Take a bite of these tasty treats without the guilt

Here are our choices of tasty treats that you can enjoy without feeling guilty about abandoning your resolve to eat healthier, writes Helen O’Callaghan.

It’s early days in this new year and you’re watching what you eat. But everything in moderation — you don’t want to deny yourself completely.

Here are our top eight treats to indulge in — without totally blowing your plan.

1. Halo Top Ice-Cream

Los Angeles-based Halo Top Creamery was founded in 2011 by former lawyer turned ice-cream aficionado Justin Woolverton while on a quest to find an ice cream he could enjoy without guilt.

It has now launched in Ireland with seven flavours.

An entire tub ranges from 280-360 calories depending on whether you go for a flavour like Vanilla Bean (280 calories) or Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (360).

With plain ice-cream typically packing a 180 calorie punch for just two scoops, Halo Top’s a good low-cal option, says Orla Walsh, dietician and founder of Orla Walsh Nutrition.

Made of milk, it’s a calcium source and contains 20g of protein, which Walsh says is similar to most protein bars in shops.

However, organic cane sugar is an ingredient, which might sound healthy, but it’s still sugar, warns Walsh. Halo Top contains 5g of added sugars per portion — a little over a teaspoon. Ideal recommendation is no more than six teaspoons of added sugars daily.

Tesco stores; €6.49.

2. Loving Earth Organic Dark Chocolate One-quarter of a bar (20g)

This contains 106 calories, so it’s about the same as any other chocolate and therefore not a low-calorie alternative, says Walsh.

But dieticians encourage dark chocolate instead of milk varieties because the strong taste and rich flavours may satisfy some people quicker.

“So they may be satisfied with two squares rather than the whole bar,” explains Walsh.

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants — but, says Walsh, these antioxidants can also be found in other foods like apples and onions. Containing potassium, zinc and selenium, dark chocolate also packs a good mineral punch.

Holland & Barrett stores; €6.49.

3. Good 4 U Super Bites Energy Balls Cocoa and Orange (40g)

With simple, natural ingredients like dates, raisins, chia and sunflower seeds, it also has cocoa powder and some orange flavouring and is, says Walsh, a “good healthy treat that’s naturally gluten-free”.

It’s a source of fibre and, although it contains 9.4g of sugar, these are natural sugars. “Considering it’s made of dates and raisins, it can be counted as one of your five a day,” says Walsh.

Supermarkets nationwide; €1.25.

4. Nature Valley Energy Bar Coconut and Almond (40g)

Provides 10g of protein per bar — “enough to stimulate most people’s muscles to begin to grow and repair”, says Walsh.

It also has a good amount of fibre (5g). High fibre/high protein generally keeps you feeling full for longer.

However, there are added sugars, a little over a teaspoon per bar, as well as 1.3g salt content per bar.

“Most of us need to aim for no more than 6g of salt per day,” advises Walsh. Watch out for the fat content too — at just over 12g per bar, it’s not low.

Tesco; €3 for four x 40g.

5. Powerful Yoghurt Chocolate Drink 355ml

A low-fat drink, it has only 164 calories per bottle and it provides 20g of protein. For the majority of people, this is enough to stimulate muscles to grow and repair to their maximum, says Walsh.

“An effort has also been made to lower the sugar content by using Stevia, a sweetener [derived] from natural sources.”

In select SuperValu, Centra and Spar shops, Cork and Dublin. Price range: €3.10-€3.50.

6. Clif Bar Chocolate Almond Fudge (68g)

It contains a lot of added sugar, warns Walsh. “Although not ideal on a day-to-day basis, this bar would work well as a recovery bar. Simple sugars and protein are often included in recovery drinks and meals after exercise.”

With 5g of fibre per bar, it provides 20% of your fibre requirements. One bar also provides 20% of your recommended intake for vitamin D, 38% for vitamin A, 50% for vitamin E and 38% for vitamin C.

SuperValu, €2.50; also Holland & Barrett and at nourish.ie.

7. Fulfil Triple Chocolate Deluxe (55g)

It sounds impossibly indulgent, but the protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals in this bar make it a healthier choice than a typical chocolate bar.

It contains 20g protein per bar — which will stimulate most people’s muscles and bones to grow and repair to their maximum. However, the 12g polyol (fermentable carbohydrate) content may cause gut upset in some people.

€2.50 at evergreen.ie and in Woodies stores.

8. Hippeas (In Herbs We Trust) (22g) chickpea puffs

With organic chickpea content (38%), these are a source of plant protein and fibre, says Walsh. They also

contain organic whole rice and herbs including basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme.

They contain 91 calories, making them a better option than your standard packet of crisps.

The company’s effort to use organic produce is worth noting. However, watch out for the salt content, which is in the medium to high category.

Visit organico.ie; also in Holland & Barrett stores; €1.69.