True confession - I love to bake...and then eat what I bake;) It is just another art form for me, a way to create something that brings pleasure into the world. And, it's a centering activity, almost Zen-like, because it shuts out the demons, brings me back into my body, and allows me to focus on only what I'm doing in the moment.
However, when I'm in a leaning-out phase, baking my favorite, giant chocolate chip cookies doesn't exactly fit with my goals. Remember, most of us can't be, nor is it healthy to be, at our leanest weight all the time. You have to cycle through a healthy range to keep hormones, health, and sanity in check. (For more information on how to do this, email me for nutritional coaching details.)
Since I recently got back from a week in Mexico where I did nothing but eat, drink, sleep, and play on the beach all day long, I'm finding myself at the top of my healthy range. Needless to say, I have a bit of work cut out for me to get back down to my "fighting" weight (where I feel the best and most powerful in my body).
So, today I want to share with you a recipe that satisfies my desires to create something tasty, indulge in a treat, and stay on track towards my goals. This recipe is a bit higher in sugar/carbs than I typically like to go when I'm in a clean eating phase...but one or two of these cookies really satisfy my cravings and fortify my willpower to stay on course. I just have to make sure I don't eat the whole batch in one day:p
And, here's the bonus - these babies will give you excellent energy to get through rehearsals and performances without a lot of bulk. I love to bake these performance week so that I have a quick, healthy source of natural energy that sticks with me for hours and gets me through the grueling demands of long days in the theatre.
Power-Packed P.B. Banana Cookies
- Mash up 2 very ripe bananas
- Mix in 1/2 cup peanut butter (the no-stir kind) until combined
- Add 1 and 1/2 cups quick oats (regular oats work too!)*
- Stir in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (feel free to substitute chopped dates, raisins, nuts, or sunflower seeds...get creative!)
- Drop by spoonfuls on baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes (until they are set and not gooey to the touch)**
*If you use large bananas, you may have to add a little extra oats to the batter so it isn't too wet.
**The size of the cookies will determine how long they bake. Larger cookies will take a bit longer, obviously. Just watch them. You don't want them to get crispy...as these are best soft and "doughy."
Try out the recipe for yourself, and let me know what you think;) Enjoy!!!