I have a huge sweet tooth, and have become a huge fan of making healthy snacks/desserts.

I’ve found that the key to not allowing my sweet tooth lead to weight gain is to 1) come to terms with the fact that I like sweets and allowing myself the pleasure of enjoying something sweet (vs. trying to restrict myself), and 2) always have healthy dessert options on hand so I’m not tempted to indulge in heavier options that will wreak havoc on my health and waistline.

When I have some free time on weekends or evenings, I like playing around with healthy sweet recipes, from energy balls to no-bake bars to chocolate mousse to granola and vegan ice cream. I’ve experimented a lot and realized that there are 3 essential ingredients that I add to all my healthy desserts that help enhance flavor without adding sugar nor calories.

These 3 ingredients are: 1) organic vanilla extract 2) sea salt 3) cinnamon

Vanilla extract. Vanilla is amazing to add flavor, plus it has antioxidants, antibacterial properties and even has a calming effect. It is very important to buy PURE organic vanilla extract. Yes it can be pricey but it’s worth it, and you only need a tiny bit. For most recipes I only use ½ teaspoon and just that will be enough to up the flavor
Sea salt. Just a pinch of salt (I usually use pink Himalayan salt) will always enhance the flavor of any dessert or sweet recipe; it’s a game changer.
Cinnamon. Cinnamon is your best friend when it comes to sweet treats because it helps keep blood sugar stable, and has even proven to help decrease sugar cravings. Also, it helps add a bit of natural sweetness without being a sweetener per se. I include it in all my smoothies, oats, granola, chia puddings, stewed pears, energy balls – and / all sweet snacks (or anything sweet I make). For chocolate recipes (like this amazing chocolate dessert) it’s just a pinch, you can’t feel it but it works its magic.

If you’re looking to make your own healthy treats at home – which I highly recommend as you can modify the recipe to your liking and make it healthier than any store-bought option – try adding these 3 ingredients and you’ll make your sweet treat way healthier and tastier.

related posts:

healthy snacks that support weight loss: https://www.balancewithmariana.com/blog/2020/6/17/3-easy-snacks-to-support-weight-loss

10 easy healthy snacks: https://www.balancewithmariana.com/blog/2016/8/29/10-easy-healthy-snacks

granola recipe: https://www.balancewithmariana.com/blog/2017/5/17/easy-delicious-homemade-granola

energy ball recipe: https://www.balancewithmariana.com/blog/best-healthy-energy-balls

chia pudding recipes: https://www.balancewithmariana.com/blog/2015/6/16/a-food-that-will-change-your-life

facts about salt: https://www.balancewithmariana.com/blog/2015/7/14/did-you-know-some-truth-behind-salt

best and worst sweeteners: https://www.balancewithmariana.com/blog/2016/11/07/the-best-worst-sweeteners