Happy New Year....cookies too

Treats to kick off 2015....

I made both of these healthy cookie recipes over the holidays and they were both amazing.  Even the best nutrition plan deserves a little fun.  It’s all about moderation……right?  So they say....AND I believe them!!!

Caramel Sea Salt Macaroons (Paleo, vegetarian, vegan friendly) 

1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup melted coconut butter
1 - 1/4 cup shredded coconut - unsweetened
1 -1/4 almond flour
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/8 cup raw coconut nectar
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 pure vanilla 

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl fitted with a paddle and blend until ingredients are incorporated.  Roll into small bite size balls and roll in additional shredded coconut.  They will be soft, store in an airtight container in the fridge to harden. 

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup thick almond butter (thick is important…do not use the oily type)
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of salt
1/2 carob chips
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl fitted with a paddle and blend until incorporated.  To make each cookie use 2 tablespoons of dough rolled into a ball and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet….lightly press down with a fork but no need to flatten. Bake for 10 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow to cool.  

Happy New Year!

Today marks my 1 year anniversary of hydrating, moving and nourishing my body.  For a solid year, I have made conscious decisions regarding eating and exercising.  I've learned so much about proper nutrition and how my body responds to eating certain foods.  I mostly cut out “white” processed foods and limited my processed sugars to almost zero.  My body first responded by dropping excess weight, giving me a bolt of energy as well as better mental focus.  Over the past holiday season, I indulged in a few of my favorite treats including, pasta, pizza and ice cream.  While the taste was delicious, I was left bloated and with an empty feeling of nutrition.  To think prior to making this lifestyle change, that was just a normal everyday feeling for me…YUCK!  

My exercise also took a 180 turn this year, our bodies are capable of so much…it’s the mind that limits us.  I ran my first 1/2 marathon in October and what an accomplishment that was! Just this time last year, running any distance steady over 3 miles was a pipe dream.  I learned to push my body when my mind said stop.  I learned what a injury felt like (no fun) but most important, I learned to not give up!  When I was injured, I would cycle, lift weights or swim.  I kept moving and incorporated a no excuse policy.  To be honest, some days these lifestyle changes felt like a chore however, being overweight coupled with self loathing was no easy task either….I would not change a second of what I learned about myself in 2014!  I love who I have become!  

Not one to make New Year resolutions since they usually tend to have an expiration date.  With that being said, I will stick to what has worked and continue on my path of healthy & positive.  One decision or choice at a time….it all adds up!  Wishing you all a STRONG 2015!

It is time for this girl to get serious about training, I have another 1/2 marathon coming up!  

Until next time, stay awesome! Hugs & Cheer!