Like cigarettes, specific foods are created to make us addicted, and the food industry likes it that way. Americans spend a fortune on processed, packaged food, soda, snacks and desserts. Besides being loaded with cancer-causing chemicals, they are very high in sugar.
We now know that sugar is as addictive as cocaine and heroine, lighting up the same areas of the brain in scientific studies. While it tastes great, sugar is associated with all lethal diseases. And, this year we learned that the sugar industry funded studies back in the 1970's falsely claiming that fat was bad and sugar was harmless. WRONG! Turns out the truth is just the opposite.
For the nutrition savvy among us, we can do ourselves a favor with a few simple tricks:
Even though 70% of adults are overweight or obese, many Americans are nutrient-starved. We have been duped. Everywhere we look there are ads, billboards, and packages captivating us and our children. There are the low prices to boot; with the US government subsidizing wheat and corn, the least expensive foods on the market are the least healthy. BUT, when armed with information and awareness, we can make wiser choices.
Today my friends, I have three gifts for you:
First, grab a FREE chapter of my book GUTSY here to learn how to take your health to the next level.
Second, take advantage of a FREE Initial Consultation with me. This 50-minute session includes a full discussion of your Health History, personalized goal setting to help you take charge of your health, a chance to get your questions answered about how we can best work together, and the opportunity to find out more about my personalized program completely catered toward your busy lifestyle and needs. Contact me here.
Third, here's a delicious, satisfying, cooling summer dessert made with healthful fats from almond butter, low glycemic maple syrup and minimal sugar in the chocolate. And, of course they're gluten free.
Frozen Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls
These healthier versions of cookie dough bites are made with the goodness of almond butter and lower glycemic coconut nectar (or maple syrup). Just one or two will satisfy with their good fat and protein content, cold crackle, and delicious taste.
Makes about 2 dozen balls; varies with size
Print Recipe
For dough:
1 1/3 c gluten-free oats, ground to flour in blender
1/4 c chocolate chips (I recommend gluten-free, dairy-free Enjoy Life chocolate chips which have a nice crunch when frozen)
1/4 c coconut nectar or maple syrup
1/3 c almond butter
1 t vanilla
1 t filtered water
1-3 pinches salt
For coating:
1/4 -1/3 c chocolate chips, melted
Large-flaked sea salt such as Maldon
Prepare cookie sheet or other large platter that will fit into freezer by covering with parchment paper. Pour all ingredients into a mixing bowl except melted chocolate and sea salt flakes. Stir well. Using teaspoon, scoop small bits of dough and roll into ball with hands. Using a clean spoon, dip each ball into melted chocolate turning it to coat with chocolate. Place each coated ball onto parchment. Repeat until done with all dough. Sprinkle each with a few of the large-flaked sea salt. Freeze sheet for approximately 30 minutes. Enjoy!
We now know that sugar is as addictive as cocaine and heroine, lighting up the same areas of the brain in scientific studies. While it tastes great, sugar is associated with all lethal diseases. And, this year we learned that the sugar industry funded studies back in the 1970's falsely claiming that fat was bad and sugar was harmless. WRONG! Turns out the truth is just the opposite.
For the nutrition savvy among us, we can do ourselves a favor with a few simple tricks:
- Notice the craving as it happens.
- Substitute with something else satisfying in the moment including:
- foods made with satisfying healthful fats (such as the yummy recipe ahead)
- sour foods such as grapefruit or fermented foods which help curb the sugar itch
- ripe fruits in moderation
- joyful activities such as dancing, singing, hiking in nature. Bonus: Happiness lowers stress levels, increases immune system function, and lowers your risk of disease. It also makes life easier.
- Become aware: read ingredient labels. Just 24 grams, or 6 teaspoons of added sugar daily is what's recommended by the American Heart Association and World Health Organization.
- Indulge in veggies of all colors of the rainbow to satisfy and to combat inflammation.
- Cut back on simple carbs, such as refined flour and alcohol, that raise our blood sugar in much the same way.
Even though 70% of adults are overweight or obese, many Americans are nutrient-starved. We have been duped. Everywhere we look there are ads, billboards, and packages captivating us and our children. There are the low prices to boot; with the US government subsidizing wheat and corn, the least expensive foods on the market are the least healthy. BUT, when armed with information and awareness, we can make wiser choices.
Today my friends, I have three gifts for you:
First, grab a FREE chapter of my book GUTSY here to learn how to take your health to the next level.
Second, take advantage of a FREE Initial Consultation with me. This 50-minute session includes a full discussion of your Health History, personalized goal setting to help you take charge of your health, a chance to get your questions answered about how we can best work together, and the opportunity to find out more about my personalized program completely catered toward your busy lifestyle and needs. Contact me here.
Third, here's a delicious, satisfying, cooling summer dessert made with healthful fats from almond butter, low glycemic maple syrup and minimal sugar in the chocolate. And, of course they're gluten free.
Frozen Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls
These healthier versions of cookie dough bites are made with the goodness of almond butter and lower glycemic coconut nectar (or maple syrup). Just one or two will satisfy with their good fat and protein content, cold crackle, and delicious taste.
Makes about 2 dozen balls; varies with size
Print Recipe
For dough:
1 1/3 c gluten-free oats, ground to flour in blender
1/4 c chocolate chips (I recommend gluten-free, dairy-free Enjoy Life chocolate chips which have a nice crunch when frozen)
1/4 c coconut nectar or maple syrup
1/3 c almond butter
1 t vanilla
1 t filtered water
1-3 pinches salt
For coating:
1/4 -1/3 c chocolate chips, melted
Large-flaked sea salt such as Maldon
Prepare cookie sheet or other large platter that will fit into freezer by covering with parchment paper. Pour all ingredients into a mixing bowl except melted chocolate and sea salt flakes. Stir well. Using teaspoon, scoop small bits of dough and roll into ball with hands. Using a clean spoon, dip each ball into melted chocolate turning it to coat with chocolate. Place each coated ball onto parchment. Repeat until done with all dough. Sprinkle each with a few of the large-flaked sea salt. Freeze sheet for approximately 30 minutes. Enjoy!