Healthy Snacks that Taste like Dessert

By Oprah.com | Shine Food
By Lynn Andriani 



Photo by Thinstock



The No-Bake Brownie 
The virtuous ingredient list--which includes honey, coconut oil, almond butter, almonds, walnuts, dark chocolate, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, goji berries and oats--is one reason to love these brownie-like bars. The other reason: There's no oven required. 

 

Get the recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Almond Bars 

The Nutritional Powerhouse for When You Feel Like a Nut 
Frothy egg whites are the surprising ingredient that help cinnamon and sugar stick to almonds in this simple roasted snack. The nuts are excellent sources of magnesium, which can help you feel more relaxed. 

 

Get the recipe: Cinnamon-Glazed Almonds 

The Simplest Fruit-and-Chocolate Combo Ever 
Whether you prefer to think of this as a smoothie you eat with a spoon or a dairy-free pudding, there's no arguing that whipped bananas and pears plus dark chocolate chips are a delicious combination. Use well-ripened fruit to ensure the finished dish is sweet and smooth. 

 

Get the recipe: Banana Pear Pudding with Chocolate Chips 
Cookies with a Secret You'd Never Guess 
Prune puree may not sound sexy, but it's a wonder ingredient: It can take the place of oil in many baked goods, and adds beneficial fiber. To make your own, combine a cup of pitted prunes with six tablespoons hot water in a food processor and run the machine until the fruit is smooth. (These cranberry-orange cookies also include applesauce, making them even better for you.) 

 

Get the recipe: Cranberry Orange Cookies 

Another Delicious Reason to Keep Old Bananas 
You know brown bananas work well in quick bread, but it turns out they're fantastic in cookies, too. Using very ripe fruit means you can reduce the amount of sugar; it also provides extra body, so you need less butter or oil. Quick-cooking oats give these cookies nice texture, too. 

 

Get the recipe: Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies 

The Holiday Indulgence We'd Gladly Enjoy Whenever 
This healthy take on fruitcake is just as flavorful as traditional versions, minus the extra calories. The recipe calls for dried cherries, raisins, apricots, figs and dates, but you can use any fruits you like. It also includes brewed tea and orange zest, which add bright notes.


SOURCE: http://ph.she.yahoo.com/blogs/shine-food/healthy-snacks-taste-dessert-191100408.html;_ylt=AiabvcfHe2yUVuZ26_CToQmAeeR_;_ylu=X3oDMTRiZmFtcnM2BG1pdANGb29kIEZlYXR5cmVkIEJsb2dzBHBrZwMzYjViMjRmNi1lYWI2LTM4MWYtYjMzYi05MWZkMDNhODNhYTgEcG9zAzQEc2VjA01lZGlhQkxpc3RNaXhlZExQQ0FUZW1wBHZlcgM0N2RiZDI5MC1jNGNiLTExZTItYmZkZi0yZmUxNjE2OWY4MTE-;_ylg=X3oDMTFpaG5qM3NtBGludGwDcGgEbGFuZwNlbi1waARwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANmb29kBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

4 Surprising Facts About Caffeine

By Good Housekeeping | Healthy Living – 12 hours ago

It turns out that being a java junkie may actually be good for you. Here, 4 ways coffee and caffeine boost your health. 


1. Lowers your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease 
Researchers in Florida found that older people with the highest levels of caffeine in their blood were more likely to avoid the disease in the years to come. The magic dose: three cups of the brewed beverage daily. Caffeine may block brain inflammation, say University of Illinois researchers, which could explain the protective effect. 

2. Protects you from cancer 
In one study, caffeine-fed mice developed 27 percent fewer skin cancers after being exposed to ultraviolet rays than sun-exposed mice who didn't get the jolt. Exercising boosted the effect - the combo led to 62 percent fewer tumors (and the ones they did get were smaller). Researchers think the findings will translate to humans, but warn even the biggest coffee drinkers not to ditch the sunscreen. Another study found that coffee drinkers who averaged 4 cups a day lowered their risk of endometrial cancer by 25 percent. 

Related: Wising Up About Skin Cancer 

3. Gives you a brain - and mental health - boost 
Not only will caffeine give you jolt of energy, it will also boost your memory and concentration too. Studies have linked coffee drinking to a lower risk of depression, and tea drinking to lower levels of anxiety. 

4. Speeds up your slim down 
Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it can boost your metabolism. It won't counteract a trip to the vending machine (and isn't an excuse to skip a workout), but, hey, every little bit helps, right? 

- By Marnie Soman 

10 Foods to Help You Get in the Mood

Feed your (sexual) appetite with these aphrodisiac eats.

By Rachel Sylvester for TheNest.com

© 2013 The Nest Inc. All rights reserved.

Photo by: Andrews McMeel Publishing / The Nest

Black Truffles 
We'll admit that the idea of fungi isn't sexy - but the musky aroma of truffles definitely is. 

Photo by: Ngoc Minh Ngo / The Nest

Honey 
This sugary treat has long been associated with sexual desire - it was even referred to as the nectar of the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite.

Photo by: Angie Norwood Browne / The Nest

Strawberries 
It was once believed that strawberries symbolized fertility thanks to their tiny seeds. 

Photo by: Kate Mathis / The Nest

Chocolate 
This sweet treat can help boost energy-and give you an endorphin rush that's similar to how you feel when you're in love. 

Photo by: Mark Lund / The Nest

Salmon 
This is the perfect libido-lifter since it's packed with protein - a nutrient essential for stamina. 

Photo by: Tim Turner / The Nest

Asparagus 
This vegetable boosts histamine production in your body, which makes you more orgasmic. 

Photo by: Hector Sanchez / The Nest

Basil 
Whether it's fresh or dried, this herb contains a number of libido-boosting nutrients. 

Photo by: Phaidon Press Editors / The Nest

Avocado 
Centuries ago, avocados were considered a sensual food for their rich flavor and womanly shape. 

Garlic 
A small amount of garlic is thought to be good for sex-promoting circulation - especially for men. 

Photo by: John Blais / The Nest

Pomegranate 
Forget the apple - it was once believed that the forbidden fruit of the Bible was in fact a pomegranate. 

SOURCE: 

http://ph.she.yahoo.com/photos/10-foods-help-mood-slideshow/-photo-2583555-222800246.html