Strawberries are easily one of the most consumed berries on the market. One of the strongest selling points of strawberries is the taste. They are flavor packed with just the right amount of sweet. The taste is more than enough of a reason to keep them as a regular on our shopping list. But whatever happened to that saying “anything that tastes this good must be bad for you”?
We all know we should be eating more fruits and vegetables. So what is stopping us from filling our plates? For most people the taste is the biggest hurdle to overcome. Strawberries taste amazing. Does that mean they are bad for us? Or are strawberries a gateway fruit, and if so where does the gate lead? If you are struggling to get more fruits and vegetables in your diet strawberries can be a great way to transition to a healthier diet. It is easier than you think to transition to a nutrient dense diet. Everytime you want something sweet, reach for a piece of fruit instead of sugary sweets. When we give our bodies natural sugars to process we tend to have a much steadier blood sugar control.
What is Happening Inside
When we eat foods full of processed sugars we see high surges in our blood sugar levels followed by the inevitable plummet when we burn through it. Strawberries could very well be the key to getting those sugar monkeys off our backs. But just how healthy are strawberries for us?
Not Just Sweet
Strawberries are high in vitamin C which is great for boosting your immune system. They are high in antioxidants making them ideal for anti-aging. Strawberries also contain ellagic acid which prevents collagen breakdown and reduces wrinkles. They are high in anti-inflammatory properties which lowers blood pressure and heart health. They are high in fiber which makes them ideal for weight loss, detoxing, and digestive health. Strawberries contain high levels of manganese which improves mood and lowers stress levels. They are also great for your teeth and bones, they can even help whiten your teeth!
Strawberries can prevent your skin from sunburn and improve hair, skin, and nail health. They improve brain function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disease. Strawberries are also great for aiding in hormone regulation and support a healthy pregnancy. It is clear these berries are more than just sweet. While there are thousands of ways to add them to you menu one of our favorites is with these heavenly decadent brownies. The taste will convert anyone to healthy eating!
Dark Chocolate Strawberry Brownies
Gluten Free Vegan Serves 16
- 1 Cup Raw Cacao Powder
- 2 Cups Fresh Strawberries
- ½ Avocado
- ¾ Cup Pure Maple Syrup
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- ¾ Cup Coconut Flour
- ½ Cup Dark Chocolate
- 1 ½ teaspoon Pure Vanilla
- ¾ Cup Coconut Oil
- ½ Cup Coconut Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a pan combine lemon juice, strawberries, and ⅓ cup of maple syrup. Cook on medium heat until berries become almost jam consistency (around 5-10 minutes) and remove from heat. In a medium bowl combine ⅔ cup of cacao powder, baking soda, flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well. In a large bowl combine vanilla, remaining maple syrup, and remaining oil. Mix well. Slowly add dry ingredients into the wet. Once completely combined take ½ of the chocolate and melt. Add melted chocolate to batter and mix well. Add remaining chocolate chips to batter. Prep 8X8 baking dish with non stick option (I use coconut oil spray because I like the crispy edges).
Fill the pan halfway with brownie batter. Add filling and pour remaining batter on top. Bake for 40-45 minutes at 350 or until the toothpick comes out clean (make sure you are not hitting a chocolate chip). I like to make a chocolate frosting or homemade coconut whipped cream to go with it. I also add one of my favorite treats, dried strawberries on top!
Here is an easy bonus recipe that we love. Take 1 pound of fresh strawberries and slice them. Toss them in 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Place on a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper (trust me this is the best non stick option) and bake at 200 degrees for 3 hours. They taste just like twizzlers!
Need a Helping Hand?
A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. Our health is something that we all have to deal with daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day then you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as just acting as a sounding board. Do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!