Once upon a March, Ashley had the brilliant idea to challenge herself to a month of no sugar and no booze.
She lasted two weeks, and then the opportunity to bop around SXSW came up, and with it free booze. So she made a deal with herself--if it's free, it doesn't count.
Then her friend had a birthday in a cabin in the woods and glamping + birthdays = boozing so...
Then I had to get blood drawn and I hate that experience so much I bought myself a cinnamon roll the size of my face. So sue me.
However, it's the 22nd day of March and while this would TYPICALLY be the 22nd day of the month in which Ashley has a dessert and an alcoholic drink per day, in reality more than half of that time frame has been sugar and booze free.
So, it's kind of a win? Note to self: plan spur-of-the-moment diets on more boring months. Also, it made my failed New Years Resolution of "no weeknight boozing" feel way more achievable. I think that one may stick now if I give it a reboot.
Also, I discovered that I can make a pretty killer dessert substitute for when the going gets tough. I planned on making a basic chia seed pudding, but ended up with a velvety vegan mousse that tastes even better than I could possibly have dreamed. Now when I have a chocolate craving, I can make these nearly-guilt-free little beauties and even the health-food-hating fiance will steal a bowl.
Dieter's Dream Chocolate Mousse
- 1 can coconut cream* plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 cup cashew butter (or other nut butter)
- 1+ tbsp maple syrup, or natural sugar of choice
- Optional: 1/4 cup chia seeds
In a stand mixer, whip the coconut cream and cashew butter together until fluffy.
Fold in the rest of the ingredients, and chill until ready to serve.
If using chia seeds, let the pudding chill overnight. This will give the pudding a more tapioca-like consistency.
*Or, two cans turned upside down in the fridge over night, and separated from the liquid in the morning
Your story is a hoot! Happy Birthday Bath to your buddy, sorry for the blood draw, cheers to April and YUM to your delicious dessert, it looks just fab! :D
ReplyDeleteOoh, I couldn't imagine a better combination of ingredients - so nourishing, but so indulgent! Love the blend of coconut and cashews - yum!
ReplyDeleteThese are so pretty. Enjoyed reading this post.
ReplyDeleteSay what...no booze and no dessert? You are very strong to even attempt that unlikely feat. I want your pudding. NOW!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and recipe
ReplyDeleteI am from Austin and I love your motto if it is free, it doesn't count. I need to use that next time I am in town :-)
ReplyDeleteThat is a tough challenge, but this pudding looks worth cheating for.
ReplyDeleteOh this sounds incredible! I love both this dessert and your post. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI always welcome guilt-free desserts and this is surely one of them! Yum!
ReplyDeleteThis low carb vegan dessert looks HEAVENLY! Rarely, do I see guilt-free desserts, so, I am bookmarking this recipe!
ReplyDeleteThis looks so perfect! I am always looking for new low carb desserts!
ReplyDeleteLol, yes, free booze definitely doesn't get counted. What a great recipe too! :)
ReplyDeleteA guilt-free dessert? I'll take TWO, please! :)
ReplyDeleteThis mousse has my name written all over it!
ReplyDeleteA vegan healthy chocolate mousse, sounds very interesting! :-)
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain about trying to go sugar and alcohol free. I would have made the exact same decisions you did. At least with this dessert I don't have to feel guilty.
ReplyDeleteI've lost count how many times I have tried to do the no booze no sugar thing - it just isn't going to happen for more than a day or two at a time, but I am ALL over a guilt free dessert
ReplyDeleteWow, now this looks like a good option during diet times!
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