6 Delicious (Runner Approved) Desserts

I just ate some chocolate. The reason I feel compelled to make this confession? That would be because I’ve spent the past 5 weeks not eating ANY chocolate or desserts (you’ll recall the beach body article I wrote?).

Now, I’m not here to tell you that chocolate and sugar is healthy (well the cacao is… the sugar – not so much), but I am here to suggest you can healthfully fit dessert into your strong and healthy running-specific nutrition plan.

Yes, once every 5 weeks you can have a small bite of chocolate.

I’m kidding! Haha. You can likely afford to have a small treat once per day or a few times per week.

Here’s six awesome treats, made with natural and healthier ingredients, that you can work into your daily or weekly menu:

1. Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Last week I wrote about tart cherry juice. So really, it shouldn’t surprise you to see I have worked it into a cookie. The chocolate and the cherry juice are high in antioxidants. Coconut oil is stable under high heat and contain medium chain fatty acids. The sugar and flour? Well, that just make them a true treat! Click here for the recipe.

2. Chocolate Almond Butter Cups

Yes, I’m talking about something that mimics the peanut butter cups I’m guessing you’ve had in the past (unless you’re allergic to peanuts of course). While I do make a point to stay away from any of those packaged, processed, full of HFCS/glucose-fructose candy bars of my youth, I will happily indulge in a natural and “healthy” homemade version. Click here for the recipe! 

3. Almond Butter Cookies

You’re going to think I’m crazy about almond butter! Truth be told, I am. Of course you can substitute peanut butter for the almond butter if you can’t eat or don’t like almond butter – just ensure either is all-natural, nothing added. Click here for the recipe.

4. Chocolate Truffles (or Chocolate Energy Balls)

Now you’re probably thinking I’m nuts about chocolate. And so I am! Keep these tasty little truffles in your freezer so you don’t eat them all at once! Made with dates and nuts, they truly are a much, much healthier version of pretty much any store bought treat. Click here for the recipe.

5. Banana Muffins

I may be in love with bananas just as much as I am with chocolate (and almond butter). I always make sure to have excess bananas kicking around, ripening nicely, in order to have banana bread or banana muffins for hubby to snack on. Otherwise he ends up eating Clif bars… But that’s another story. Click here for the recipe.

6. Kidney Bean Brownies

I actually managed to make a birthday cake from this recipe. I baked it into 2 round cake pans, and layered them with raspberry jam in the middle and on top once they’d completely cooled. Stick the candles in the top, voila, a happy birthday cake! Click here for the recipe.

Last words. Please note I’m not advocating the eating of dessert every day all day. However, these are desserts I have included regularly in my diet as I continue to become a stronger and faster runner. And I think you’ll like them!

There’s lots of great, healthier desserts out there. Do you have a favourite? Do share in the comments below!

Happy running 🙂

Sarah J Cuff, RHN

PS. Check out this week’s Runner of the Week: Stephanie Bowen!