(Stop the craving cycle before it begins and eat your way slim with the naturally sweet, salty, and satisfying meals in Eat Clean, Lose Weight & Love Every Bite!)
Protein Flag Cake
It wouldn’t be the 4th without a flag cake. Andréa’s Protein Cakery’s healthy version combines egg whites, protein powder (for the best texture, Andréa recommends using a pea blend like Sun Warrior Vanilla Warrior Blend, $45, amazon.com), and almond meal to bake a fluffy base. Top it off with cashew whipped cream, then arrange blueberries and sliced strawberries on top as your stars and stripes. This treat tastes delicious and provides a walloping 18 grams of protein per serving. MORE: 6 High-Protein Dessert Waffles You Should Definitely Try Did you know you can make whipped cream in a mason jar? Here’s the video to prove it:
Berry Patriotic Chia Seed Pudding
Using a small jar is a great way to make dessert feel special while keeping serving sizes under control. But what makes Tasting Page’s treat extra smart is the chia seed pudding in the middle: The powerhouse seeds are packed with heart-healthy omega 3s and protein and give the pudding a satisfying crunch. With pureed raspberries and strawberries on the bottom and fresh blueberries on top, this dessert is layered with good-for-you ingredients. (Here are 8 more clever ways to eat chia seeds.)
Vegan Banana Ice Cream Bars
Taylor of Food, Faith, Fitness stacks summer fruits and coconut cream into a gluten- and dairy-free treat that clocks in at just 125 calories per piece. Start with roasted cashews and nutrient-rich dates to make a crunchy crust, then follow her instructions to layer and freeze tiers of fresh blueberries, coconut, and strawberries. This may be the healthiest ice cream bar you’ll ever eat. MORE: 5 High-Protein Ice Creams You Need To Buy Right Now
Mixed Berry Popsicles
While the ice cream truck has its place, you can also pass on the artificial flavors of Bomb Pops to make grown-up Popsicles. (These 7 popsicle molds are so cool you’ll actually use them!) Downshiftology’s recipe packs in 4 cups of antioxidant-rich berries, including lesser-used fruits like blackberries and boysenberries. Pop them in the freezer, wait a few hours, and enjoy. PREVENTION PREMIUM: 9 Easy Backyard BBQ Recipes
Red, White, and Blueberry Ice Cream Sundaes
Store-bought ice creams are filled with sugar and artificial preservatives. If you’re jonesing for a sundae and have an ice cream maker and a few hours to spare, follow Cave Woman Café’s lead. She uses coconut milk and maple syrup to make blueberry ice cream, and honey to make her raspberry syrup. Finish with coconut whipped cream for a cool treat minus the usual sugar hangover. MORE: 7 Things That Happen When You Stop Eating Sugar
Fruit Sparklers
Sometimes simplicity is all you want, especially when it’s hot outside. This dessert from Tastes Better From Scratch is perfect for when you’re in a pinch and don’t have hours to prepare. Just pick up a watermelon, some star cutouts, and fresh blueberries. And how about adding dragonfruit? It’s in season right now and makes the perfect white layer! Assemble on skewers, then go enjoy the party. Simple as that! (On busy summer nights, try these 7 delicious and easy skewer recipes.)