Looking to break the cycle of sugar addiction? Just because Valentine’s Day is coming up, doesn’t mean you have to throw in the towel. We’ve got your back with 9 delicious snacks, plus easy tips and tricks to package them like a pro. 

Valentine's Day is one of the biggest chocolate-consuming holidays globally. According to the National Confectioners Association, an estimated $1.8 billion is spent on chocolate and lollies for Valentine's Day in the United States alone. Additionally, statistics from the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association suggest that approximately 26 million kilos of chocolate are purchased during the week leading up to Valentine's Day. This surge in chocolate consumption highlights the significance of chocolate as a popular gift choice and symbol of affection on Valentine's Day – but for those of us looking to tame our sugar addiction, it can be the slip that sends us back into that binging cycle.

You also don’t have to give up chocolate! On the 8-Week Program, we show you how you can enjoy this indulgent treat without the sugar crash. Take a look at some of the delicious chocolate recipes you can enjoy on the program:

• Chocolate Torte
• Raspberry Brownies
• Chocolate Pancakes
• Chocolate Fudge
• Chocolate Chip Muffins

Yep, that’s right! We’ll share these recipes with you, along with a host of other mains, snacks and drinks that hit the spot without spiking blood-sugars.

Even if you’re not struggling with addiction, we know that the excessive consumption of junk food and chocolate can lead to energy crashes, leaving us feeling sluggish and lethargic – the last thing you want on Valentine’s Day. Moreover, the high sugar content in these treats can contribute to weight gain and obesity, posing serious health risks in the long run.  Whether you're conscious of sugar intake, following a specific dietary plan, or simply want to opt for wholesome treats, we've got you covered. This year, surprise your loved one with homemade goodies that are not only delicious but also nourishing and thoughtful. 

From cookies to fruity kabobs and energy-boosting bars, these treats are sure to delight your Valentine without compromising on flavour or nutrition. Plus, we'll provide tips and ideas for packaging these goodies in a cute and festive way, making them perfect for gifting to your special someone. Let's dive in and spread some love with these delightful and guilt-free treats!

Wholesome Cookies

 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 tablespoon rice malt syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (75% cacao or higher)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut oil, rice malt syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until a dough forms. Add dark chocolate chips.
3. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into heart shapes using cookie cutters.
4. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Cool completely before packaging individually in colourful cellophane bags tied with twine. 

Homemade Granola

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts and seeds (such as almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup rice malt syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt 

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, nuts, seeds, melted coconut oil, rice malt syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
3. Spread mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.
4. Allow granola to cool completely, then package it in mason jars adorned with heart-shaped labels or stickers.

Berry Bliss Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup berries (such as cranberries or cherries)
• 1 cup nuts (such as almonds or cashews)
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder
• 1/2 cup oats
• 2 tablespoons rice malt syrup
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Shredded coconut or cocoa powder, for coating

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, blend berries, cacao, nuts, oats, oil and rice malt syrup until mixture sticks together.
2. Roll mixture into small balls, then roll each ball in shredded coconut or cocoa powder to coat.
3. Place balls in mini cupcake liners inside a heart-shaped box for packaging.

Nutty Energy Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed nuts and seeds (such as almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
• 1 cup oats
• 1/4 cup rice malt syrup
• 1/4 cup nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, pulse nuts and seeds until finely chopped.
2. Add oats, rice malt syrup, nut butter, and salt, then pulse until mixture sticks together.
3. Press mixture into a lined baking dish and refrigerate for 1 hour.
4. Cut into bars and wrap each bar in parchment paper tied with a decorative ribbon.

Fruit Kabobs

Ingredients:

• Assorted fruits (such as strawberries, grapes, pineapple chunks, melon balls)
• Cheese, cut into squares – cheddar works well.
• Skewers

Instructions:

1. Thread fruit and cheese onto skewers in a colourful pattern.
2. Arrange fruit kabobs in a heart-shaped container or bouquet-style arrangement.
3. Wrap them in clear cellophane tied with a festive bow for packaging.

Yoghurt-Covered Pretzels

Ingredients:

• Pretzel rods
• Greek yoghurt
• Rice malt syrup
• Dark chocolate (optional)

Instructions:

1. Dip pretzel rods in Greek yogurt sweetened with a drizzle of rice malt syrup.
2. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set.
3. Optional: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for extra flavour.
4. Package them in clear treat bags tied with pink or red ribbons.

Rice Crispy Treats 

Ingredients:

• 4 cups brown rice cereal
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/2 cup rice malt syrup
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine brown rice cereal and salt.
2. In a saucepan, heat almond butter and rice malt syrup over low heat until melted and smooth.
3. Pour the almond butter mixture over the cereal and stir until well combined.
4. Press the mixture into a lined baking dish and refrigerate until firm.
5. Cut into heart shapes and wrap each treat in colourful foil or parchment paper tied with a bow.

Homemade Trail Mix

Take this mix with you on your romantic hike through nature!

 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups assorted nuts and seeds (such as almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds)
• 5 cup Coconut shavings
• Carob nibs
• Dark chocolate chunks or chips

Instructions:

1. Mix together nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chunks in a bowl.
2. Optional: Drizzle with rice malt syrup for sweetness and toss to coat.
3. Package trail mix in individual snack bags tied with festive ribbon or in small glass jars adorned with heart-shaped tags.

These homemade treats are not only delicious but also thoughtful and healthy alternatives to traditional Valentine's Day chocolates. Get creative with your packaging to make them extra special for your loved one!

 Easy Packaging Tips

Here are some fun packaging tips to make your homemade treats look extra special: 

Mini Decorative Boxes

• Choose small, colourful boxes in heart shapes or Valentine's Day-themed designs.
• Line the boxes with tissue paper or parchment paper for a decorative touch.
• Place individual treats, such as fudge bites or cookies, inside each box and close with a ribbon or sticker.

Mason Jars

• Use small mason jars or glass jars with lids for packaging granola, trail mix, or fruit kabobs.
• Tie a ribbon or twine around the jar and attach a heart-shaped tag with a personalized message.
• For an added touch, decorate the lid with fabric or paper cutouts in heart shapes.

Clear Cellophane Bags

• Package treats like yogurt-covered pretzels or energy bars in clear cellophane bags.
• Tie the bags with colourful ribbon or twine and add a decorative tag or sticker.
• For a festive look, sprinkle some heart-shaped confetti or edible glitter inside the bags before sealing.

Parchment Paper Wrapping

1. Wrap individual treats, such as date truffles or rice crispy treats, in parchment paper.
2. Tie each wrapped treat with a piece of twine or ribbon and attach a small paper heart or personalised tag.
3. Arrange the wrapped treats in a gift box or basket for presentation.

Heart-Shaped Tins or Containers

• Look for heart-shaped tins or containers to package treats like nutty energy bars or berry bliss balls.
• Line the tins with colourful tissue paper or shredded paper filler for a festive touch.
• Close the tins with a decorative ribbon or bow and add a personalised gift tag.

Decorative Paper or Fabric

• Use decorative wrapping paper or fabric to wrap larger gift boxes containing an assortment of treats.
• Cut the paper or fabric into heart shapes or use Valentine's Day-themed patterns.
• Secure the wrapping with tape or a ribbon, and add embellishments like stickers or dried flowers.

Bouquet-style Arrangements

• Create a bouquet-style arrangement of fruit kabobs by arranging them in a tall vase or jar filled with decorative filler.
• Tie a ribbon or bow around the vase and attach a gift tag with a sweet message.
• For an extra flourish, add some fresh flowers or greenery to the arrangement. 

Remember to consider your loved one's preferences and style when choosing packaging materials and techniques. Adding personal touches like handwritten notes or custom labels can make the presentation even more meaningful. Have fun getting creative and making your homemade treats look as good as they taste! 

Need a little help getting your health back on track? We’ve put in the hard yards so you can enjoy the benefits of an extensive, wholistic program that covers everything from learning how to manage nutrition and mental health to social situations. When you join us for the 8-Week Program you’ll have exclusive access to expert guidance, nutritional planning and support every step of the way. Take a peek at what’s on offer:

• 8 weeks of meal plans and shopping lists.
• A range of exclusive recipes, including sugar-free desserts, snacks and all the old favourites.
• Community forums to share and discuss your experience.
• Expert support to guide you through each week – from world-renowned chef Sarah Glover to yoga teachers, nutritionists and naturopaths. 

Don’t wait, JOIN NOW!