{I'm not going to go into the bazillion reasons why I haven't blogged in about four months. Let's just move forward.}
I've actually been in a long process of researching. For a while I've felt over whelmed by my diet possibilities. Kind of like, the more you learn, the more you realize you don't know?
As you know, I have several vegan and vegetarian friends out there in the world, some who buy organic, others who grow their own organic, and others on Paleo. (Holla!)
So basically, I'm surrounded by healthy diets and overwhelmed by my options-- some of them conflicting-- especially when I hit the grocery store. Do I buy tofu? or $9/lb organic beef? or do I get my protein from grains and beans? It's all so confusing.
At this point, I've decided to do what I've been doing. As Dad always said, everything in moderation. Sometimes, he really knows what he's talking about.
Basically, I haven't cut anything out completely. That makes me nervous. But I'm careful about my soy intake, and picky about what meat I buy. I've laid off the milk and cheese, and upped my fruits and veggies big-time.
One thing I HAVE cut out lately though, is white sugar and white flour. Basically, no good can come of these, so I don't mind.
Well, I mind a little. Especially at 3PM after a rough day in 8th grade.
But I've found a couple of ways around white flour and sugar that I want to share.
Chocolate Chunk Paleo Cookies
See the recipe at: http://www.runningtothekitchen.com/2012/10/chocolate-chunk-paleo-cookies/
***** These are a win. We've made them twice so far. Easy to make, full of protein, and yummy. Tip: I bought both the almond meal and coconut oil from Trader Joe's; they have it the cheapest. Honey is local and from the Little Falls Co-Op.
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
See the recipe at: http://www.theburlapbag.com/2012/07/2-ingredient-cookies-plus-the-mix-ins-of-your-choice/
*****These were okay. A little bland, and a little dry (I added more oats because I thought the dough looked too wet....). I added in cinnamon and raisins, which helped. Next time I might add in some peanut butter or dried cranberries.
Raw Salted Peanut Butter Cookies
See the recipe at: http://www.ahouseinthehills.com/ahouseinthehills/2013/1/14/raw-vegan-salted-peanut-butter-cookies.html
*****These were GREAT! We really love peanut butter, so these were particularly awesome. I used the almond meal left over from the first cookies, and I just sprinkled the tops with sea salt. I also added some dark chocolate chips. Definitely make these whether or not you're cutting anything out of your diet!
Give one of these healthier snacks a try, and see if they satisfy your sweet tooth ;)
Salted PB cookies. You can't go wrong here.
Now if anyone can invent a delicious, sugarless and flourless cupcake, I'll be in business.
