By: Lizzy London

Being the glamour girl that I am it is hard for me to admit that at 36 years old I have the appetite of a 17 year old boy and a constant case of premenstrual chocolate cravings! But alas it is true! But what is a glamour girl to do?

Today I had to go grocery shopping (which I always seem to put off until there are only condiments in my fridge). I started my shopping trip with the best intentions. I loaded up my cart with all the fruit and veggies I needed to keep my girlish figure. I was determined to only make healthy choices.

I must have made a wrong turn somewhere because before I knew it I found myself in the bakery department! OMG! How did this happen? I came face to face with so many wonderful treats. Chocolate Babka, cream puffs, cannolis. They all looked so good! Then suddenly I found myself magnetically drawn to the most super rich fudgiest brownies I had ever seen! YUM! I had to have them. I didn’t even care. I picked them up. Then I put them down. I picked them up. Then I put them down again.

Oh no!!! The struggle! The struggle!

I have been trying really hard to work out lately. And I didn’t want to ruin it all because of stupid chocolate! I put them down. (Yes I had picked them back up) And I walked away.

“STEP AWAY FROM THE BROWNIES”

But that darn chocolate craving wouldn’t quit. I was about to turn around and go get them when I remembered a conversation I had with my gorgeous and super smart cousin Jackie. She was raving about a brownie recipe that was low fat, healthy and packed with protein. I called her immediately. “Jackie please help me!!! For the love of God!!!”

She told me to buy a box of dark chocolate brownie mix and a can of black beans.

BLACK BEANS????

Huh? I started to rethink the “super smart cousin” thing but she assured me they were delicious. They are not only nutritious and packed with protein they would totally get rid of that chocolate craving. Boy did I hope she was right. I did what she told me to do and she was right!! She really is super smart!!

PROTEIN PACKED BROWNIES

• Get 1 box of dark chocolate brownie mix and 1 can of black beans.
• Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly in a colander then return them to the empty can and refill with water.
• Pour the beans and water from the can into a blender and mix well.
• Add the black beans to the brownie mix and stir until it’s combined completely. Pour mixture into a greased pan. (I use Pam) and follow the cooking time and temperature instructions on the box

Just as Jackie promised. They turned out delicious. Seriously so good. They are only slightly different from the regular brownies we are all used to but I actually prefer these Protein Packed Brownies instead! They aren’t as sickeningly sweet and you don’t feel nauseous after. And at about 100 calories each they really do stop that chocolate craving! I really hope you enjoy these Protein Packed Brownies as much as I do. Thanks Jackie!