Simple Ways to Stay Healthy

Let's be honest. Who doesn't love peanut butter cookies? Especially when referring to the homemade version, their sweet aroma and soft, gooey texture is something almost everyone craves. Some even claim them as a treat "to die for", but what many don't realize is that there might be truth in such a seemingly innocent statement.

 

 

 

Unfortunately, most peanut butter cookies, whether store-bought or homemade, are devoid of almost all nutritional value and contain unhealthy ingredients which can actually harm us. Take refined "white" flour, for instance. This staple ingredient in most cookies has been stripped of its fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and its only contribution to our bodies is a spike in blood sugar levels. Another common ingredient in cookies, refined "white" sugar, works very much the same way in the body and also lacks nutritional significance. Both the flour and the sugar have the potential to cause a considerable number of health problems, one in particular being diabetes. So why risk it? With a great variety of alternative foods to choose from, most of which are abundant in nutrients and flavor, there is never a reason that you have to sacrifice your health for a tasty treat.

 

 

The simple recipe that follows proves just that. The flaxseed and almond meals, both containing healthy fats and antioxidant qualities, serve as substitutes for refined flour, and agave syrup, being a natural sweetener that possesses a low-glycemic index, takes the place of refined sugar. In addition, sunflower seed butter is used instead of peanut butter, thereby avoiding any potential allergies some may experience with peanuts. As a whole, this recipe challenges the traditional peanut butter cookie with a boasting of delicious flavor and an array of good-for-you ingredients. And without any baking being required, it is in no time that you can make yourself a batch of these delectable as well as nutritious goodies. Now that's something "to live for".

 

 

 

"Peanut Butter" Cookies

 

 

3/4 cup golden or brown flaxseed meal

 

1/2 cup sunflower seed butter

 

3/4 cup almond meal

 

1/4 cup agave or maple syrup

 

1/3 cup pitted dates, preferably Medjool

 

 

1. Begin by placing the flaxseed powder, sunflower seed butter, and almond meal into a food processor and blend until mixed well.

 

2. Add the agave syrup and dates into the food processor and pulse until all ingredients bind together into a dough-like consistency.

 

3. Scoop the dough by 1 1/2 tablespoons onto a tray lined with parchment paper and either form into balls or flatten into cookies. Before serving, chill the cookies in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Will keep for several weeks in the fridge.