I HEART DESSERTS
Limiting your sugar may make you think that your days of tiramisu are
over. But don’t worry. An occasional cupcake or treat isn’t the problem; it’s
making sweets a habit over the long haul that is. The trick is managing
“every once in a while.” If you look at the recipes for Dark Chocolate and
Beet Brownies and Banana “Ice Cream”, you will see tempting and sweet
desserts that are perfectly acceptable as special treats. The key revolves
around ingredient-swapping and learning how to make healthy versions of
unhealthy favourites.
Chocolate-Dipped Clementines are coated with pistachios for a touch of
crunch (and protein). See the recipe.
Ultimately, this is one of the main reasons why my 21-Day Plan and FIXES
approach emphasize produce so much. I want your plate to resemble a micro
garden, with most foods reminding you of what they looked like when they were
harvested (that doesn’t mean you need to eat everything raw, just that the form of
the food keeps its shape—hence, apples are better than apple juice and grilled
aubergine is just fine, but when it’s gooped up in batter and cheese, not so
much). You’ll be treated to lots of vegetables, as well as lean protein (like
chicken, turkey, and fish). Some rice and grains are fine, too. Your goal is to
avoid foods with lots of saturated fat and/or sugar, and anything processed. Eat
this way and you prevent plaque from building up in the first place, keep the
arteries clear, and minimize the risk of ruptures.