Nibble on This – Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies

Valerie Costanza, RD

“Candy is all around me! I will eat it now and start my diet in January!” It’s crossed all of our minds at one point or another. But having this mentality is harmful to both your waistline and your health. Average weight gain during the holiday season is between one and five pounds; and research shows the pounds packed on during the holidays usually does not come off.

When sweets and treats seem to be everywhere, it is hard to resist. Follow these tips to reduce the added temptation of holiday goodies:

• Bring your own healthy snack to work to share with co-workers (homemade trail mix, dark chocolate covered fruit, date and nut bars, healthy peanut butter cookies).
• For parties, make a dish others will enjoy but you can live without.
• Don’t deprive yourself. Allow yourself a serving of your favorite or samples of a few of your favorites. But remember, moderation is key!

Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients :

Dry Ingredients
3/4 c. whole wheat flour (or allowable flour)
3/4 c. oats
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
optional: 1 tsp cinnamon

Moist Ingredients
1 c smooth natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
1/2 c honey (raw, local is best, can subsitute with stevia)
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla
optional: 1/3-1/2 c dark chocolate or carob chips

Preparation:

Combine dry ingredients. Combine moist ingredients. Mix dry and moist ingredients together. Cool in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Drop teaspoons of batter on a parchment-lined cookie sheet or baking sheet for cookies. Flatten with a fork, if you like. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 – 12 minutes. Edges will be slightly browned. Be careful not to burn as honey browns quickly.

This Nutrition Update is brought to you by Seasons. For a personalized nutrition consultation with Valerie Costanza, call Seasons at 255-3223 and schedule an appointment.