Healthy Weekend Treats

Now that weekends are the only carefree, fun days , it's time to go wild with eating and snacking. Not too wild, though. There are some dishes and meals that are not only good to eat but good for you.It's easy to create a  fun, snacky meal or dessert loaded with vitamins, nutrition and flavor . It's just picking the right ingredients.

Pizza is always a weekend must.It's fun to make at home especially with toppings and a chewy crust. Make it healthier version using cauliflower as the crust. This is perfect for kids who have gluten and wheat allergies.It's just pulsing a cauliflower head and then steaming it for fifteen minutes.It's then stirring in an Italian cheese blend along with an egg for binding .You could also sub in coconut flour for the Italian cheese blend. As for toppings, think wholesome and fun. Sliced olives and onions are a great combo. Another fun idea is taking yellow, green, and red peppers and julienning them in a crisscross pattern.If your family does want meat , then think soy pepperoni for a more nourishing bite. You could also crumble fake or soy bacon  right before serving for crunch.If there's a party or team get together, then think about making mini or bite size pizzas.Serve these with another healthy nosh  portobello mushrooms. You'll have to get the smaller or baby ones. It's then rubbing them with a spicy dry rub before cooking . They can be grilled on an outdoor grill on an indoor one. If you have the time bake whole wheat slider buns along with having a fillings bar full of fun veggies such as avocado wedges and sliced cherry tomatoes.

Weekend treats always include some kind of sweet. Kids love a good sundae. Give them the same amount of excitement, without all the sugar and fat.Sub in banana "ice cream" for the real deal. This is just slicing bananas and then placing them in sandwich bags.These are then put in the freezer overnight and then the next day, they're pureed ,using a food processor. The result is a creamy , frozen dairy like treat that can blended with peanut butter or cocoa powder. Top with a healthy refined sugar free chocolate sauce using chopped dates, almond or cashew milk and cocoa powder. The sauce is made by blending the dates and milk together in a blender and cooking over a low flame til thickened. One and a half teaspoons of cocoa powder is added for the flavor. This sauce can also be used in sodas, malteds and milkshakes too.Another fun idea is an ice cream less sundae. Use a variety of different fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Layer with the homemade chocolate sauce and a non dairy topping you can easily make with coconut milk and vanilla.You could also bake healthy versions of Oreos , chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies. It's just using unrefined sugar and spelt or whole wheat flour.Include the kids in this too to  acclimate them to healthy baking.

Weekends are meant for fun and eating. Yet it doesn';t mean to go hog wild with sugars , carbs and fats. Make healthy and fun treats. It's easy to give the kids something exciting and nourishing.