The long weekend is approaching, and with it comes the BBQ’s, get-togethers and celebrations. Here are my top 3 strategies for eating well while socializing this summer:

  1. Steer clear of the sodas and punch bowl and opt for water instead. Add some fresh cherries and basil, or cucumber and mint for a refreshing twist.
  2. happy canada day life therapies ottawaThe BBQ isn’t just for meat! Throw some delicious fresh vegetables on the grill. Thickly sliced zucchini, red onion, and peppers are all great options, and are readily available at farmer’s markets throughout the summer.
  3. Offer to bring dessert to those potlucks. You may think this is counter-intuitive, but if you offer to bring the sweet stuff, you can make sure they are filled with healthy ingredients and free from artificial colours, flavours, and other additives. A variety of fruits skewered on kebab sticks are a favourite for kids and adults alike. For something a little more decadent, try my Chocolate Celebration Cupcakes. They are light in texture and rich in chocolate flavour! They were featured in the Life Therapies 21 Day Gluten and Dairy Free Challenge I hosted last month. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did!

Happy Canada Day!
Chelsey Prince, Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN), Life Therapies Ottawa

Chocolate Celebration Cupcakes
12 Cupcakes – 50 mins

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive or coconut oil
1 banana
3/4 cup nut or seed milk (I used almond milk)
1/3 cup melted chocolate chips, cooled (I like to use the dairy free, Enjoy Life brand)
1/3 cup raw cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
1 tsp baking soda
2 eggs (or flax eggs: 1 Tbsp ground flax and 3 Tbsp water per flax egg)
2/3 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup oat flour
1/4 cup brown rice flour
1/4 cup arrowroot starch
1 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar


Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

Add all ingredients to a blender in order listed above, and blend until smooth.

Pour into prepared pan and bake for 30 mins or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cupcake comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Enjoy!