnamon Frosting #Pumpkinmania #CLbogger #Fitfluential

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Sugar Free Pumpkin Protein Donuts with Cinnamon FrostingWhat is your favorite pumpkin treat of the season? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer

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Sugar Free Pumpkin Protein Donuts with Cinnamon Frosting
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
22 mins
 
Enjoy the "it" flavor of October and make some muscles in the process with this easy baked donut recipe that uses protein powder. Gluten free, nut free and paleo-ish!
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 donuts
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup milk of choice
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 4 ounces light cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
Instructions
For donuts:
  1. Preheat oven to 350  degrees.
  2. In large bowl, mix together protein powder, coconut flour, 2 teaspoons of the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, baking powder and baking soda until well combined.
  3. In a medium bowl or large glass measuring cup, add water, ground flax seed, milk, vanilla, pumpkin puree and coconut oil; whisk until combined.
  4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing with until just combined.
  5. Spoon batter into a non-stick mini donut baking pan and bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until lightly browning and springing back to the touch.
For Frosting:
  1. Mix cream cheese, stevia and vanilla together until smooth.
  2. Spread onto tops of cooled donuts. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon and pumpkin seeds, if desired.

Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Pudding for the Win! #MeatlessMondayNight

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This blog post was sponsored by Silk but the opinions are all my own.

What happens when professional football and feeding the family a vegetarian meal collide – its #MeatlessMondayNight !! So, if your stomach is growling, get ready to rumble, there are so many meal and dessert options that don’t feature meat or dairy products. I’ll get to the entrée later, but let’s talk dessert first!

Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Puddings make a sweet and light ending to any meal!While I eat with my health in mind and look at food as a way to fuel my body for running, yoga and Crossfit, I also think it should taste fantastic – and should include room for the occasional sensible snack and dessert.  To satisfy my sweet tooth after a Meatless Monday dinner, I’ve whipped up these easy Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Puddings that my whole family loves.Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Puddings made with Silk Soymilk

Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Puddings make the perfect, light addition to your football game night spread – especially if everyone has been filling up on heavy dips and appetizers.  I’ve also served the individual-sized portions in clear plastic cups for easy clean up at tailgating parities.  Just fill the disposable cups up with pudding, cover with plastic wrap and then place in a cooler along with a can of dairy-free topping for that special touch.

Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Puddings in Shooter Glasses

Glass of Silk Soymilk

Great in recipes, but Silk Vanilla Soymilk is also yummy by the glassful!

These Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Puddings can be served in 2 ounce shooter glasses for a fancy presentation at a cocktail parting or holiday gathering.  I’ve made the recipe with Silk Vanilla Soymilk, but you can easily swap in Silk Almondmilk, Silk Cashewmilk or Silk Coconutmilk.  Compared to traditional cannoli made with full-fat ricotta cheese, heavy cream and lots of oil from frying the shells, my pudding version will keep you light on your feet!

 

If you’re a meat-eater (and I unapologetically am), why not join in the #MeatlessMondayNight challenge along with me? You don’t have to give up your meat every night of the week, just incorporate a vegetarian meal once a week, like for Monday night football games this season!  Personally, I am never going to give up meat all together, I’m just into a varied diet with lean proteins including meat, poultry, fish, and plant-based protein along with colorful produce in season – my personal hashtag should be #AllTheFoods !  The products from Silk work so well in all my recipes and make it easier to attain this once-a-week change.

meatless monday meal inspiration

Check out my meatless recipes above, and also visit Silk to for their collection of plant-based protein dishes. .

Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Pudding sweet end to #MeatlessMondayNights @LoveMySilk #ad

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Any vegetarian football game appetizers or desserts in your repertoire? Who are you rooting for this football season?  Please share in the comments below — XOXO, Jennifer

This conversation is sponsored by Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Chocolate Cannoli Pudding for the Win!
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 
End your Meatless Monday on a sweet note with this quick and easy dairy-free dessert option that uses Silk soymilk. #MeatlessMondayNight
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 4-serving box sugar-free chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups Silk Vanilla Soymilk may substitute cashewmilk, almond milk or coconutmilk
  • 1/2 cup diary-free ricotta substitute I used "Tofutti" brand
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 2/3 cup non-dairy whipped topping
  • 2 tablespoons non-dairy chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons shelled, chopped pistachios
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
  • 4 wafers, waffle cone wedges, etc I used 34 Degrees Original Crisps
Instructions
  1. Add pudding mix, soymilk, ricotta substitute, cinnamon and allspice in bowl. Whisk together for several minutes until well combined and beginning to thicken.
  2. Pour into ramekins or shooter glasses and let chill for at least 30 minutes.
  3. To serve, top with whipped topping, chocolate chips and pistachios.

{Slow Cooker} Sugar Free Peach Sauce

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Sugar Free Peach Sauce is great by the spoon and also on pancakes, ice cream and in smoothies!Using a slow cooker in the dogs of summer?  Normally I associate this appliance with winter and making stews and pot roasts. But, in an effort to keep from heating up my kitchen further during this 100+ degree heatwave, so it makes perfect sense to me!  I think you’ll love this Sugar-Free Peach Sauce recipe that is super easy to whip up in the crock pot, is deliciously aromatic as the spices mingle together – and it’s a great way to take advantage of a bumper crop of summer peaches.

bagging peaches for freezerIf you REALLY have a windfall of fresh peaches that you can’t eat up before overripening, then check out my How To Freeze Peaches.

If you don’t have fresh peaches, feel free to swap in frozen peach slices (store bought or home packed) – it’s a pretty forgiving recipe.  It is my experience that the store-bought peaches need the higher range of Stevia listed in the recipe.

 

 

Sugar Free Peach Sauce on Vanilla Frozen YogurtEnjoy this healthy fruit sauce either warm or cold by the bowl full– and also used as a topping on yogurt, waffles, protein pancakes and in smoothies. It is also great to pack up into a small container and send in your child’s lunchbox.  Instead of eating a processed sugary treat, peaches make an excellent source natural carbohydrates for quick brain and body energy – plus, you get the extra benefits of fiber, potassium, vitamin C.

Sugar Free Peach Sauce on Waffles

Sugar Free Peach Sauce simmers all day in a slow cooker and makes a packable lunchbox side dish or healthy topping for pancakes, ice cream and more.

Sugar Free Peach Sauce in #slowcooker Eat by the spoon or on ice cream!

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Do you have a summery recipe for the slow cooker? Or, just a peach recipe that will tempt me? Please share in the comments below —  XOXO, Jennifer 

Sugar Free Peach Sauce is great by the spoon and also on pancakes, ice cream and in smoothies!
Print
Slow Cooker Sugar Free Peach Sauce
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
6 hrs
Total Time
6 hrs 5 mins
 
This sugar-free peach sauce makes a summery topping for ice cream, pancakes, and yogurt -- or just eat by the spoonful. An easy slow cooker recipe.
Course: Breakfast, Condiment, Dessert, Fruit
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16
Ingredients
  • 5 pounds peeled, pitted and sliced peaches (or substitute frozen slices)
  • 6 - 12 packets small packets stevia or 1 ¼ teaspoon liquid stevia (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
  1. Blanch, peel and pit peaches; cut into slices. Or, if using frozen (easiest method), partially thaw in microwave. Place fresh or thawed frozen peaches in the food processor and process until flesh is getting smooth, but still slightly chunky. Pour peaches into slow cooker set on LOW for 6 - 8 hours, stirring a couple times during the day. After 8 hours, stir in lemon juice, cinnamon and ginger. Sever warm or cool. May be stored in the refrigerator for 5 days or freezer up to 6 months.

Apple Protein Pancakes with Sugar-Free Cider Syrup

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Apple Protein Pancakes with Sugar Free Apple Cider Syrup - TheFitFork.comThe kids have the whole week off school for Thanksgiving and they want pancakes for breakfast  . . . every day! My recipe for Apple Protein Pancakes with Sugar-Free Cider Syrup wins for convenience and taste. It relies on boxed pancake mix (you can use whole wheat) and jarred applesauce.  I originally developed this recipe for Litehouse Foods (they have the best apple cider), but later tweaked it for my own use by using a couple scoops of vanilla protein powder.  I just find that after eating pancakes, I get the “hangries” unless I’ve balanced it with a little more protein.  Oh, and the syrup doesn’t have any added sugar, a huge bonus considering the way my kids pour it on without discretion.  If you’d rather do the no protein powder version, get the recipe here.

Sugar Free Apple Cider Syrup for Pancakes - thefitfork.com

Apple Protein Pancakes with Sugar-Free Cider Syrup

For Pancakes:

  • 2 cups “complete” pancake mix (the “just add water” type)
  • 2 scoops (about 2/3 cup) vanilla or unflavored protein powder
  • 1cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup apple cider

For Syrup:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon liquid Stevia (or any sugar  substitute to achieve a ½ cup sugar equivalency) I used NuNaturals
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups  apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons butter

1. Heat electric griddle to 375 F degrees or skillet over medium high.

2. In bowl, combine pancake mix and protein powder with a whisk until blended. Stir in applesauce and apple cider until slightly smooth. If batter is too thick, stir in a scant amount of water or more apple cider to thin.

3. Pour batter onto hot griddle using 1/3 cup measure. Cook for approximately 1 to 1 ½ minutes before flipping. Pancake is ready to flip when edges are pulling away and bubbles on top have slowed down.

4. Flip pancakes with spatula and cook for approximately 45 seconds to 1 minute longer. Repeat for remaining pancake batter.

5. Meanwhile, prepare syrup by mixing cornstarch, sugar substitute and cinnamon together in a saucepan with heat off.

6. Gradually whisk in the cider and lemon juice and cook over medium heat stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until thickened

7. Remove syrup from heat and stir in butter. Serve warm over pancakes and store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Serves 6 (2 pancakes each)

Apple Protein Pancakes with #SugarFree Apple Cider Syrup #recipe

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 More pancake recipes for hungry people:

Pancakes made with Core Power - TheFitfork.com

Pancakes made with Core Power – TheFitfork.com

 My little secret trick — just swap out Core Power for the milk or water in your pancake recipe.

Bit of Pumpkin Pecan Oat Pancake theftfork.comPumpkin Oat Pancake – Yum, these pancakes are pure fall goodness from the griddle — I like to use Love Grown Foods Super Oats to add a little extra nutrition with quinoa flakes, amaranth flakes and chia.

Pre Race Paleo Pancake - The Fit ForkPre-Race Paleo Pancakes – This is my go-to super healthy pancake recipe from a CrossFit superstar friend, Stephanie from Missouri.

 

 

 

 

If you need to stock up: