the whole nut

sugar-free banana oatmeal cookies

Along with beautiful foliage, cooler weather and mini pumpkins, October brings…candy. It’s impossible to go the entire month without thinking of candy corn, caramel apples, and other sugary treats (or, I can’t, at least). It feels like a sugar invasion! In fact, I saw a gym poster the other week claiming that 75% of seasonal weight is gained between October and February. Yikes!

I’d like to think I’m the exception from all that (or, at least I like to make a genuine effort to be). I do like my desserts and my holiday treats–don’t get me wrong–but I try to keep a watchful eye on my sugar intake. Though easier said than done, it makes the job a lot easier when I combat my cravings with naturally sweet desserts. These alternative treats keep my sweet tooth satisfied and my blood sugar levels stable. When we incorporate natural sweeteners into our diets (like agave, maple syrup and honey) we satisfy our cravings for sweet foods without compromising our diet and causing insulin levels to skyrocket (it’s important for our health to keep it steady throughout the day).

As much as I love baking, I tend to stay away from recipes that have loads of processed sugar in it (sadly, this includes my old favorite: chocolate chip cookies). Instead, I look for alternative recipes that offer tasty treats made from natural sugar. It’s win-win!

The recipe below is a recent favorite; it’s quick, easy, and when made with quality ingredients, not half-bad for you. (just refrain from taking too many swipes from the batter like I do and you’ll be okay)

Ingredients
1/3 cup almond butter (I use raw almond butter by MaraNatha- no extra additives!)
2 ripe bananas
1 Tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp unsweetened almond milk (I like Blue Diamond’s Almond Breeze)
2 Tbsp agave
2 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
dash cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup grain-sweetened, dairy-free chocolate chips (I go for Sunspire)

Instructions
In a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork until smooth. Add almond butter, almond milk, vanilla and agave and mix well. Add remaining ingredients and stir until well combined.

Place spoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake 13-16 minutes at 350 degrees, or until done. Let cool for about 30 minutes so they firm up a little. And that’s it! You have tasty little treats in no time.

Oh! And the best thing about these cookies is that they can easily be gluten-free! Opt for one of Bob’s Red Mill nut flours, gluten-free oats and Enjoy Life’s gluten-free chocolate chips and you’re set to go (of course these add back in just a hint of sugar). Easy on the tummy and still as sweet as can be.

At the end of the day, what really makes it or breaks it are my cravings–or the lack thereof. And as far as my efforts go, I know I must be doing something right if I have no problem saying no thanks to candy corn this year! (so far so good)

Add comment October 13th, 2009

make it count

My, how the times have changed… I remember growing up and hearing adults speak of time and how there was never enough of it. Before the days of endless to-do lists and ever-present blackberries, I wasn’t quite sure what this meant. Then the inevitable happened. I grew up. I became an adult. Time started to matter. And it also started to disappear (just when I needed it the most!).

I may not always feel like an adult, but my life in the real world could always use an extra hour each day (…gasp! the adults were right!). Sometimes my to-do list is spread out over a schedule book, Google Tasks, and my blackberry calendar. And some yellow post-it notes. And then there are all the must-do’s that float around in my head and haunt me at night while I lay in bed. It never stops! But that’s life in the big city, right? And I know I’m not the only one. So what’s a girl to do?

Whether it’s a doctor’s appointment, an errand, or a brunch date - it’s important to prioritize and manage your time in a way that still allows you to BREATHE and stay sane. The other Saturday, for example, I rebelled and cancelled on not one, but three birthday parties. Yes, it would have been a fun night–but you know what? I needed to rest, relax and restore my balance. I needed some “alone time.” But that’s just me- sometimes I can’t weather the social front. Others do just fine. (my boyfriend and I agree that I am a Highly Sensitive Person). True story.

But enough on me and my social hindrances.

Below are some tips taken from Joshua Rosenthal at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition on how to better manage your time and live a balanced life in this go go go world. Learn to prioritize the important things and use the time you do have more efficiently and effectively (and don’t forget to rest!). How do you best tackle your to-do list? When do you find time for rest in your busy schedule? We all operate differently with busy schedules, so find a method that works best for you.

• Allocate time for planning and organizing
• Create to-do lists that are realistic, not intimidating. Use only one to-do list
• Under-schedule your time: leave time for the unexpected
• Practice the art of intelligent neglect: eliminate trivial tasks
• Consider your biological prime time: at what time of day do you work best?
• If you say yes to everything that comes your way, learn to say no (prioritize!)
• In the evening make your to-do list for the next day, so it will be out of your brain and on a piece of paper (this can mean better sleep)
• Acknowledge yourself daily for all that you have accomplished (give yourself some credit!)

When you start to feel overwhelmed, break the large task into smaller, manageable action steps and start with the first one. We also often drag our heels or use our time inefficiently because we are bored, unengaged and uninspired. The most effective people will tell you that they love what they do and are aligned with a greater purpose. When it comes to managing your time, you may need to ask the larger questions, “Am I doing what I love to do? Am I doing something meaningful to me?”

As you strengthen your new time management muscle, keep your focus on getting organized so that you can live the life you’re purposed for. Instead of being a chore, good time management can be your ticket to a more satisfying, more vibrant, balanced life.

Add comment October 6th, 2009