The post-Christmas season has arrived and nearly everyone is trying to shed those extra mince-pie-flavoured pounds. With the prospect of New Year on the horizon, people have been scribbling their resolutions wherever they can. And the first resolution on many lists? Lose five, ten, even twenty pounds! It is understandable, and the concept is simple enough: New year, new you!
But, do not underestimate that mouth-watering doughnut’s ability to tempt you away from your desired weight goal. It only takes twenty seconds to say no and walk away, but likewise it only takes twenty seconds to say yes and devour that doughnut. However, what it is always important to remember when dieting is that food is not the enemy. The right food in the right amounts will aid your weight loss. What’s more, if you say no to every treat offered to you, you could find your resistance breaking down and resulting in a binge. What I propose instead is to make yourself some delicious homemade alternatives to some of your favourite foods.
Homemade Flapjack style Banana Oats
For a delicious flapjack style treat that feels gooey and sumptuous with every mouthful, and without any added sugar from syrup, follow this simple recipe!
(Will make two small “flapjacks”)
Ingredients:
½ cup/approx. 43 grams of Rolled Oats (Use golden syrup flavour for extra yumminess!)
1 banana
3 tbsp. milk
1 tbsp. of sweetener
Cinnamon
Butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius
2. Mash up your banana, and mix it in with the rolled oats and milk
3. Add your sweetener and cinnamon and mix in thoroughly
4. Grease the inside of your baking tray with butter so that it does not stick, and spoon the mix into the baking tray
5. Bake for 20 minutes or more until it is firm and the outside looks slightly crisp
Paprika Parsnip Chips
Chips are a major temptation when you get a carb craving! But it doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Try using parsnips instead of potato, with calorie spray oil, and you can indulge in this guilt-free alternative.
Ingredients:
Parsnips
Sunflower Oil (Use a calorie spray version for a lighter option)
Paprika
Salt
Pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius
- Peel the parsnips, although this is optional as the skin can give an extra nice crunch!
- Chop the parsnip into slices, the size of which depend on how thin or chunky you like your chips! Bare in mind, however, that the chunkier the chips the longer it may take in the oven.
- Cover with oil or spray with oil until all the parsnips are covered. This will ensure that the chips come out crispy and not soft.
- Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place in the oven until nice and crisp!
Banana “Nice Cream”
This recipe tastes uncannily like ice cream! And, to mix up the flavours try adding different ingredients, such as peanut butter or frozen berries.
(Will make approximately 2 servings, so make some for you and a friend!)
Ingredients:
3-4 Bananas
3-4 tsp. cocoa powder
Instructions:
- Slice and freeze the bananas for two to three hours.
- Blend your bananas in the food processor until the bananas become smooth and creamy
- Add the cocoa powder in the food processor and blend
- Serve up and enjoy!