Tag Archives: No-bake

A Sweet Tooth’s Dilemma

We all have a pernicious sweet tooth that can fast-track us to unhealthy states and disease such as Diabetes. But aren’t there ways we can fulfill our candied cravings without worry of the negative side effects? The answer is simple, yes and within moderation. There are many diets which insist on cutting out sweets completely and my response to this is move on. If you try this remedy, you’ll soon find yourself hopelessly craving those sugary crystals. The reason being, is that sugar, much like an addictive narcotic such as cocaine or nicotine, acts on the brain’s dopamine receptors and floods the Nucleus Accumbens with high levels of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that relays nerve signals in the brain and plays an integral role of reward-motivated behavior. When dopamine is released in large quantities the effects become diminished as receptors begin to down-regulate. Thus, next time the urge to eat sweets comes on and it will, be it midday, after dinner or for a midnight snack, you’ll have to overcompensate by eating more sugary snacks to appease your receptors and feel an equivalent sugary rush.

To avoid a brain hijack by sugar, focus on junk food moderation and eating alternative snacks that limit processed and refined sugars. This will allow you to continue snacking, placating your desire for sweets and sugars without the bother of negative health side-effects. A delicious summer treat I was introduced to by my aunt a few summers ago is the feature of today’s recipe and trust me you’ll be whipping these babies up on the regular. It’s a no-bake frozen fruit pie, which lends itself nicely to customization based on your preference. Not a fan of blueberries? Try out a peach-apricot mix or maybe a blackberry freeze. All it takes is a switch in the fruit (both fresh & frozen) and the type of yogurt. The result, a delectable dessert, light on the nutritional label yet strong on flavor and satisfaction.

No-Bake Blueberry Cool Whip Pie

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Freeze Time: 4 hours 
Serves: 8

Ingredients

9″ Graham cracker crust
1/2 bag frozen blueberries
16 oz lite Cool Whip
14 oz Light & Fit Blueberry Yogurt
Whipped cream topping (optional)


Directions

1. Add Cool Whip and blueberry yogurt together in a large bowl. Add frozen blueberries and continue to stir until contents are fully mixed.
2. Remove wrapping from Graham cracker crust and scoop the Cool Whip – yogurt mixture into the pie shell. Fill and even layer to the top. Store in the freezer for at least 4 hours.
3. Let defrost slightly before eating (microwave or let sit) and top with fresh blueberries and whipped cream if desired.

blueberry pie blueberry pie