SELF CARE FOR YOUR SWEET TOOTH
As a therapist, I'm always acutely aware of self care -- its importance, its lack in most people's life, and the fact that when it comes to sweets, healthiness is often last on the list. Let's face it, sugar is addictive -- we know that; but we love it anyway. Fats and carbohydrates are something we talk about eliminating but it's just so hard!
Well, here's some good news -- self care for your sweet tooth. On my "Therapy Thursday" Facebook live this week, I played "chef" and actually made up some sweet treats that aren't so bad for you. I had many requests for the recipe so wanted to share it with you, along with some interesting facts about some of the ingredients that you might find healthy as well.
Recipe for no bake energy bites:
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips (Stevia). **
2/3 cup toasted shredded coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
One cup oats
1/3 cup Honey. **
1/2 cup ground flaxseed. **
Stir all ingredients together until thoroughly mixed. Cover and refrigerate one hour. Once chilled, roll into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Store in airtight container and keep refrigerated. Makes about 20 to 25 balls.
To toast coconut: spread flakes on a baking sheet in a thin layer and bake in oven at 325° for 5 to 10 minutes. Stir coconut to help ensure even color
** Notes -- Did you know Stevia sweetener is a sugar alternative extracted from the leaves of a plant? It's free of calories and carbs.
**. When you use raw local honey, you are receiving the benefits of a natural sweetener and something to help your allergies. Think about it; the bees feed on the pollen around your area and produce the honey so it's like you're getting an allergy shot. For years, I suffered with sinus infections, but after taking 1 tsp. of raw local honey per day, along with using a saline nasal spray, those babies are gone!
** Flaxseed can also be used as an egg substitute.
I encourage you to make these no-bake treats; it won't take very long, and you'll enjoy a guilt-free self-care moment for your taste buds!