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Chocolate Covered Strawberries

You don’t have to shell out the big bucks at Godiva® to make it a romantic evening with your sweetie.  All you need is a microwave (or a double boiler), some dark chocolate (70% to 85% cacao solids), some strawberries, and some love. And if there’s a better way to show your love than with these two great sources of antioxidants, I’d like to hear it. In fact, if you’re single, this is a much better way to love yourself than with that pint of Ben and Jerry’s®

• 1 dark chocolate bar (3 oz.), 70% to 85% cacao solids(Not Cheap but worth it)
• 1 pint large strawberries (about a dozen)

Microwave chocolate in microwave-safe bowl, or melt in double boiler on stove.  Holding the strawberry by the stem, dip in melted chocolate to lightly coat. Set aside on plate or wax paper to cool.  When chocolate has hardened, serve (or if you can’t wait, dip and eat, and call it chocolate fondue!).  Serves 2.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Nutritional information (per serving):

It’s weird because I don’t feel guilty when I know that I’m getting a good amount of protein and fiber out of chocolate covered strawberries.   Don’t eat these

Black Bean Brownies

Basically, instead of adding eggs and oil to the mix as directed on the box, you food-process a can of black beans (unseasoned, of course) and 1/4 cup of water.  Add the mix and bake according to the directions on the box, and boom! You have delicious chewy brownies now with more fiber than fat.

• 1 15-oz. can unseasoned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 package brownie mix (12 to 14 oz.—I recommend a healthy one with whole-grain ingredients)

Puree beans and water in food processor or blender. Add beans to brownie mix, and bake according to package instructions.  Do not add any other ingredients.  Serves 16.

Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus baking time

Nutritional information (per serving; will vary depending on brownie mix used):

Remember that this isn’t going to taste horrible but it may not taste like your true chocolate brownie but that’s why your getting into the best shape of your life.  P90X will get you there and eating healthy meals and some healthier deserts will kill some cravings along the way.  Do you think celebrities pay for a personal trainer and then come home and eat whatever, NO!