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Category Archives: Sweets and Treats

Yummy collection of “better for you” sweets and treats!

WIAW# 51: Same Ole, Same Ole

Happy What I Ate Wednesday ya’ll!

Yesterday I was in Baltimore, Maryland. It was such a blast, but we’ll talk more about that tomorrow. 20130521_155810Today another Wednesday is here and it’s time to show you some eats, right? This week I am going to show you meals that have made my tummy happy; no acid/ bile build up and no pregnant look. Yes, no more of that please and if you don’t know what WIAW is, go check out Peas and Crayons.wiawphotobuttonBreakfasts have pretty much been the same, this breakfast cake with some type of nuts/ seeds or fruit on top. On of my favorite for this week? The cake with sunflower seeds, almonds, milk and fresh blueberries.20130515_092035Just like last time, my snacks have been some type of fruit and nuts. I am getting tired of pears so I’ve been doing blackberries, bananas and even peaches.20130522_081239Lunches and dinners have been the same too. Since I found what foods work for my stomach, it makes me so happy. It gets boring at times but I try and do what I can. 292015_659391720741058_1173831911_nI found this yogurt at one of the local supermarkets here in the Bronx and this was the only one that didn’t have corn starch in it. It was pretty delicious I just wish I found a vanilla flavor.20130517_212706I’ve been digging this combo of black beans on top of chicken with some greens. My, oh my.20130516_110832Dessert? Well to be honest coffee, a banana or nuts have been my dessert as of late. Since I can’t really workout to the best of my ability due to my arm, I have to get more strict with food. And it feels great!969709_660563867290510_1730698749_nQuestion: Have you ever tried Silk soy yogurt? Ever had something “non-traditional” for dessert? I have to say have oatmeal for dessert one day was quite bizarre for this chocolate loving young lady.

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Massachusetts Day-Venture (Part Two)

I love Salem to pieces. Many of ya’ll know that.20130518_122217I love the goodies I find. Like a cafe au lait chocolate from Maria’s Sweet Somethings.20130518_121541Or some pumpkin pie soda from Pamplemousse.20130518_122608Or grabbing some K-Cups from Wicked Cup.20130518_115924Or just some good ole New England Coffee.20130518_090714And close, by not so, in Peabody there is a Brazilian restaurant called Heaven’s Taste. I love, love, love Brazilian Food. I could live off of it. True Story.20130518_132127I have a lot of new things that are about to happen, but I can’t share them just yet. Let’s just say it’s going to be awesome. I off to study and I hope ya’ll have a fabulous Monday!

Question: What little goodies do you look for in your favorite or a new town? Ice cream, chocolate and post cards are always at the top of my list. Yes, post cards. 

 

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WIAW #50: Feeling “Berry” Acidic

Happy What I Ate Wednesday!

What does this title mean? Well I am going to show you some of my delicious eats filled with all sorts of berries while talking to you about my acid and bile reflux. Head on over to Peas and Crayons if you are new to this awesome food party.wiawphotobuttonYou don’t know; ever since I started getting hyped up on coffee and had free coffee at my job, my body just went into acid overload. Not to mention I was eating TONS of chocolate and almonds. You see I get fed at my job, so I take advantage of chocolate and nuts since those are the “pricey” things I usually buy.

Breakfast: Oats w/ almond milk, flax/ sunflower seeds, cashews & blackberries

Breakfast: Oats with almond milk, flax/ sunflower seeds, raw cashews & blackberries.

Acid from coffee and acid + fat from chocolate and nuts equals a disgustingly acidic environment. I decided to tone down the coffee. I was tired of the acid/ bile build up. I have been coffee free for four days. Symptoms? I’ve had terrible migraines and caffeine withdrawal symptoms that make me sub the coffee with chocolate for the caffeine dosage, but it obviously makes things just as bad.

Snack: Blackberries w/ dried cranberries/ blueberries and cashew pieces.

Snack: Blackberries w/ dried cranberries/ blueberries and raw cashew pieces.

The withdrawal symptoms are getting better. Last week I said I was going to do a vegan week. I did most days meat and dairy free except when I had milk chocolate, some eggs and a little chicken. I did notice that I wasn’t as bloated as the week before but I was still uncomfortable. This week I wanted to get more strict.

Lunch/ Dinners: Veggie or Black Bean burger with nuts/ seeds and spinach.

Lunch/ Dinners (recycled pic!): Veggie or black bean burger with nuts/ seeds and spinach.

I’ve had two full vegan days and I feel pretty good, digestion wise. I’m as bloated and even people are noticing. I did find it hard to decide what to eat though.So as my loving readers, I do ask you to give me some moral support. Pretty please and crackers? Never mind the crackers…

Dessert: Dark chocolate with dried cranberries

Dessert: Dark chocolate with dried cherries

Question: What’s your favorite vegan dish? Have you every done a day or more vegan? How did you feel?

 

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A Bit Of Yesterday; A Smidge of Today

Happy belated Mother’s Day to all the amazing mothers out there. On Sunday I had to go to work, but I woke up early and made my mom this coconut bake with the paleo option.249056_10101564275386450_1671278005_nShe loved it and like I always say, she is a picky eater. I also had her little gifts and a vanilla version of this cupcake. Who doesn’t love a cupcake?20130512_092911My friend/ co-worker asked me to make a sugar-free cake for her family. Isn’t it cute?akeAt work (I work in an Italian specialty market, by the way), they made Italian chocolate covered strawberries. Oh my gawsh, they were delicious. My boss gave me three and I resisted and manged to only eat one and saved the rest for my parents. 20130512_154007I was also made a sandwich; it’s this multi-grain bread they have with maple turkey, romaine, swiss cheese and olive oil. Yes it was wheat, yes I was sluggish. Was it delicious? Oh yeah.20130511_112716Today I actually went to buy a couple of outfits; one for my birthday and one for a concert I am going to on Saturday. It’s a dress of course, but hey, that’s me and my dress addiction. I also got a new workout top. I love that it’s air-y and looks pretty darn good. It was only $10.00 at JC Penny.20130513_182034I haven’t been feeling to great and my body is over-trained. I’ve been cuddling a lot with this guy and I’ve been taking active rest days. I definitely feel better and know tomorrow, I can go hard in my workout.20130512_213612Today I also kind of fasted, in the sense that I didn’t eat much (sorry for the blur!). All I had was fresh fruit, nuts/seeds and oats twice made with flaxmilk and honey. I felt like my body needed to just take a digestive break and I feel better, stomach wise. I don’t like to be below calories so between now and I bed time, I’ll probably munch on more fruit and nuts. Something like that…20130513_194756Question: How was your Mother’s Day weekend? Ever done a fast or detox? If so, which one, how long and how did you feel?

 

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GF Coconut Breakfast “No-Bake” Cake

I’ve been doing a lot of oats as you know. But the oats and I don’t have a happy relationship, so I wanted to tone down the oats intake. I had a little bag of coconut flour and decided to search for a breakfast cake type recipe and found this one from The Wannabe Chef.

I modified the recipe using what I had on hand and it came out pretty delicious! I was surprised at the sweet hint of coconut in the cake. This recipe is gluten-free and has about 15g of protein! It can be completely paleo if you omit the oats and add a smidge more ground flax seeds or coconut flour.

It is your choice, but I like how the cake comes out with the oats better. It also doesn’t have as much fat as the original recipe, since you know I have to be careful due to my bile reflux. Best of all is you just have to pop in in the microwave. No baking [aka oven] required. Enjoy!942272_10101562169252160_409450196_nIngredients for Coconut Breakfast Cake: (Inspired by this recipe, serves one)

  • 2 Tbsps of Coconut Flour
  • 1 -2 tsps of Agave or Honey
  • 1 Tbsp of GF Rolled Oats (but any will do, or a sub for more flax or flour)
  • 1 Whole Egg and 1 Egg White
  • 1 Tbsp of Non-Dairy Milk
  • 1 tsp of Earth Balance, melted (maybe try coconut oil or applesauce?)
  • 1/2 tsp of Vanilla Extract
  • Dash of Sea Salt
  • 1 tsp of Ground Flax Seeds

Place all wet ingredients, plus sea salt into a bowl and whisk well together. Then add the flour, oats and flax seeds into bowl with wet ingredients. Mix well together. Then taking another small bowl or ramekin, spray bowl with a little non-stick cooking spray. Pour cake mixture into bowl.

Place in the microwave for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, depending on your microwave. Remove cake from microwave and turn upside down to remove and place onto a plate or another bowl to let it cool for a few minutes. Top with more flax seeds, nuts, agave/ honey drizzle or whatever your heart desires.601649_10101562260085130_661089716_nQuestion: Are you a fan of coconut flour? What is you favorite type of flour to cook with? I’d have to go with oat flour or rice flour. Yum, yum, yum!

 

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WIAW #49: The Return

You’ll probably notice that my last post was on Friday. To be honest, I just haven’t felt like taking pictures, posting or doing much of anything. Well that isn’t entirely true.

I’ve been busy with work and coaching people that every second I get I am either cleaning, prepping food, working out or trying to study for my personal training exam. Don’t take it personally if you don’t see much of me this month. I will try my best, but don’t worry I will be around.

For this What I Ate Wednesday, brought to you by Peas and Crayons, I show you a few eats I have devoured this past week. I have mostly been doing meat and dairy free. I’m eating lots of fresh fruits, green smoothies, nuts/ seeds, egg whites and black beans. Enough talking, on to the eats!wiawphotobuttonHere is a little grocery I did the other day; nut thins, milk, spinach, nuts, chocolate, pizza crusts, alfalfa sprouts, black beans and an Asian pear to try.
485462_10101561558975160_498631603_nLike I said, I’m trying to cut out my dairy and meat consumption but I will still be doing egg whites. The last “meat” meal I had was a lean beef burger made with the alfalfa sprouts. It was actually pretty good and I may try to make something like that again but maybe a black bean burger.603866_10101561558970170_897874997_nNext up for snack, I tried the Daiya cheese with some nut-thins and green grapes. The cheese is not bad but I definitely like it cool rather then cold from the fridge.  263166_10101561559035040_1121022344_nOh and not to mentioned topped with a pinch of parsley and fresh pepper.941619_10101561559040030_635330914_nFor dinner, I either do a salad or a “green smoothie.” This one has Vega protein powder, spinach, flax seeds and flax milk. It was not my favorite green smoothie since I wish I had some raspberries to blend in it too. Oh well, there is always next time.217026_10101561559064980_1901066250_nI’ve been trying to relax more now with these awesome Opium flower incense. Now that I am super busy, it seems like I can’t do everything I need to do in one day. Hopefully I can get some studying in before work. I need to study, asap!923067_10101561558965180_864322811_nQuestion: How is everyone’s week going? Are you super busy? I know some people have finals and if you do good luck. If you are done…? Yay!

 

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April Favorites!

Here is a little post for you about my favorite posts from this past April! I had a lot of good stuff going on such as the sugar-free chocolate dip. Who doesn’t love chocolate and sugar-free? Win, win!IMG_20130410_195632Or what about “just some chocolate cake?” A hint of sugar never hurt anyone. Not in my book anyway.58183_10101550900240350_747036023_nOr getting back to basics for a WIAW post. Maybe even taking a step back and focusing on me? Can’t forget the release of my online coaching program. That has been an amazing trip. My favorite? Has to be the vanilla and almond protein “squares.” IMG_20130403_104948Question: What are you April favorites? Food, posts or anything wise?

 

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Just Some Chocolate Cake!

I love the original recipe, but I wanted something different. This one calls for a bit more ingredients then the original  but I feel that it makes all the difference into tasting even more like a dessert. But yet you can still eat it for breakfast. Guilty, I just did, but not a chocolate one.

For a vanilla version of this recipe, sub the cocoa powder for more flour and increase the vanilla extract to 1/2 tsp. You can even use your favorite vanilla protein powder. I’ve actually used unflavored whey (plus increasing the vanilla extract to 1/2 tsp as well) and it comes out delicious.

This recipes makes two servings, but you can easily eat the whole thing for around 200 calories (with flax seeds, minus chips and frosting). Enjoy!58183_10101550900240350_747036023_nChocolate Cake Ingredients (Inspired by this recipe)

  • 3 Tbsps of [GF] Oat Flour OR All -Purpose Flour (Note: You can use rice flour, but it’s comes out a little more dense)
  • 1 Large Egg’s Egg White
  • 1 Tbsp of Non-Dairy Milk (I used unsweetened vanilla soy milk)
  • 1 Tbsps of Earth Balance Butter, Melted (Or Applesauce, or Oil)
  • 1-2 Packets of Stevia
  • 2 tsps of Pure Maple Syrup (or try agave, honey)
  • 2 Tbsps of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1/4 tsp of Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 tsp of Baking Powder
  • Dash of Salt
  • 1 tsp of Ground Flax Seeds (Optional*)
  • 1 Tbsp of Dark Chocolate Chips (Optional* – mix into the batter before microwaving)
  • Toppings: Chocolate Fudge “Frosting,” chopped nuts, coconut, etc.

Place all wet ingredients into a blender and blend well. The slowly add dry ingredients. Blend again. If you want to add the flax seeds or dark chocolate chips, stir in after blending. Then divide spray down two small microwave safe bowls, mugs or ramekins (I used silicone cupcake liners) with non-stick cooking spray and place cake mixture into sprayed bowl.

Place each bowl in microwave for about 45 seconds- one minute (depending on your microwave). Once done, remove cake from bowl and let cool for about two minutes. Then top it with your favorite frosting or use my chocolate fudge frosting subbing the cocoa powder for chocolate protein powder.

Or if you are making a non-chocolate version, use vanilla or unflavored protein powder. Top with your favorite chopped nuts or coconut flakes and eat!
298036_639676722712558_1484084134_n
I even made mini cake pops with this recipe! Simple crumble up the cake, mixing in 1-2 Tbsps of “frosting.” Make into 6-8 balls and add a tooth pick or wooden stick. Melt 1-2 ounces of dark chocolate (or your choice) and dip teach cake pop into chocolate.

Leave cake pop as is or roll into chopped nuts or coconut flakes. Place in fridge for about 30 minutes to let it cool and firm. Remove from fridge and enjoy!

Question: What’s your favorite way to eat cake; slice, cupcake or cake pop? Or do you just skip it all together like my mom and go straight to the frosting?

 

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WIAW #46: Mother’s Birthday!

Happy What I Ate Wednesday my friends! Today is all about my mom’s birthday. Don’t forget to check out WIAW via the lovely Peas and Crayons.wiawphotobuttonFor breakfast, I’ve been doing either these oats or cereal with fruit. This one is a fruit and nut granola mix with pear slices and that unsweetened rice and quinoa milk I bought to try. It was just okay, it tasted mostly like water. Like skim milk sometimes tastes like water to me.For lunch I ate an open faced sandwich with mozzarella cheese, spinach, garlic, olive oil and Parmesan cheese. So, so delicious!And then this happened. No I didn’t eat any, just some frosting.She’s such a cool mom. Love you!We went to a place in New Rochelle called Don Coqui, it’s an upscale Puertorican restaurant.They gave up chips and dip. The black bean dip was quite delicious.My mom had pulled pork and yellow rice with pigeon peas.I had a roasted chicken stuffed with black beans/ ground beef and veggies.Then my dad asked them to sing happy birthday to my mom. The brought out a tres leche cake (three milk) with rum in it. It was really strong and I ended up eating it all. Yes, my tummy hurts this morning, but it’s okay. Once in a while I allow myself some leeway.Happy Birthday NEMO! Hope you enjoyed.

Question: Are you a fan of Puertorican food? Being Puertorican, well, I eat it a lot of it. My favorite type of food is Brazilian. No ifs ands or BUTS!

 

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Chocolate Clusters & Almond Butter Cups (Vegan)

So glad that many of you loved the sugar-free chocolate dip. Boy do I have some fun treats for you to try with it. I hope you like them as much as I do!

I’ve been on a nice clean eating streak and have eliminated a lot of added sugars. I was eating milk chocolate like crazy. Heck I was drinking too much of milk anything.

I’m lactose intolerant plus nothing was organic. Meaning more estrogen in my body, meaning off-balanced Sabrina! And too much dark chocolate messes with my bile reflux. What’s a girl to do? IMG_20130410_222449Take the sugar-free chocolate dip and get creative, but make sure you cool it for at least five (to ten) minutes. Here are two little “recipes” I did with the dip which have no added sugar, unless you use maple syrup. Feel free to try your own variations.

Maybe try making the clusters maybe with blueberries, coconut flakes and almond slices? That is my next attempt! And for the almond butter cups, maybe try a different nut butter? I think some raw cashew butter would be divine. Enjoy!
544823_631443806869183_1694369391_nSabrina’s Fruit & Nut Chocolate Clusters Ingredients (Makes 6 Servings)

  • 1 Serving of Sugar-Free Chocolate Dip (w/ maple added if desired)
  • 1/2 Cup of Frozen Raspberries, Thawed A BIT (or your choice)
  • 2 Tbsps of Pepitas (or your choice nuts)
  • 1 Tbsps of Raisins (or your choice dried fruit)

Put all the ingredients into a bowl and stir gently to mix. 529366_10101544743932640_1092465195_nPlace the clusters into cupcake liners (mines are silicone, for non-stick action) or drop them onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

Remove from freezer and enjoy!

534423_632094143470816_822010841_nChocolate Almond Butter Cups Ingredients (Makes 2-4 Servings)

  • 1 Serving of Sugar-Free Chocolate Dip (w/ maple added if desired)
  • 1 Tbsp of Raw Almond Butter, Divided
  • 1 tsp of your choice vegan protein powder mixed into almond butter (Optional)*

Take two big (pictured above) or four small cupcake liners and spread a little bit of chocolate dip on the bottom. Then divide the almond butter between the liners sections.

Then add the remaining chocolate to cover the almond butter. Freeze for at least 30 minutes (or try in the fridge for an hour?). Remove and eat!

Question: Do you have a recipe that is versatile? My chocolate mousse is definitely good for a brownie filling. Even can be used as frosting. Mmmm, mousse frosting!

 

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