October Recipe Feature: “Health Mousse”

Mousse… a delicious, sweet, and rich dessert. Would you believe me if I said you can have this dessert on the regular while still staying on top of your health? Well, you can!

Here’s the reality. We’ve been led to believe that we must eliminate certain foods altogether in order to lead a long and healthy life; however, it’s not so much about what the food is itself but rather the ingredients that go into making that. The problem with the typical mousse dessert, as is the case with a most of the modern diet, is that it contains highly processed ingredients. Furthermore, it provides us with minimal/no nutritional benefit but loads us up with refined sugar and fat. Fortunately, with a few mindful considerations, we can create our very own mousse that not only tastes great but provides strong nutritional benefit, keeps us full, and satisfies the sweet tooth! So, how do we do it?

The Main Components

Now, there are numerous flavors and directions you can take this general recipe, but the common them is that each ingredient plays a particular purpose, contributing both flavor AND nutritional value! No matter what flavor mousse you’re in the mood for, there are three main components to include:

• “The Base”: This is the component that give the mousse that thick texture”
  • Here are some different routes you can go!
    • Avocado – This will likely yield the richest flavor, due to it’s high healthy fat content. Avocados will also provide fat soluble vitamins and plenty of fiber, keeping you full and your gut happy!
    • Silken Tofu – a plant-based protein source that, when blended up within the whole mixture, will thicken the mouse. Silken tofu in particular has a watery texture that blends smooth, making it perfect for recipes as this! Using extra firm tofu won’t work nearly as well, as it contains much less water that makes it tougher to blend and therefore yields more of a “chalky” texture.
    • Greek Yogurt – The thicker the yogurt you use, the more of that mousse texture you’ll get. Nonetheless, this high protein base is a option, my personal favorite
• “The Flavor”: This is the part that brings each unique flavor to life! The number of options are endless, from the simplest to the most festive
  • Chocolate
  • Pumpkin
  • Sweet Potato
  • Vanilla
  • Berry
  • Mint Chip
• “The Sweetener”: Whereas traditional mousse options are filled with loads of refined and processed sugar, this health mousse relies on natural sweetener options, including…
  • Honey
  • Pure Maple Syrup
  • Dates

Approximate Measurements

To make one serving of mousse, I generally find that the following measurements provide a great base! Nonetheless, I’m a strong believer in experimenting and adjusting to make it your very own. If you want a little more protein, feel free! Little more sweetness? Be my guest!

• Base: 1-1.5 servings Greek yogurt
• Flavor: This will vary depending on the flavor you choose!
  • 1 Tablespoon Cacao Powder; 1/3 cup pumpkin/sweet potato; 1/2 cup berries of choice; 1 tablespoon spirulina (for mint chip green color);
• Sweetener: In general, I’ve found that 1/2-1 tablespoon of syrup/honey OR 2-3 dates provides a great level of sweetness.

Eating healthier shouldn’t have to be boring. Instead, it should only open more doors to build things of your own and create memories with those you love! When you push aside those pre-made, processed options, you are not only doing your physical health a favor, but also your mental and social health as well through the process of making something from scratch!

Not only delicious, but it’s very easy to prep in big batches and have on hand for the entire week!

Eating Healthy Looks Different For Everyone

With any of these recipes I provide, my goal isn’t to give a strict, step by step, exact way of doing things, but rather give you the tools and spread the idea that eating healthy should be an enjoyable process. At the same time, heathy eating and enjoying food looks different for everyone! So, rather than “forcing” a precise recipe into anyone’s hands, I strive to give you the tools you need to become confident and equipped to try, fail, experiment, and create on your own!

As always, I thank you all for your continued support. Please reach out with any comments or questions that you may have!

Disclaimer: This serves as educational information only and is not intended as medical advice, treatments, cures, or diagnoses.