Almond, Coconut & Chocolate Chip Cookies (Paleo)

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This is an easy, delicious and healthy cookie recipe that I absolutely love. I'm not a strict "Paleo" diet follower, but I do try to eat clean and minimize the amount of wheat and sugar in my diet. These cookies have a great chewy texture inside and a nice, slightly crisp edge when finished. They taste like Almond Joy chocolate bars but are a much healthier option.

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Here's the recipe (originally from Healthy Food for Living):

2 cups blanched almond flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
6 Tbsp melted coconut oil (make sure to melt before measuring)
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 Tbsp water
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut


Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine almond flour, salt, and baking soda. Whisk, making sure to break up an clumps of flour.

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey, almond extract, and water.
*(I didn't have almond extract so I used vanilla extract instead)

Add wet ingredients to dry and stir with a rubber spatula or spoon until combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips and shredded coconut.

Scoop out 1/4 cup portions and place on prepared cookie sheet. Using the back of a spoon or your fingers, gently press down on the scoops of cookie dough so they form discs.
*(I found the 1/4 cup portions slightly too large, perhaps try 2-3 Tbs portions instead)

Bake for 12 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly golden brown around the edges. Cookies will be very soft.

Allow cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a baking rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!

Powerhouse Oatmeal: A Delicious Way to Add Protein to a Classic Breakfast Meal

I recently had a revolution about Oatmeal that is super healthy, delicious, easy and gives me extra protein to help keep me fuller and energized for longer.

It's always a challenge to get enough protein into every meal. Every health article out there says the same thing, "Make sure to include protein in every meal". It's a well known fact among nutritionists that by combining protein with your carbohydrates (and healthy fats) it makes you feel fuller for longer and helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels. I find that making sure I'm eating enough protein is a daily struggle because I've never been a big meat eater and, quite frankly, protein-rich legumes and beans have some nasty side effects!

I always have vanilla flavored protein powder on hand, and honestly I probably don't use it as much as I should. Recently, I've started adding half a scoop of protein powder to my bowl of oatmeal and berries. I find that anymore than half a scoop is too much for the liquid in the oatmeal to dissolve (I personally like my oatmeal a bit soupy). Also, since the protein powder is sweetened already I don't have to add any sugar or sweetener to my oatmeal once it's finished!

To make my 'Powerhouse Oatmeal' I use:

1/3 cup of Large Flake Oatmeal (100 calories, Protein 4 gm)
1/2 cup of Frozen Blueberries & Strawberries (Costco brand) (40 calories)
1/3 cup of Water
1/2 scoop of Vanilla Protein Powder (Costco brand) (60 calories, Protein 12.5 gm *this varies    
      depending on the brand of protein powder you buy)
*optional: Splash of Soy Milk, sprinkle of sliced Almonds, or dollop of yogurt on top once cooked.
(Nutritional Totals: 200 calories, Protein 16.5 gm)

Directions:
Start off with putting your frozen berries in a bowl and microwave them for 45 seconds to get them mostly thawed. Then add the oatmeal and water to the berries and microwave again for 1 minute. Once cooked add the protein powder and mix thoroughly. If you find the consistency too dry at this point add more water or milk. Top it off with a sprinkle of sliced almonds to add some healthy fats and you're ready to go!

Although I've suggested this meal as an ideal breakfast, it makes for a great meal or snack anytime of day!

Cheers,
Bootsy