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By Nutritionist and Health Editor Melissa Fine.

1. Mandarin Hazelnut Chocolate Cake

Have your cake and eat it too with this healthy version of an old favourite

Ingredients:

• 4-6 mandarins (400g approx) plus 1 extra, to serve
• 6 eggs
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ teaspoon bicarb soda
• 200g ground hazelnuts (hazelnut meal)
• 1 cup Natvia
• 50g cocoa powder

Method:

Place whole mandarins (including rind) in a saucepan of cold water and bring to the boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 2 hours.
2.
Drain. When cool enough to handle, cut in half and remove pips.
3.
Preheat oven to 180°C and spray a spring-form pan with oil.
4.
Process mandarins in a blender, then add eggs, baking powder, bicarb soda, ground hazelnuts, Natvia and cocoa powder. Blend to a smooth batter.
5.
Pour into prepared cake tin and bake for 45-60 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in tin.
6.
Peel remaining mandarin, removing all the white pith, slice thinly and decorate cake.
(Thanks Weigh it Up for sharing this awesome recipe!). Source: www.sweeterlifeclub.com

2. One Minute Muffin

High protein, gluten free and nice and generous in size.
Serves 1.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp coconut oil, melted
• 1 egg, whisked
• ¼ C ground LSA (Linseed, Sunflower and Almond blend – From health food stores/Health food section at supermarket)
• 1 tsp Natvia
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp baking powder

Method:

Combine and mix oil and egg in a tall mug. Then add LSA, Natvia, cinnamon and baking powder to the mug and mix well. Microwave for one minute. Turn mug upside down onto a plate; It should easily slide out of the mug. Top with yoghurt and berries and that’s it!

3. Shredded Vegetables with Soy, Ginger and Chilli Dressing

Sweet-chilli sauce without the sugar…Who would’ve thought?!
Serves 1.

Ingredients:

• ⅓ light soy sauce
• 2 TBS white Vinegar
• 1 small red chilli, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tsp Natvia
• 1 tsp grated garlic
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ a shredded cabbage
• 2 carrots grated
• ½ C coriander leaves, chopped
• 2 spring onions, chopped

Method:

Mix together soy sauce, vinegar, chili, Natvia, ginger and sesame oil. Toss together vegetables. Add dressing and toss to combine.

Source: http://www.sweeterlifeclub.com/recipes/shredded-vegetables-with-soy-ginger-and-chili-dressing/

Image via Tumblr

4. Melissa’s Iced Mocha

Serves 1.
Your morning mocha just got healthier thanks to Natvia…

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp instant coffee OR 1 shot coffee
• 1 heaped tsp cacao or 100% cocoa
• 1 tsp Natvia
• 2/3 C milk of choice (I like coconut or rice milk, or a mix of the two)
• 5-6 ice cubes

Method:

Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth and frothy. Pour into a jar or tall glass (or wine glass if you’re feeling fancy) and enjoy!

5. Cucumber Limeade

Have your ‘soft drink’ without the blood sugar spike and empty kilojoules. This gives artificially sweetened beverages a run for their money too.
Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 250g cucumber
• 2 tablespoons Natvia
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 300 ml water
• 10 ice cubes

Method:

Grate cucumber, omitting the seeds, and divide amongst two glasses.
2.
Blend Natvia, lime juice, water and ice cubes together until everything is well mixed.
3.
Pour into the glasses over the grated cucumber, and serve.

Natvia is a 100% natural alternative to artificial sweeteners and sugar. We created Natvia, a natural sweetener derived from stevia because we wanted a healthy and natural way to enjoy a little sweetness in our lives. It has 0.4 calories per serve, is non-genetically modified and has low GI! It’s simple – Use it in your tea or coffee, and it’s also great for cooking and baking! One teaspoon of sugar is the same as one teaspoon of Natvia. www.natvia.com.au

Source and Images via: www.sweeterlifeclub.com