Almond Butter Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Dough
Cookies, brownies and flourless chocolate cake are my favorite desserts. Who can give just one answer to that question? My problem with desserts and sugary stuff is that it can make me crazy. I mean… seriously... Crazy. Willpower is stupid and I'm saying that because when it comes to raw cookie dough or if it makes it, hot out of the oven cookies, I have none. My patients know that I don't recommend just having a handful of anything that is easy to eat 10 handful’s/ spoonful’s /bagful’s. What's the point of failing at that over and over again?
I could go on and on with the stores about my relationship with sugar. I remember in 4th or 5th grade wondering why every adult who had money, a car and went grocery shopping didn't eat candy bars for every meal. This was a serious thought. I once ran a cross-country race the morning after I ate 3/4 of a sheet pan of brownies. That really hurt.
What is the point of this blog post? It's to talk about my desire for my patients to have healthier, lower carbohydrate versions of their favorite desserts without turning crazy. It's about my super filling and very yummy Almond Butter Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Dough that is loaded with brain boosting cinnamon, gut healthy fiber, filling protein and healthy fat:
Almond Butter Oatmeal Raisin
Cookie Dough:
Combine 1/4 cup almond butter in a small bowl with 2 heaping Tbsp. raw gluten free rolled oats, 1 tsp. raisins, a dash of cinnamon, vanilla extract and sea salt.
Stir to combine and devour.
This is super easy and a little lazy because I'm not even making it into balls. These aren't energy bites. This is a whip-it-up energy bowl (you could do bites or balls for a grab-n-go option). The almond butter contains fiber, protein and filling fat and can be a less inflammatory option for some compared to peanut butter. I buy my almond butter at Sam's Club or Costco for the best bulk prices. The gluten free raw rolled oats contain fiber and resistance starch which is a type of carbohydrate that fuels good intestinal flora and can dial down hunger signals. The raisins give it natural sweeteners and more fiber. Cinnamon is a great spice for helping to lower blood sugar and has been shown to boost memory and the ability to learn.
It is smart to eat this higher calorie, higher fat mixture for breakfast instead of after dinner as it will help to curb appetite and control cravings all day long. Be warned that it is caloric but these nutrient dense calories give you the best bang for your calorie buck if portions are controlled and consumed earlier in the day. Sometimes I swap prune bits, cocoa nibs or a few 70% dark chocolate chips to replace the raisins. Adding ground flax, chia or hemp seeds provides more crunch and bonus fiber and antioxidants. Cooking club post your pictures and tell me what you think on the Facebook page. Also let me know your favorite dessert and we'll track down healthier alternatives.
In improved health and sanity with 'sweets,'
Katherine