After my dad had emergency open heart surgery a few years ago, I’ve been more conscious of my own health. One of my goals is to eat foods that are lower in saturated fat, added sugar, and calories. But as someone who loves cookies, chocolate, and chips, finding heart-healthy snacks that also satisfy my sweet tooth can be challenging.
Since February is both American Heart Month and National Snack Food Month, I wanted to try some new snacks that are both nutritious and delicious. Here are four recipes that fit the bill!
DARK CHOCOLATE AND BLUEBERRY CUPS
Milk chocolate has my heart, but it’s high in both sugar and fat. Dark chocolate is a healthier version of the treat since it contains powerful antioxidants and less sugar. Eating it in moderation is still key, though, and these mini cups make it easier to do so.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
- 8 oz. coarsely chopped dark chocolate
- 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
- ½ cup blueberries
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped walnuts
Instructions
Line muffin tray with liners or use a silicone muffin tray.
In a small pan, melt coconut oil and chocolate over low heat, continuously stirring. Remove from heat and stir in chia seeds.
Divide chocolate mixture between muffin cups. Top each with equal amounts of blueberries and walnuts, gently pressing them into chocolate.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Makes about 12 servings.
STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE SANDWICH
Combining sweet strawberries, reduced-fat cream cheese, tangy orange zest, and a dollop of honey results in a sandwich that’s light and refreshing! It’s the perfect portion for a snack or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. reduced-fat cream cheese
- ¼ tsp. honey
- ⅛ tsp. freshly grated orange zest
- 2 slices whole wheat bread
- 2 strawberries, sliced
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, honey, and orange zest until combined. Spread mixture on each slice of bread. Layer strawberries on top. Makes 1 serving.
COTTAGE CHEESE WITH FRESH FRUIT
Cheddar cheese is one of my favorite snacks, but it’s also high in saturated fat. Cottage cheese is a great alternative since it’s relatively lower in fat. Add some fresh fruit and crunchy almonds, and you have a satisfying snack that’s also good for your heart.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ¼ cup blackberries
- ¼ cup raspberries
- ¼ cup blueberries
- ¼ cup sliced strawberries
- 2 Tbsp. slivered almonds
- Drizzle of honey or maple syrup, optional
Instructions
In a small bowl, add cottage cheese and top with fresh berries. Add slivered almonds and your choice of sweetener. Makes 1 serving.
PUMPKIN OAT MINI MUFFINS
I love pumpkin pie and pumpkin crunch, and both are must-have desserts on Thanksgiving. Of course, neither are realistic for an everyday snack, but these mini muffins certainly are! They combine the delicious pumpkin flavor with oats, which are rich in fiber and can help lower cholesterol levels.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick oats
- ½ cup oat flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ tsp. baking soda
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp. grapeseed oil
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
Combine oats, oat flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, pumpkin, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips. Fill muffin cups ⅔ full.
Bake muffins 15-17 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then turn out to cool completely. Makes 24 servings.
More sweet (and healthy) treats
diy gummy bears
Skip the candy aisle and make your own gummy bears with sugar-free gelatin or fruit juice.
haupia crunch: a potluck favorite
Elevate this refreshing dessert by swapping out cream cheese for a cool haupia layer.
snacks on a stick
From antipasto skewers to caterpillars on a stick, you’ll be satisfied with these treats that are also fun to eat!
strawberry sticky rice
Inspired by the traditional Thai mango sticky rice, our strawberry sticky rice is delicious and easy to make in a rice cooker.
