Healthier Chocolate Chip Oat Cookies + 5 Tips to Avoid Sugar

5 Tips to Avoid Sugar Overload During the Holidays

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1. Keep hydrated!

Many sugar cravings come from being dehydrated. It is easier during the winter months to forget to drink water. Begin your day with at least two 8 oz. glasses to get you off to a great start. Drink in between meals for optimum digestion.

2. Eat consistently throughout the day (every 3-4 hours).

We are much more susceptible to choosing sweets when our blood sugar is low. Make sure your meals have some greens, healthy fats, and protein to cover your nutrient requirements. Along these lines, be sure to eat BEFORE you go to a party. Even it’s just a healthy snack, you will be much less likely to binge on sugar items if you have fueled beforehand.

3. Get enough sleep!

Another common cause for sugar cravings is fatigue. Be sure to get enough even during the crazy holiday season, otherwise you will be more inclined to reach for sweet treats to keep your energy up. Listen to your body and go to sleep by 10:00 or 11:00 whenever possible.

4. ring healthy baked goods to the party to share with your friends.

Check out my recipe for chocolate chip oat cookies below.

5. If you want to indulge, make it count!

My sister-in-law brings about 8 different kinds of cookies for Christmas. I pick my favorite 3 and stick to one of each to have during our holiday time together. Savor what you truly enjoy and pass on the rest.

Healthier Chocolate Chip Oat Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sweetener (maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar, brown sugar)
• ¾ cup coconut oil (heated into a liquid)
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 large eggs (or you can use 2 tbsp ground flax seed)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups flour (I like to mix 1 cup almond flour with 1 cup spelt or unbleached white)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease baking sheet with coconut oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of an electric mixer, mix all the ingredients together until a thick dough forms.
3. Make small balls with cookies using a tablespoon and place on the baking sheet. Bake until cookies are golden brown. Takes about 13 minutes.

Enjoy!

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