August in Vancouver brings the heart of summer, and with it, one of my absolute favourite seasonal fruits: juicy, sun-ripened BC peaches. There’s nothing quite like them! While they are perfect on their own, one of my favourite ways to elevate them into a simple, elegant dessert is by grilling them.
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I often talk with patients about “mindful indulgence”—the idea that enjoying a treat doesn’t have to derail your health goals. This recipe is the perfect embodiment of that philosophy. It’s a delicious dessert that feels special but is made with whole-food ingredients and is designed to nourish your body while delighting your taste buds.
The Naturopathic Beauty of This Dessert: It's All About Balance
What makes this simple recipe so special from a health perspective is how the ingredients work together, particularly for supporting stable blood sugar and overall hormonal health.
Natural Sweetness from Grilling:
- When you grill peaches, the heat lightly caramelizes their natural sugars. This intensifies their sweetness and flavour, meaning you don’t need to add heaps of refined sugar to make a satisfying dessert.
The Power of Pairing (for Blood Sugar Balance):
- This is the key to a healthier treat! Eating a carbohydrate source (like fruit) on its own can sometimes lead to a quick spike and crash in blood sugar. However, when we pair it with healthy fats and protein, it slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream [1]. In this recipe, the healthy fats from the coconut yogurt and almonds, along with the protein from the almonds (and even more so if you use Greek yogurt), create a balanced dessert that is much gentler on your blood sugar levels. This is crucial for sustained energy, mood stability, and overall hormone balance.
Nutrient Spotlight:
- Peaches: A wonderful source of antioxidants, including Vitamin C, which is essential for skin health and collagen production [2].
- Almonds: Provide healthy monounsaturated fats, Vitamin E (another skin-loving antioxidant), and magnesium, which is important for relaxation and blood sugar control.
- Coconut Yogurt: A great dairy-free source of healthy fats. If you choose a live-cultured version, you also get a dose of beneficial probiotics for gut health.
The Recipe: Healthy Grilled Peaches with Coconut Yogurt & Toasted Almonds
This dessert is as simple as it is elegant.
- Yields: 4 servings
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 6-8 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 large, ripe but still firm BC peaches, halved with pits removed
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or avocado oil, melted
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut yogurt (or plain Greek yogurt for a higher protein option)
- 1/4 cup slivered or roughly chopped almonds, toasted
- Optional: a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of maple syrup or local honey, fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your BBQ or indoor grill pan to medium heat.
- Prep the Peaches: Gently brush the cut side of each peach half with the melted coconut oil. This will prevent sticking and help them caramelize beautifully.
- Grill: Place the peaches cut-side down on the hot grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes, until you see nice grill marks and the fruit has softened slightly. Flip the peaches and grill for another 2-3 minutes on the skin side.
- Toast the Almonds (if not already toasted): While the peaches are grilling, place the almonds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 2-4 minutes, tossing frequently, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Be sure to watch them closely as they can burn quickly!
- Assemble: Place two warm grilled peach halves in each bowl. Add a generous dollop of cool coconut yogurt alongside them. Sprinkle the toasted almonds over everything.
- Garnish (Optional): Finish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon, a tiny drizzle of maple syrup or honey if desired, and a few fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately.
A Note on Mindful Indulgence
This recipe is a beautiful reminder that healthy eating isn’t about deprivation. It’s about choosing high-quality, seasonal ingredients and combining them in a way that supports your body’s needs. By creating treats that are balanced and nourishing, you can satisfy your cravings while still feeling your absolute best.
I hope you get a chance to savor this simple pleasure of August!
Warmly,
Dr. Jennifer Luis, ND
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References:
- Holesh, J. E., Aslam, S., & Martin, A. (2023). Physiology, Carbohydrates. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
- Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. C. M. (2017). The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866.
