Today, we’ve got 4 recipes for feel-good low-calorie snacks for the winter. The goal is to treat yourself, without gaining weight! These healthy, balanced, and delicious recipes can be enjoyed as snacks or for breakfast.
1. Apple cinnamon oatmeal
Think of pairing this apple cinnamon oatmeal with a source of protein (yogurt, eggs, etc.) for a more balanced snack.
Ingredients (for 1 person):
- 1 apple
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Milk of your choice
- 1 tsp peanut butter
- A drizzle of maple syrup or the sweetener of your choice
Instructions:
- Peel then cut the apple into small pieces (you can grate it if you don’t like chunks).
- Add the apple to a saucepan with the oats and cinnamon.
- Cover with the milk of your choice. Tip: For a creamy texture, add more milk, and for a grainy texture, add less milk. Personally, I prefer a grainier texture.
- Simmer over low heat, stirring regularly.
- Once the oats have absorbed all the milk, it’s ready!
- Pour your apple cinnamon oatmeal into a bowl, then top with a teaspoon of peanut butter and a drizzle of maple syrup or the sweetener of your choice. Enjoy!
2. Healthy French toast
This French toast recipe is extremely healthy and delicious. It’s a must for all those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth – without overloading on calories!
Ingredients (for 1 person):
- ½ ripe banana
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- A couple slices of stale bread
- A few blueberries (optional)
Instructions:
- Mash the banana in a large bowl.
- Add the eggs and cinnamon and mix well.
- Add the bread to the bowl to soak up the mixture.
- Once the bread starts to soften, add a drizzle of coconut oil to a frying pan. Add the soaked bread and cook over low heat. Cover the bread with the rest of the mixture, as if you were making an omelet.
- Flip the bread after a couple of minutes (each side should be golden brown).
- Arrange the bread on a plate, top with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and enjoy! Feel free to add some blueberries.
3. Mini fat-free brioches
These mini brioches are not only fat-free, but also extremely high in protein. That makes them perfect after sports or the gym. They’re also super easy to carry around, in case you need a pick-me-up during the day. With a piece of fruit, they’re even more nutritious.
Ingredients (for around 10 mini brioches):
- 2 cups flour
- 4/5 cup fat-free fromage blanc (or plain yogurt)
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 1 pack baking powder
- 1 beaten egg yolk + a little milk (to make the brioches golden)
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- A splash of orange blossom water (if desired)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour with the fromage blanc (or plain yogurt), baking powder, and sugar, then knead into a not-too-sticky dough.
- Form 9 small balls, then top each with some chocolate chips.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then brush them with the egg yolk mixture.
- Preheat the oven to 360°F and bake for around 15 minutes.
5. Baked pear and chocolate oatmeal
Although oatmeal is usually prepared in a pot on the stove, it can also be baked in the oven. The texture of baked oatmeal is compact, yet soft like a cake. Feel free to enjoy it with some low-fat fromage blanc or yogurt to also get your fill of protein.
Ingredients (2 to 3 servings):
- 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
- 3/4 cup milk of your choice
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or any other sweetener of your choice)
- 1 egg
- 1 pear
- 1 1/2 tbsp almond butter
- 1/2 tsp baking powder or baking soda
- A little cinnamon and vanilla
- Chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 360°F.
- Mix the liquid ingredients (milk, maple syrup, egg, and almond butter) and the dry ingredients (oats, baking powder, and spices) separately.
- Add the dry ingredients to the liquid ingredients.
- Wash then dice the pear into medium-sized pieces.
- Add the pieces to the mixture and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into an ovenproof dish greased with butter or coconut oil.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Insert the tip of a knife into the oatmeal. If the tip is dry, then the oatmeal is done.
