We do not always have to give up treats and comfort foods when sticking to a healthy diet. I want to share three recipes that are simple and quick to make, low in calories, sugar and starch, delicious, nutritious - and always in my house.

Eating well is not about doing without; it’s about enjoying food that tastes good and is good for you. However, if you are used to eating store-bought sugary and fatty foods like doughnuts, muffins and pies, you may have to give your tastebuds a little time to adjust to the natural sweetness of these foods. Trust me, you will be glad you did.

1. Chia seed pudding

Makes two servings, 1 cup (240 ml) per serving.

The main two ingredients in this pudding are chia seeds and coconut milk. Chia seeds contain healthy fibre, calcium and are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids. These are a super nutrient linked to many health benefits including lowering inflammation in the body and improving cardiovascular health. Coconut milk is packed with vitamins and minerals and is lactose free.

Ingredients:

• 4 Tbsp (60 ml) of chia seeds
• 2 cups (480 ml) coconut milk, full or low fat
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 10 blueberries (optional)
• Small amount of chopped nuts (optional)
• Stevia to taste

Method

Put all ingredients in a two cup container. Stir frequently for 10 minutes or the chia seeds will clump together. Put in the refrigerator to set for one hour, keeps for up to 5 days.

Variations: Add different fruits and or seeds, cocoa powder or different flavoured extracts. Use almond or soy milk instead of coconut milk. For a thicker pudding, use 5 Tbsp (75 ml) of chia seeds.

2. One minute muffin in a mug

Makes one serving.

As someone who used to love muffins and bread, I discovered two great recipes that keep my love alive, and barely raise my blood sugar because they contain no sugar or flour. Flax seeds give these muffins lots of fibre, and like chia seeds, flax seeds are packed with healthy antioxidant omega 3 fatty acids.

In a coffee mug combine:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) ground flax seeds (or flaxseed meal)
• 1 tsp (5 ml) cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) baking powder

Add to dry ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla
• Sweetener to taste (powder or liquid)
• Few berries (or other cut up fruit), nuts and/or seeds
• 1 tsp (5 ml) butter or coconut oil (melted)

Method:

1. Stir all ingredients thoroughly so the mixture is wet throughout. Make sure to stir at the bottom and sides of the mug.
2. Cook in microwave for 1 minute
3. Remove and turn mug upside down on a plate. Muffin will slide out.

I eat my muffin with tahini. You might like a little peanut butter, cottage cheese or low sugar jam. If you seldom eat flax seeds, work your way up from a teaspoon or two. Also this muffin is high in fibre. Be sure to drink 240ml of liquid with the muffin to help the fibre move smoothly through your system.

3. Flourless bread rolls

Makes six servings, one roll per serving.

make these every other day as my husband, who does not have diabetes, can’t get enough of them. They contain no sugar, flour or oil and are high in fibre and low in carbohydrates. Their secret blood sugar-stabilizing-ingredient is almond flour.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) almond flour (You can substitute almond meal. Almond flour is slightly finer and lighter than meal)
• 5 Tbsp (74 ml) ground chia seeds
• 2 tsp (10 ml) baking powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) sea salt
• 2 tsp (10 ml) cider vinegar
• 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
• 3 egg whites (or two whole eggs)
• 2 tsp (5 ml) sesame seeds (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 175 degrees C ( 350 degrees F) dry ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Bring water to a boil. Add water, the vinegar and egg whites (or eggs) to the bowl. Beat with a hand mixer for about 30 seconds. I beat it with a wooden spoon vigorously instead of using a mixer. Don’t overmix. The consistency should be less wet and a little sticky.
3. Moisten your hands and scoop six uniform lumps of dough out of the bowl. Form them into small balls and place on a baking sheet either greased or lined with parchment paper.
4. With dry hands sprinkle sesame seeds on top (optional)
5. Bake on lower rack of oven for about one hour. When done, rolls will sound hollow if you tap the bottom of the roll.

These are three of my absolute favorite low carb foods. May this be a delicious and nutritious year of happy and healthy eating for you.