Do you like to have a sweet treat while watching the Super Bowl? Why not try a healthier dessert, so that you can enjoy something sweet without a lot of calories and fat! Lower calorie desserts can be quite tasty and satisfy a sweet tooth!
We commonly bring finger foods to a party such as cookies, cupcakes, brownies, etc. How does a healthier cupcake sound? Try this recipe for Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes from The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The recipe utilizes applesauce in substitution for the fat, as well as includes such healthy additions like zucchini and ground flaxseed!
1 cup grated zucchini
1 cup applesauce, unsweetened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup agave nectar, divided
¼ cup brown sugar
1 cup whole-wheat flour
½ cup all-purpose, unbleached flour
¼ cup flaxseed, ground
½ teaspoon baking powder, low sodium
1 teaspoon baking soda
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup unsweetened cocoa
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line muffin cups with paper or silicone liners.
2. Put grated zucchini in paper towels or a clean cloth and squeeze out as much water as possible. Set aside.
3. In large mixing bowl, combine applesauce, vanilla extract, ¼ cup agave and stir thoroughly.
4. Add flours, baking soda, baking powder, flaxseed, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and other spices, and mix well. Add cocoa and mix thoroughly.
5. Add zucchini and stir thoroughly.
6. Fill paper liners with chocolate zucchini batter to ¾ full. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center of cupcake.
7. Mix ¼ cup agave with ½ teaspoon cinnamon in small bowl. Before serving, drizzle agave mixture over cupcakes as icing and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 cupcake
Serves 12
Calories: 150; Total fat: 1.5g; Saturated fat: 0g; Trans fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 105mg; Total carbohydrate: 31g; Dietary fiber: 3g; Sugars 17g; Protein: 3g
Fitting right into the finger foods category, dips make for great items to bring to parties as well. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has a recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip that would pair wonderfully with fruit or graham crackers. It even has 6 grams of protein per serving!
5 ounces silken tofu
3 ounces light cream cheese
2 tablespoons rolled oats
2 tablespoons unsalted peanut butter
3 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon unsweetened vanilla almond milk
¼ cup chocolate chips
Directions
1. Remove tofu from packaging and rinse in cool water to remove excess moisture from packaging.
2. Place tofu on a plate between two paper towels and place a heavy object — like a 15-ounce can — on top.
3. After approximately 5 minutes, remove the paper towels. Use a new, clean paper towel to pat the tofu dry. The goal of compressing tofu is to remove excess water.
4. Put tofu in the base of a food processor or blender along with the cream cheese, rolled oats, peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla, salt and almond milk. Puree until creamy and smooth, scraping down sides as you go.
5. The dip's texture should be similar to pudding. Depending on the power of your food processor or blender, you may need to add an additional tablespoon of vanilla almond milk.
6. Add in the chocolate chips and pulse three or four times to combine.
7. Remove dip and place in a serving bowl. Enjoy with fresh fruit, graham cracker squares, or lightly salted pretzels for a sweet and savory treat!
Cooking Tip
• Use your favorite type of milk in place of vanilla almond milk.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: ¼ cup
Serves 5
Calories: 174; Total fat: 9g; Sat. fat: 3.5g; Chol.: 10mg; Sodium: 406mg; Carb.: 18g; Fiber 2g; Sugars: 15g; Protein 6g
Lastly, if you are looking for a very simple, yet delicious finger food to take to your Super Bowl party, try the Chocolate Covered Figs recipe from The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Dark Chocolate Covered Figs Recipe
(https://www.eatright.org/resource/food/planning-and-prep/recipes/dark-chocolate-covered-figs-recipe)
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that come from extracts of the cocoa bean. Choosing dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa gives your family more of these healthy antioxidants.
Some studies report small portions of dark chocolate can maintain heart health and the health of blood vessels.
Ingredients
½ cup dark chocolate chips (without milk fat as ingredient)
12 fresh Black Mission figs
¼ cup finely chopped raw walnuts
Directions
1. Melt chocolate in double boiler or microwave.
2. Dip figs into melted chocolate, sprinkle with nuts and place on parchment-lined pan.
3. Refrigerate about 30 minutes, until chocolate and nuts are set and figs are cold.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 fig
Serves 12
Calories: 80; Total fat: 4g; Saturated fat: 1.5g; Trans fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Total carbohydrate: 13g; Dietary fiber: 2g; Sugars: 10g; Protein: 1g
Dr. John Meier at Wake Internal Medicine asked the right questions during my annual physical exam, provided a lot of helpful tips and seemed genuinely very interested in my wellbeing as one of his patients. The first thing he asked when he walked into the exam room, after he introduced himself of course, was “tell me something good about yourself”, and that for me says a lot about him. The whole staff from the ladies at the reception to the phlebotomist to the checkout, everyone was fantastic! I would definitely recommend Dr. Meier and his team to anyone. The great thing too is that they offer a lot of services at the same location.
Dr Daniel Richards & staff @ Wake internal med., did a great job, I was seen @ my appointment time & was in & out. Special thanks to Radiology tech who did my ekg & will be retiring, you will be missed I’m sure.
Dr. Vu is an amazing doctor! She is very patient, caring, and takes her time with you. I never feel rushed by her. Been going to her for about 6 or 7 years now and I won't see any other doctor. Reason I gave a 4 star is because the front desk is not friendly and had a bit of an attitude while making my appointment and checking out after my appointment. Other than that, the nurses and Dr. Vu are amazing
Kiera Quinn and her assistant were friendly and professional. There was little wait time; however, my appointment was not rushed. Quinn was familiar with my file even though she only saw me once before a year ago.
I’ve been a patient of this practice for years and I have only positive things to say. From check-in and -out, on the phone or in the exam room, always stellar service.
I have been seeing Dr. Christopher McDaniels for many years now. He is extremely personable and very involved in my health and well-being. His assistant Jackie is marvelous and always available for me. This practice has the best doctors and technicians and I would highly recommend them.
I love Dr McDaniels and everyone there. His nurse is so sweet. Whenever I have a problem they are only a phone call away. Cant say enough good things about them and it is rare these days to have such good care . They are the best.
Dr.Richard and his staff go above and beyond to insure that patient care is exceptional. From check in to check out the patient is treated with compassion, courtesy and respect. Their follow-up is outstanding and I highly recommend this practice.
Great experience. Very friendly, professional, well-operated. True of everyone I’ve dealt with there. I’m especially thankful for Dr. Heestand. She is an excellent doctor. Listens, asks questions, cares, very personable. Couldn’t be happier!
Dr. Carter is fantastic! She's been my primary care physician for about two years now, and I couldn't be happier. What truly sets her apart is her genuine care and attentiveness. She takes the time to listen thoroughly to my concerns and addresses them thoughtfully. It's clear she goes above and beyond for her patients. I'm so grateful for her dedication and she'll definitely remain my PCP. Thank you, Dr. Carter, for everything you do!
Wow!! Loved the virtual appointment opportunity. It was such a convenience especially when I live over 2 hours away. Talking to Dr. Carlson reassured me and accessing the site was easy.
Most fortunate to experience a completely professional and friendly practice across the board! The new premises are light airy and relaxing! It is such a bonus to be able to have so many procedures from Lab work, bone density testing, mammogram, nuclear testing to name but a few all located in the same building, resulting in quick responses for Doctors and patients alike! I would like to give a shout out to Dr Rico and his staff for the outstanding care I receive! Sue Ligon.
My husband and I had a great experience, Dr. Monteiro and team were very easy going, professional and did a good examination; Labs team were great, accurate and reliable. So far, totally recommend.
Caring and attentive physicians are rare these days. I really appreciate the time and attention given at Wake Internal. They all seem to care and listen to their patients.
I’m not sure if she’s still there, but Dr. Julia Hughes’ apathy and dismissiveness played a large part in my father ending up in the hospital more than once. He has severe Crohn’s disease and repeatedly expressed to Dr. Hughes (2-3 times) that he didn’t feel like his then-treatment plan was managing his Crohn’s well enough. He asked her again if he could try a new or different course of action, but she insisted that my dad “stay the course” with the “tried and true” protocol, despite his requests to try something else. Next thing we know, he’s in the hospital bc his electrolytes are so low from all the diarrhea he was having (but shouldn’t have been!) that he was nearly comatose. He didn’t go back after that.
All staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Short wait times. Dr.C was the absolute best. He listens and doesn't rush you. I was blessed to find this office.
I've been going to Wake Internal Medicine for a few years now. The staff are all friendly. Zoe and Lori, who I regularly see, provide me with great care and it's always like seeing a friend when I go in. Thank you to the staff and team!
Drs. Aryl and Del La Cruz and back office staff are AMAZING!!! They are all top notch professionals, treating each patient like a priority. Staff in the front office, registration, have been nothing but kind and attentive in dealing with patients.
This is honestly the BEST medical practice I've ever had an encounter with! They all deserve more than just 5 stars.
Went in Friday, 3/21/25, for an appointment with Dr. Richard and his nurse Seana. As always (as you can see from our previous reviews), it was another "Excellent" experience from start to finish. The check-in and check-out process was quick and easy. The Lab folks were superb, and Dr. Richard and Seana were "Outstanding." They are both patient, listen to concerns, and they clearly explain solutions and outcomes. My wife and I are both "seasoned" citizens and we agree that Dr. Richard and Seana are the best medical professionals we've had the good fortune of knowing for many years!
Went in with my wife for her physical on 6-14-24 and it was an "Outstanding" experience from check in to check out! Dr. Richard and Seana have provided "Exceptional" health care for both of us for many, many years. They are great listeners, are patient with our questions, and have kept us in good health! Of the many things my wife and I are grateful for at age 70 is Dr. Richard and Seana! The check-in, lab, radiology, and EKG staff have always been friendly and professional!
Dr. Kaplan in Gastroenterology and Dr. Richard (family doctor) are absolutely the "Best!" During my last colonoscopy, Dr. Kaplan found a flat polyp and referred me to Dr. Farah Hussain with Raleigh Medical Group since she has the special expertise to remove flat polyps. I was really reluctant to do so since I had a very bad experience with another doctor many years ago (not connected to WIMC or RMG and the procedure at that time was new). When I balked, Dr. Richard called me at home and Dr. Kaplan called three times and finally convinced me to go to Dr. Hussain (the procedure was done 4/21/23 with no complications whatsoever). You can't but this "Outstanding" dedication from Dr. Richard and Dr. Kaplan - they are one of kind!
Another "Outstanding" experience when I went in on 2/9/23! After going to the ER the afternoon of 2/8/23, the ER doctor advised that I should follow-up with my family doctor in one - two days. I used the online texting feature to make an appointment. When our family doctor out of town, the online rep set me up the same day with another doctor (Dr. Doherty). Really impressed with his nurse (apologize for not remembering her name) and Dr. Doherty! Very friendly and professional! My wife and I have always enjoyed "Superb" medical care from WIMC to include the receptionists and check out!
The whole process from start to finish with my annual physical was "Outstanding!" The lab and radiology staff are always professional and friendly. Dr. Richard and his nurse Seana continue to provide my family and me "Exceptional" health care. A great advantage with WIMC is that they basically have all the services you and your family need in one building!
When I could not get an appointment with my family doctor until next week (perfectly understandable given the current situation), the receptionist suggested I make an appointment with PA Kate Leet (yesterday, 5/19/21). Ms. Leet was friendly, professional, and very thorough. It was an "Exceptional" experience and my hope is she has a mentor or someone at WIMC that will encourage her to pursue her medical credentials as a doctor! I'm sure the management/business team at WIMC realize what a great asset she is to the medical staff. She also discovered that my appointment next week was not really hard scheduled and took action to firm up the time. Simply "Outstanding" and I would not hesitate to have Ms. Leet help me again!
I had an exceptional experience at Wake Internal Medicine. From the moment I walked in, the staff was warm, professional, and efficient. The doctors and medical team truly take the time to listen, answer questions, and provide thoughtful, comprehensive care. I never felt rushed, and they made sure I fully understood my treatment plan. The office is well-organized, appointments run on time, and the entire process—from check-in to follow-up—was seamless. I highly recommend Wake Internal Medicine to anyone looking for top-quality healthcare with a personal touch!
I have been going to Wake Internal Medicine Consultants for more than 20 years. Dr. Mollin, my PCP, is excellent. He takes the time to explain all tests results thoroughly and patiently answers all of my questions. Dr. Mollin, thank you so much for your patience, knowledge and thoroughness. Also, the new facility on Blue Ridge Rd is outstanding with plenty of room for parking and larger exam rooms.
