Love cookies, cakes and brownies but not all of the processed and artificial ingredients that can compromise your health? Stumped on how to make your favorite treats healthy? Read on for my five favorite healthy baking swaps or if you're in Boston, sign up to attend my free workshop on March 11, 2018 in Boston at the Boston Public Market. I've teamed up with PRANA to teach you the ins and outs of healthy baking and how to make these Collagen Trail Mix Cookies. Spots are limited. Click here to register. 

Most baked goods contain hidden chemicals, trans fats in the form of vegetable oils and margarine, and processed sugar, which all have been linked to health issues ranging from heart disease to obesity and depression. The good news? Sweet treats can have a place in a healthy diet with the right modifications.

Boosting the nutrition content of your favorite baked goods is easy with these healthy swaps.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, iron and calcium.
They work as a great egg substitute (perfect for vegan treats) and can also add healthy fat to your recipe. To replace one egg, grind up 1 tablespoon of chia seeds and then mix with 3 tablespoons of water.

Organic and Dairy-Free Chocolate

Using organic, vegan chocolate is a great way to make your baked goods dairy free if you have an allergy or experience digestive discomfort after consuming dairy. Organic chocolate is made from ingredients that have not altered in any way (e.g. not treated with pesticides) and most brands do not contain artificial coloring, flavoring or high fructose corn syrup (but always read your labels).

Avocado

Swapping butter for avocado is a great way to add healthy fats to your diet while keeping the creaminess of your favorite recipe. Avocados are also a good source of vitamins C, E and B as well as minerals such as iron, copper, potassium and folate. Replace one cup of butter with one cup of mashed avocado.

Black Beans

Black bean brownies are all the rage, and for good reason. Swapping out flour for black beans adds protein and fiber, but doesn’t change the taste! You can swap out one cup of flour for one cup of blended black beans.

Honey and Maple Syrup

These sweeteners are lower on the glycemic index than table sugar so they won’t spike your blood sugar as much. They are also much sweeter so you can use less in your recipes. Replace process table sugar in your recipes for honey or maple syrup.

For more healthy treats, click here.

Thank you PRANA for sponsoring this post and thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.