Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Free Chick-fil-A Breakfast!

By

I was going to take the entire long weekend off from blogging…

…but THIS I had to share.

This week (8/6-8/10) Chick-fil-A will be giving away a FREE BREAKFAST entree to those with reservations.

 

Don’t eat fried chicken before noon?  No worries – you have options:

  • Spicy Chicken Biscuit
  • Sausage Biscuit
  • Chick-n-Minis
  • Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit
  • Chicken, Egg, and Cheese on a Sunflower Multigrain Bagel
  • Multigrain Oatmeal


To make a reservation, click here.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Since I’m posting… here’s the weekly recap.  I was in 5 cities in 5 days this week and managed to workout every day (except Friday, which was a planned rest).  It wasn’t easy, but it can be done!

 

Workout Recap (8/29-9/4)

  • Monday – Biceps/Back, 2 mile walk, 100 push-ups
  • Tuesday – 45 mins elliptical, 6 min plank sequence, 100 push-ups
  • Wednesday – 4 mile run, 30 mins legs, Ab Ripper X, 100 push-ups
  • Thursday – Tris/Chest, 6 min plank sequence, 100 push-ups
  • Friday – Rest
  • Saturday – 4 mile run, short swim, 100 push-ups 
  • Sunday – Tennis, Ab Ripper X, 100 push-ups

***

If I have to go back to work tomorrow, at least there’s free breakfast!  So. Excited.

What was the best part of your long weekend?

Have you tried Chick-fil-A’s oatmeal yet?

 

Coconut Chocolate Banana Squares

By

Another weekend.  Over too soon.

It was a fun one!  My friend Kat was in town from South Korea.

She moved there a few years ago to teach, which I think is incredibly cool.  It’s good to see old friends so happy and fulfilled.  We used to be concert buddies, so naturally we caught up over a show.

Michelle Malone was playing the Sunday night 99X Unplugged in the Park show.  Unplugged in the Park is a summer-long free music series put on by a local radio station.  They pull in some great musicians at these!

The weekend was also punctuated with…

a baking WIN!!!

 

I’m not gonna lie – my ego needed this one after last week’s baking fail(s).

During my weekend trip to the Farmer’s Market I found coconut flour on the cheap.  $1.36

Normally I hoard the stuff because… well, do you know how much it costs at Whole Foods?  Hint: more than $1.36.

Click here for some of the benefits of coconut flour (and for an awesome coconut chocolate chip cookie recipe).

I was so excited to use it with reckless abandon in Coconut Chocolate Banana Bars!  Low in sugar and high in fiber, these tasty little chocolate bars can be eaten as breakfast OR dessert.

To bake them, I used my square pan, but you could also bake them in cookie-like form on a baking sheet.

The texture coconut flour gives baked goods is so silky it’s downright luxurious.  I also love the notes of sweetness from the banana with the rich cocoa.

Tip: use a good cocoa powder in dishes like this – the difference in taste/quality is worth the splurge!

Recipe at the end!  First a bit ‘o fitness.

Here’s the weekly recap.  I’m happy with last week because I worked out every day!  Usually there’s one day that I simply cannot motivate (unintended “rest” days).

Whatever happened, it worked well because I landed a new PR in Saturday’s hill-filled 5K. 🙂

Workout Recap (8/15-8/21)

  • Monday – Kickboxing
  • Tuesday – 4 mile run, P90X Ab Ripper X, 84 push-ups
  • Wednesday – Biceps/Back, 84 push-ups, 6 Minute Plank Sequence
  • Thursday – 4 mile run, P90X Ab Ripper X, 84 push-ups
  • Friday – Triceps/Chest, Plank Sequence, 84 push-ups
  • Saturday – 5K, + 1 mile run, 84 push-ups 
  • Sunday – 4 mile run x2, 100 push-ups

Coconut Chocolate Banana Squares

by Laura Hall

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 10-12 mins

Keywords: bake snack dessert vegetarian low-sodium nut-free low-sugar sugar-free banana coconut flour cocoa greek yogurt healthy cookie

Ingredients (9 squares)

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 T Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 C unsweetened apple sauce
  • 1/4 C NuNaturals’ More Fiber Stevia Baking Blend
  • 1 C whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1/3 C coconut flour
  • 2 T cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Place muffin cups in muffin tins

Whisk together NuNaturals, applesauce, and egg until creamy and light yellow

Add mashed bananas, yogurt, and vanilla, and whisk to combine

Add flours, cocoa, baking soda, and salt, and stir until smooth.

Spoon the batter into tins

Bake for 10-12 minutes

Approximate Nutritionals: 108 calories, 1.9g fat, 21.3g carbohydrates, 6.1g fiber, 3.9g sugar, 3.8g protein.

Powered by Recipage

***

I’m already excited to eat one of these for afternoon snack.

How was your weekend?  Anything exciting?

Do you have a favorite flour to use?

Moroccan Raw Carrot Salad

By

Feast Noir.

You have heard of a flash mob, right?  Feast Noir is similar, except instead of breaking out into song and dance the mob of people break out into dinner.

Literally.  We all dressed in black and lined up in the parking area of a mixed-use development in town.

At 7 pm, we all filed to the center of the area, set up dinner in pre-assigned groups of 8, and dined.

My friend and I were concerned that it wouldn’t go off as smoothly as one would hope.  It was surprisingly well-organized.

People got really into it – so going so far as to bring black foods, candles, and even sparklers! Overachievers.

Our table of 8 had been good about coordinating but our table head didn’t show up, which meant we didn’t have plates or a TABLE.  The 5 of us who did show made the best of it and set up on an outdoor stage area.

There was certainly no shortage of food!

As long as we have a cheese plate, we will survive.

Hummus courtesy of a “table”-mate

My appetizer plate, complete with homemade bread from another diner.

I volunteered to bring a veggie side and dessert.  (Desserts – yes, plural – coming tomorrow!)  

A vegan Moroccan raw carrot salad had caught my eye on Epicurious months ago.  Feast Noir seemed to be the perfect time to try out my own interpretation of the recipe.  Naturally, I added a little more garlic, heat, and Mexican-influence.

One of the changes I made was to use orange in the recipe.  It was an excellent decision because I think that bit of sweet citrus brought out all of the other flavors and made this dish something special.

I love when something I make turns out better than expected!  Corinne even admitted she was surprised… I’m not sure how to take that.

Moroccan Carrot Salad

  • 10 oz carrots, coarsely grated (I cheated with store-bought)
  • 3 T grapeseed oil
  • Juice + zest from 1/2 fresh lime
  • Juice + zest from 1/2 small orange
  • 1/4 C cilantro
  • 1 clove garlic, mashed
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp cardamom
  • 1 tsp garlic sriracha
  • S+P, to taste

Mix all ingredients (except carrots) in small bowl.  Adjust flavors as needed.  Add carrots to a large bowl, adding mixture in part to coating completely (you may have some vinaigrette leftover, depending on your taste).

Refrigerate for at least two hours or up to 2 days, allowing flavors to meld.

Serves 4 as a side.

***

We were successful in getting the skeleton of the Italia trip planned!  I’m beyond excited. 🙂

How was your weekend?  

Did you try/do anything interesting?

 

Biscoff Cookie Dough Balls

By

Let’s talk about balls.

 

Hee hee… yes, I’m 10 years old…

Delta is my home-away-from-home this week.  Lots of work travel.  It’s only appropriate that I highlight my favorite Delta snack – Biscoff.

biscoff

 

Ever since Miss Smart benevolently bequeathed unto me a scrumptious jar of my very own Biscoff spread, I’ve been fantasizing innovating new and decedent different ways to use it.

I’m officially on the sauce.  Soft serve sauce, that is. 🙂

 

Enter: Biscoff Cookie Dough Balls.

I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconut balls… here they are standing in a row…

 

No joke – these really are like eating a big, satisfying bite of Biscoff cookie dough.

This edible cookie dough is a bite-sized ball of brown-sugar and coconutty deliciousness.  At less than 60 calories, 2.5g of sugar, and 1 gram of protein, they aren’t that bad for you!  I’m not claiming Biscoff to be a health food, but the other ingredients are. 🙂

 

A couple of these balls make a great pre-workout snack – easy to grab and go with a teensy sugar boost to pick you up.  They even have a whole gram of protein each!

 

These may be the best balls yet.  And I really, really loved S’more Balls.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Don’t worry, you’re getting the recipe…. AFTER you tell me if you’ve been doing push-ups!

I’m really proud of myself – I did them all but one day this week.  The day I skipped was one where I did the P90X Tricep workout, which is push-up-heavy.

 

I also tried out a new-ish ab exercise.  Hayley @ Oat Couture posted 4 and 6-minute versions of a plank sequence she does.  It reminded me that I’ve been slacking in the planking (click here for my plank advice).  It really is the single best thing you can do (aside from cardio) to improve your abs.  Click the links below to see Hayley’s plank progression with her demo pics (she has perfect form!).

 

Workout Recap (8/1-8/7)

 

The running was a bit lacking this week because I was SO SORE from the P90X leg workout that I was struggling to do much (that’s what I get for slacking on legs).

However, I did bang out 9 miles on Sunday (in 1:12:14!!!) AND I committed to running Atlanta’s Thanksgiving Half Marathon with some friends. I can’t wait!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

Biscoff Cookie Dough Balls

  • 1/2 C Biscoff spread
  • 1/4 C applesauce
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 3 T coconut flour
  • 3 T white whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 C rolled oats
  • 2 T unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

 

In a large bowl using an electric mixer, combine wet ingredients until smooth.

Slowly mix in flours, followed by the oats. Lastly, mix in shredded coconut.  

Scoop ~2 tsp of dough onto parchment-lined tray and roll to form balls. Freeze or refrigerate until dough firm.

Enjoy!

Makes ~20 balls

Notes: If you don’t have access to Biscoff spread, substitute your favorite nut butter.  If you do that be sure to taste as you go – you may need to add maple syrup or other sweetener.  You may also sub in other flours – or use all coconut for gluten-free dough!

Approximate Nutritionals: 58 calories, 2.9 g fat, 6.8g carbs, 0.9g fiber, 2.5g sugar, 1g protein

***

Thank you for your input on the dessert for Feast Noir!  I think I’m going with the Peach Tart… but those brownies will happen SOON too!

What are your favorite balls?  (Keep it clean!)

Have you been doing push-ups?!

 

Running and Winning

By

It’s another Recap Monday!

Yes, I will reveal the lucky 4 NuNatural giveaway winners… at the end.  Bwhahaha.  (Yes, I realize you can simply scroll down.) 

Saturday’s People’s Health Day 5K was a good one.  I was a little worried when I signed up because the wesite looks like a cult recruitment tool. 🙂  It turns out that it was a well-organized race and event.

The course was hilly, but fun because there was lots of scenery to enjoy.  Even better – I got to participate in it with fellow ATL bloggers Lee, Lindsay, and Carol!

Source: www.atlantarunningmom.com

Guess who else raced?  Mena Suvari (of American Beauty fame).  I’m not going to lie… I’m so out of touch with pop culture that I had to come home and google her.  She won 1st place in the 20-35 age group…

… because I  won an overall female award and they wouldn’t give 2 medals to you. 🙂  2nd place!!!  Admittedly, it was a small, slow race… but I’ll that what I can get!

Source: www.atlantarunningmom.com

Stats:

  • Distance – 3.14 miles
  • Time – 24:21 mins
  • Avg Pace – 7:45

The People’s Health Day didn’t end there.  5K participants were given 4 tickets that could be traded for goodies from about 10 vendors.  Juice Plus (my fav supplement!) was there, along with a few local restaurants and farms.

The blogger contingent went crazy for the 180 Farm tent (check out their website – they have really great story to tell).  I ended up with extra tickets from a friend who left early and I ended up with a rockstar bag ‘o treats:

 

  • Orange cherry tomatoes (they have a slightly citrusy taste!)
  • Peppers – cayenne, jalapeno, green bell, purple bell, and a mirasol
  • A dozen fresh eggs
  • Via Elisa pasta sauce (from the Nature’s Garden‘s booth)

All of that for 6 tickets and a $25 race number!  That pasta sauce alone is ~$7 in Whole Foods!  (Side note: Atlanta-based Via Elisa makes some of the best pasta sauce you can buy in a jar.)

We didn’t hang out much longer following the awards because we had to get to the Atlanta Blogger Lunch at R. Thomas.  (You can read about my obsession with thoughts on R. Thomas here.)

From left to right: Lauren, Carol, Alayna, Lee, Katy, Lindsay, me, Laura (reader), Tina, Kristy, Katie and Brooke.

Special thanks to Brooke’s husband for taking this shot and to Brooke for sharing the photo with everyone!

My meal was a delicious tempeh fajita:

We had a great time eating, taking pics of our food (patrons enjoyed staring at 12 women simultaneously taking pic of their meals), and chatting.

The last meet up had a smaller attendance AND we’ve added several more locals since.  I’m amazed and how big the group is now – and this wasn’t even all of the local bloggers!

_________________________________________________________________________________

Soooo… you want to know who the winning 4 are???

*drumroll*

The winners of the box of NuStevia Packets and the bottle of NuNaturals Pure Liquid Vanilla Stevia are:

  1. Lexi @ A Spoonful of Sunshine
  2. Parita @ My Inner Shakti
  3. Lisa @ Healthful Sense
  4. Nikita @ La Cocina Encantada

Good news for those who still want to try NuNaturals!  They are offering free sample and a discount on purchases to readers.

For the free sample of Nu-Naturals Stevia Packets: send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: NuNaturals, Inc, 2220 West 2nd Avenue #1, Eugene, OR 97402

To receive a 15% discount on NuNaturals online orders, entering the promo code BLG930 at checkout!

______________________________________________________________________________________

Workout Recap (7/25-7/31)

  • Monday – Kickboxing
  • Tuesday – P90X Biceps & Back
  • Wednesday – P90X Ab Ripper X, 84 push-ups
  • Thursday – 9 mile run, 84 push-ups
  • Friday – P9p0X Triceps & Chest
  • Saturday – 1.5 mile run (to the 5K starting point), People’s Fitness Day 5K, 84 push-ups
  • Sunday – 4 mile run

If you have been reading these over the past few weeks you know that I do push-ups (almost) daily.  This week doesn’t have the 84 listed each day, but they were a big part of kickboxing class and basically half the moves in the P90X Triceps & Chest DVD.  I’m not slacking!

***

Monday always seems to creep up.  *yawn*  At least I had awesome surprise of waking up to see I made the Food Buzz Top 9!!!

Help me put a more positive spin on the start of the week…

What are you looking forward to this week?

I’m excited to try out some of the recipes from Spicie Foodie’s July YBR.  Click here to check out my Better-Than-S’Mores Brownie and others’ submissions!

Not Dreading Legs

By

Legs are the hardest for me to workout.

 

Hardest weight-wise.  I run.  I ALWAYS take the stairs (8 flights to my condo, 9 between my office and the microwave).  Occasionally I use my kickboxing membership or hop on the stationary bike.

Other than that, my legs have traditionally been ignored.  I even ignored the fact that last week I promised a leg workout… errr… last week.

 

In order to encourage myself to do more leg-strengthening, I put together a routine that also focuses on core (which I LOVE to work) and so upper body.

This will make you sore.  If it doesn’t… you’re super-human you clearly work your legs more than I do. 🙂

______________________________________________________________________________________

1. 30 Second Warm Up

Alternate between 4 jumping jacks and 4 high knees for 3, 30 second sets.

 

2. Twisted Push-ups

Start in push-up position with a dumbbell in each hand and legs slightly wider than hips.  Step your left leg in under your chest (or as close as you can get it).  Be sure to keep abs tight as you rotate hips.

Source: Shape magazine

 

Return to starting position… you’re not done with the first rep yet!  Now lift your left elbow, bringing your dumbbell to your lower ribs.  Hold for 2 secs and lower it back to the floor.  Make sure your hips stay parallel to the floor and your core stays tight.

Source: Skimble

 

Complete 8-10 reps n your left side and repeat with right side.  Repeat for 3 seats (left + right = 1 set).

 

3. Wood Chop

Holding a weight (or medicine ball) with both hands, stand with feet slightly wider than should width apart.  Hold the weight up over the right shoulder (not back or behind you).

Lower the weight down low to the outside of you opposite ankle in a controlled motion.  Keep your chest up and eyes level to avoid back injury.  As you squat, be sure not to allow your knees to cross your toes.

Repeat 10x and switch side to complete a set.  Do 3 sets.

 

4. “Yes” and “No” Machine

If you have a gym with a Inner and Outer Thigh Machine, this is a nice “break” after those chops.

Complete 3 sets of 15 “yes” and alternate with 3 set of 15 “no.”  (Add more “nos” if you need it… you know who you are!) 🙂

No, it won’t keep your thighs from rubbing together (you have to do some cardio or lose fat first), but I like it because it strengthens my hips/thighs for running.  This keeps my knees from caving in with helps my overpronation problem.  It’s all connected!

 

5. Side Step Row Squat

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a weight in each hand.

Step out to the right with your right foot.  Your feet should now me shoulder-width apart.  Performa a squat, taking care not to allow your knees to cross your toes.  As you squat, bring bend your elbows so that they rise out to sides and bring weights to chest level.  Be sure to keep your core nice and tight!

Source: Fitness Magazine

 

Return to start position, almost springing off of right foot, lowering weights as you rise up.

Complete 8 reps and switch sides for a full set.  Do 2 sets.

 

6. Reverse Lunge with Lateral Raise

Begin in standing position with light weights in each hand at sides.

As you step back into a reverse lunge, raise weights out to your side at shoulder height.  Lower the weight as you return to the start position.

Do 12 reps on each side and repeat for 2 sets.

7. Seated V-Up

Sit with arms slightly behind you, elbows bent, and fingertips pointed toward your body.  Start with your knees together, legs extended, and heels raised slightly off the ground.

Pull knees into your chest, holding for 2 seconds at top.  Return to the starting point, keeping abs tight.

Complete 3 sets of 25.

8. Mountain Climbers

Start in a plank position with your feet hip-width apart.  Your body should be in a straight line – don’t stick your butt up!

Bend your right knee and pop up, bringing your right thigh under the left side of your torso and leaving your left leg out behind you.

Repeat, alternating legs for 1 rep.  Try to keep a quick pace and tight core throughout.

Complete 60 reps.

Source: Ladies Home Journal

 

9. Bonus Round!!!

If that didn’t burn you out, find the Leg Extension/Leg Curl machine and rock out 3 sets of 12 reps each.

Be sure not to get your weight too high on that extension so you don’t put too much strain on your knees.

Check out more fitness ideas, tips, and trick on my Fitness page!

Now that you’ve completed that awesomeness, pat yourself on the back and be sure to get your 20g of protein to help the muscles recover!

***

I always, always follow up a weight routine with a protein shake.

Is there a body part you slack on working?

What do you eat post-workout for recovery?

Better-Than-S’mores Brownies

By

It’s Weekend Recap Monday!

Saturday I got to see the now 1 week old Jackson – how cute is he?!

That’s my massive-looking finger he’s holding!

Mommy, Daddy and baby are all doing well.  They are all so cute together – I can’t believe the girl I used to run around the softball field with now has a baby.  Totally surreal.  

Of course, I couldn’t drop by empty-handed.

I brought the new parents some of the treats I made to take to a friend’s beach volleyball party.

These baller-friends built a sand volleyball court right in their own backyard.  It stays there year-round.  Coolest.  Idea. Ever.

We braved the heat and played for hours.  I was impressed at the skill level of my friends!  After a few rounds (and a minor injury), I decided to play it safe and spectate.

My thumb is a hard-core shade of purple today.

Volleyball = not one of my many skills

The Chipotle Corn Hummus made an appearance at the party.  

Heat + charred, sweet corn + hummus = Mmmmm.

Oh… did you want to know about that treat?

I put the Edge Brownie Pan mom gave me a few years ago to a whole new use.

S’more Brownies.  Complete with graham cracker crust and toasted marshmallows.

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know I like to sneak “secret” ingredients into foods.  (I swear by these brownies).

Betcha can’t guess the secret in S’more Brownies…

I used brownie mix.  Don’t judge me.

Rather than adding the called-for water and oil, I added a can of Diet Coke.  You can stop there, but I added an egg to achieve a fudge-ier brownie that would be a bit more reminiscent of melted s’more chocolate.

The chocolate chips in the batter give it added texture and make this even more sinful fantastic.

This may be one of the best desserts I’ve ever made.  (And I make a lot of desserts.)  They’re your childhood s’mores on crack made better.

I can never make these again.  

For at least a week.

S'mores Brownies

S’mores Brownies

Crust:

  • 1.5 C crushed graham crackers
  • 1/4 C + 2 T Earth Balance (or butter)

Brownie:

  • 1 box brownie mix
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Diet Coke
  • 1/4 C chocolate chips (mine came in the brownie mix)
  • Marshmallows

Preheat oven to 350 and grease brownie pan (I used the edge brownie pan).

Mix together melted Earth Balance (or butter) with crushed graham crackers.  Press on to bottom of brownie pan.  Bake for 8-10 mins.

*Here’s where I stopped and froze mine overnight.  #1 I didn’t have time to make it all at one and #2 sometimes freezing a crumb-y crust help it to crisp up/not be too greasy.*

Mix together brownie batter (except marshmallows).  Add the soda in fourths to be sure batter doesn’t get too runny.

Pour batter into the brownie pan on top of the crust.

Bake at 325 for 35-40 mins, until batter is set.

Set over to broil and top the brownie with just enough of the marshmallows to cover (they will expand as they warm).  Place in oven for 30-45 secs, until marshmallows are browned.  Watch them closely!!!

Let cool COMPLETELY before cutting.

***

I love how desserts can be re-thought and made even better than the original.

What is your favorite dessert re-make?

Do you re-create them on your own or try them in restaurants more often?

Coconut Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

By

How in the world was I exhausted at 10 pm last night?

I’m a night person!  Then I remembered I left the house at 730am to play in a softball tournament and only came home long enough to shower and shovel one of these in my mouth.

My team didn’t win the tournament, but the game we lost was one of the most memorable I’ve had.  We went into overtime and lost… but the adrenaline and the plays made by my team were over the top.

We were down by 5 with 2 outs.  One girl got hit in the nose with the ball, bled a lot, and then came back into the game to bat so we didn’t have to take an out for her spot in the lineup… and she got a great hit!  Sadly, we still lost by 1. 🙁

In keeping with my new weekly recap tradition, here’s was last week looked like:

Workout Recap (7/4-7/9)

  • Monday – Peachtree Road Race – 10K – 51:08 mins
  • Tuesday – Yoga for Runners, stationary bike 30 mins, 84 push-ups
  • Wednesday – Biceps/Back, 5K run, 84 push-ups
  • Thursday – Intervals (2 mile treadmill, 1 mile elliptical), 84 push-ups
  • Friday – Tris/Chest, P90X Ab Ripper X, 84 push-ups
  • Saturday – 5 mile run (in 40 mins!!!)
  • Sunday – Softball tournament, 84 push-ups

NuNaturals was nice enough to send me some goodies to test out.

The package came with recipes, but I’ve had my eye on these Coconut Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies from Gracie @ Girl Meets Life.

It’s not often something so good for you tastes so decadent.

These are gluten-free and vegan.  The added bonus is that they are low-sugar.  If you omitted the chocolate chips, they would be sugar-free – you could do that and thrown in come walnuts for banana bread cookies.

NuNaturals Pure Liquid Vanilla Stevia drops worked like a charm.  My cookies were appropriately sweet and I didn’t notice an aftertaste.

Coconut flour has been a recent addition to my pantry.  I’m loving it.  You have to be careful as it has a different feel than “regular” flour, but it adds a smooth, almost silky texture to baked goods.

Some benefits of coconut flour:

  • Good source of fiber – At 58% insoluble fiber, it has the highest percentage found in any flour
  • Guilt-free baking (nearly… the other ingredients are your business 😉 ) – Insoluble fiber means your body doesn’t digest it (translation: your body can’t derive calories from it); these fibers basically magic eraser their way through you intestines doing what fiber should do to keep your digestive system healthy
  • Gluten-free and hypoallergenic – Many people without a serious gluten allergy and moving towards a low-gluten diet.  Subbing coconut for some of your regular flour is another way to cut down on gluten intake.  For those that do have an allergy, you can use this with rice flour to improve textures.

Be warned that coconut flour is very dry and doesn’t bond well.  Remedy this by adding binders like bananas or eggs to your batter.  This can also be accounted for by using subbing in place of just 1/4 to 1/2 with a “regular flour.”
Keeping that in mind… welcome to cookies so silky and light you won’t be able to stop eating them.  Which is fine, as they are pure doughy deliciousness at only 86 calories a pop.

 

Coconut Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • 3/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 medium banana, well-mashed
  • 14 drops NuNaturals Pure Liquid vanilla stevia
  • 1/2 T coconut oil
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp butter extract
  • 1 C unsweetened coconut milk (So Delicious-style)
  • 1/3 C dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients.  Set aside.  
 
In a medium bowl, whisk together wet ingredients.  Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry, stirring as you go.  Fold in chocolate chips.
 
Scoop out 2 T of dough on lined baking sheet, pressing down lightly.
 
Bake for 25 mins, until cookies begin to brown.  Allow them to cool completely (they are crumbly!).
 
Makes 11 cookies.

Approximate nutritional info: 86 calories, 4.2g fat, 11.1g carbohydrates, 3.8g fiber, 4.9g sugar, 2.1g protein.

***

Important Announcement: it’s my BIRTHDAY WEEK!!!!  Woot!

What is new to your kitchen as of late?

Follow Me!

instagram_b facebook_b twitter_bpinterest_b
rss_a email_ayoutube_b googlep_b

Popular Posts

Home | About Me | Privacy Policy | Fitness | Recipes | Training & Nutrition

Affiliate Links: This site is monetized through the use of affiliate links. This means that if you were to make a purchase through one of these links, Sprint 2 the Table would receive a small percentage of the sale price. Thanks for your support!