Fruit Can Be Fun: Rad Raw Blackberry "Cheesecake"
EVERYTHING IN MODERATION
Part of living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle is allowing yourself to indulge. One of my mantras is, everything in moderation. Another way of looking at it is: the 80/20 Rule— be healthy, workout, and eat clean 80% of the time, and allow yourself to "bend the rules" the other 20% of the time. However, my outlook on moderation has gradually evolved over the years. In college, I lived for the weekends; my idea of moderation was to be super strict and healthy during the week and go hard on the weekends.
you can't out-train a bad diet
The saying goes, you can't out-train a bad diet. It is so true! I would work my butt off (literally) at the gym during the week, and eat horrible foods on the weekends and sleep in. My sweat sessions didn't seem to be getting rid of my gut, and looking back I realize that it was because I was throwing away all of the hard work I'd done during the week! While I thought that I was living by the 80/20 Rule, I was really just stressing my body and mind by riding such a crazy rollercoaster!
smooth sailing
Now, I don't place as much emphasis on the weekends or trying to make something epic happen. Sometimes Dusty and I will cook big meal at home and just chill out on the couch watching movies, or hang out in the back yard by a bonfire with our dog, Beau. Of course it's fun to look forward to the weekend, whether it be extra free time in the yard at home or going to a friend's wedding—there's nothing wrong with getting pumped up for things! But, I also think it's important to quit looking at the calendar so much, dreading Mondays and unleashing on Fridays, only to wake up feeling exhausted on Sundays. My advice is to begin looking for things you already love about each and every day of the week, and treat yourself a little bit every day!
Make Every Day Count
Making a mental list of what I look forward to or enjoy each day of the week allows me to appreciate every day. Whether it's a favorite tv show on Tuesday nights or date night on Thursday nights, try filling out a list for yourself! Another idea is to make a list and fill in what your ideal week would look like, and strive for it! Both practices can help open your eyes to the good in every day—no matter how big or how small! Below is an example list that I filled out. I also provided a free printable version below, for you to fill out and share with family and friends! Pin it up at work or tape it to your bathroom mirror to remind yourself not to ride the weekend rollercoaster. Remember, if you live a little each and every day, you won't feel like binging on the weekends!
make every day count!
Plant Power!
While many of you may have caught on, I am a huge supporter of the plant-based movement, which includes eating less meat, more fresh produce, and buying local and organic as often as possible. I don't label myself as being part of any "club" or on any specific diet, but I do believe in the healing and revitalizing power of unprocessed, raw, whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. That is what this recipe is all about (and it's a healthy way to treat yourself)!
My Rad Raw Blackberry Cheesecake is perfect for special occasions. Father's Day is right around the corner, and many of us probably have fathers that shouldn't be eating actual cheesecake! Find the way to you dad's heart, (and his heart health), by making this amazing dessert that's both delicious and nutritious!
FRUIT IS FUN!
Sometimes it can feel mundane just sitting down to eat a banana, a bowl of berries, or a handful of nuts. The good news is, you can make all kinds of fun smoothies, salads, and yes, even "cheesecake" with these very ingredients! This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, low-fat, and fully-raw (inspired by FullyRaw Kristina's recipe)! What could be better in this high-maintenance day and age?! This delectable dessert is so much lower in calories and fat than regular cheesecake, and its chalk full of healthy fruit! If you're interested in reading up on the benefits of eating fruit versus refined sugar, check out my last blog post!
* Note: I would recommend planning ahead for this recipe. Buy your bananas a couple of days in advance so they have time to ripen and get good and leopard-y! The link up above to my last blog post also has info at the end about the importance of eating fruit when ripe, and how to tell when your bananas are good to go!
* Another note: You will also want to factor in the 4-6 hours it will take for the "cheesecake" to firm up in the freezer.
Erin's Rad Raw Blackberry "Cheesecake"
What You Will Need:
a few simple ingredients (all can be found at your local Whole Foods or health market)
food processor
high-speed blender such as a Vitamix
pie pan
Ingredients (By Layer):
Crust:
2 cups pitted dates
1-2 cups dried white mulberries
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
Creamy Cashew Banana Layer:
3-4 ripe, speckled bananas
1/2-1 cup cashews
1/2 cup coconut water
Sweet Blackberry Banana Layer:
3-4 ripe, speckled bananas
1/2 cup blackberries
A few pitted dates for added sweetness
Blackberry Date Glaze:
1-2 cups blackberries
1 cup dates
A splash of coconut water
Toppings:
Feel free to top with pistachio nutmeats, fresh blackberries, or anything else to prettify your "cheesecake!"
Method:
For the crust, place all ingredients in your food processor and process until you are left with a gooey ball that you can then press into your pie pan to create the crust.
Blend the ingredients for each of the remaining layers until smooth, and pour into your pie pan in this order: 1) Creamy Cashew Banana Layer, 2) Sweet Blackberry Banana Layer, and 3) Blackberry Date Glaze Layer. Place your "cheesecake" in the freezer for 4-6 hours. Take it out and let it thaw for maybe a half hour before slicing and enjoying!
* Note: Any leftovers should be kept in the freezer. It'll melt in the refrigerator!
I hope you enjoyed this recipe and are inspired to upgrade your indulgences! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know how yours turns out!
Don't forget to enjoy each and every day, live in moderation, and savor the little things in life!
Designed For Your Lifestyle,
Erin
