Sneaky Health: Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

     After I swore off processed white sugar (click here to read about my sugar addiction) I went on a mission to find replacements to curb the sweet tooth and keep my PCOS in check. This journey of learning about how my body reacts to sugar has lead me to vegan dessert recipes.  I found that it is possible to have dessert AND nutrition all in one AND be family approved.  The eye rolling is less and less with every delicious recipe I make.  

    We made vegan chocolate chip cookies. Oil-free, nutritious, and delicious. They are so simple to make, with real food ingredients, that my 10 year old son made them all by himself. 

 Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

3 mashed bananas (ripe)

1/3 cup apple sauce (unsweetened)
2 cups quick oats 
1/4 cup almond milk (unsweetened)
 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips 
        (if vegan use vegan chips)
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 15-20 minutes. 

   The house smelled like comfort food heaven! I had a small face smashed up against the oven window for 20 minutes anxiously waiting for his cookie magic.  The cooling could not go by fast enough. Oh my gosh, place a tray off these on the counter and watch the family swarm like bees.                                                                                                                                                               These cookies are Mom approved; both for family and waistlines. 

   
     Healthy doesn't have to mean giving up sweets. For me it meant finding an alternative route to fulfilling my cravings and still providing treats to my family. Real food with nutritional purpose disguised as chocolate chip cookies. 

100% Kid Approved Awesomeness!!! 

A Truly Delicious Healthy Jam

What do you get when you mix fresh apricots and chia seeds? 

You get this....

Apricot Chia Seed Jam

I should also mention it is sugar free, no pectin, and omega 3's!! 

Some may be asking what are chia seeds? These sesame looking seeds pack a punch of nutritional benefits.  Click here to read about the benefits of chia seeds. This superfood is also highly recommend for women with PCOS as it helps to regulate sugar levels. Click here to read about how chia seeds help with PCOS.

I was given a bag of fresh from the tree apricots. I have chia seeds on hand. I had an idea. 

I'm making jam!

8 cups chopped apricots

3 cups coconut sugar

juice from 1 lemon (not pictured)

1 tbs cinnamon (optional)

1/2 cup chia seeds (add at the end)

Mix all ingredients into a big pot and heat on medium. Stir to mix well and prevent burning. The coconut sugar gives it a rich brown sugar look.  Let simmer for 30 minutes.

When time is up turn off the heat and stir in the chia seeds. I used an immersion blender to smooth out the jam.  As the jam cools it will continue to thicken. 

My house smelled amazing at this point and my husband started to hover.  Next step is to can the jam. I follow basic canning directions. 

Click here for canning directions.

The final result is a comfort food tasting jam that I cannot wait to top my oatmeal with in the morning. Zero guilt and many added health benefits.  This is a great way to get my family to eat "Mom's healthy foods" without them blinking an eye. 

I love knowing I have made good, healthy, nutritious food for my family. I have several jars on hand.  This jam can be used mixed in with oatmeal, on toast, crackers, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches,....on a spoon! 

Enjoy!  

Trade Guilt For Trust: Surviving the Holidays

     The holidays used to be rough on my waistline as well as my mental health. This holiday season has truly been a test for me. Last November I made a promise to myself that I would STOP punishing my body. I would stop hating my body. I would learn to love my body before it fails me.  It was not easy - I had to retrain myself. I started with baby steps. I started by promising I would go for a walk every day, not for losing weight but to promote mental health. Guilt is a powerful emotion, and I was done with feeling it. The holidays are great for bringing around a nice big helping of guilt.  

     How do I maintain a healthy body image, indulge, and balance the scale? This holiday season I got my answer. I stopped worrying about it. I put my scale away. I allowed myself the treats. I felt my pants get tighter and I reminded myself that it is okay, I will not wake up 300 pounds again. I know what to do. I know how to eat healthy. I work out 5-6 days a week. This will not erase my normal healthy life style. I trust myself...I trust myself. That was a difficult achievement and the one I'm proud of the most. From previous experiences I learned to NOT trust myself. After all, no one was shoving the food in my face, I was.  

     I have maintained my weight for 6 years now.  I have become the woman I always wanted to be. That is my proof to myself. That is my proof to people in my life that have been sitting and waiting for the weight to come back. It is safe to say that I get it now. I CAN trust myself to do what needs to be done and I CAN indulge without fear. My healthy eating is no longer my diet, it is my life style.  The cookies, the cakes, and other treats are not a part of my everyday eating. I do not keep that stuff in the house. Come January 1st, it will all be gone, and I will be back on track. 

     I understand those on their journey to lose weight and the fear of treats. During my first few holiday seasons I worked out for HOURS and barely touched the sweets. I was terrified of gaining even a few ounces.  If the scale moved in the wrong direction I felt like I had failed. For those feeling fear and guilt, it is ok. You too will learn to trust yourself and your abilities to care for your body. I learned to embraces a "fluffier" figure during the holidays.  I no longer hate my body. I understand that my body will fluctuate in weight and size for my entire life for various reasons. I am not a battle field and food is not my enemy.  I know that I will never give up on myself , I know I will never go back to processed boxed food, and I know I still love myself even when I have to jump into my jeans (and avoid washing them for as long as I can.) 

     This way of thinking did not happen overnight. It has taken me several years to accept my body and what my version of healthy is.  Enjoy the holidays, let go of guilt, and trust yourself.  If you struggle to trust yourself, start with baby steps. Every journey has a beginning. 

More Veggies Please

I'm looking to increase my vegetable intake and sneak a few more into my families diet as well.  It has been recommend from my doctor to cut my intake of pasta and potatoes.  That's not fun, or easy. I have found a few kitchen appliances that look like I can replace pasta products with a variety of veggies.  Have any of you tried them? What is your take on these?

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