3 Time published Author, Cancer Survivor, Elite Coach, Nutrition expert, 200 hour certified Yoga Teacher, Wife, Mother, and friend, I bring my healthy recipes, Tips, and products that help people get and stay, happy, healthy, and cancer FREE!
I have so many healthy versions of chocolate chips on here, but no vegan ones. So today I am sharing my favorite vegan chocolate chip cookie. If you are wanting a healthier version of these sub out the flour for 1 cup almond flour and 1/2 cup coconut flour instead of the regular flour. It will add a lot of nutrients as well as being naturally gluten free. But sometimes you just want a regular cookie. Still a much healthier version but with allllll the taste and ooey gooey goodness. Note that I use my recipe for vegan butter in this, but you can sub coconut oil, it will just have a coconut flavor instead of a buttery flavor. You can get the Vegan butter recipe here. It is super easy to make and done very quickly. Another option is using cashew butter instead.
vegan chocolate chip cookies
1/2 cup coconut sugar 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1/2 cup Vegan butter 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp aquafaba 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 2 1/4 cup unbleached organic flour (gluten free all purpose mix if GF) 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup vegan chocolate chips (I use enjoy life brand)
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cane sugar, maple syrup, melted vegan butter, aquafaba and vanilla until combined.
Sift in the all purpose flour and baking soda and add in the salt. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet using a folding motion with a large spatula. This helps with not over mixing. Mix until the batter looks almost fully uniform.
Fold in the chocolate chips. until evenly dispersed throughout the batter. This also finished off mixing the batter.
Cover the bowl with a lid or wrap and place into the fridge to chill for 30 minutes. Pre-heat the oven to 350 F
Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out the dough into equal sized balls on a lined baking tray leaving 2 inches between each cookie and bake for 10-13 minutes, or until there are golden brown spots.
Let them cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes. Then transfer onto a wire rack to let them cool.
Whole foods, free of processed sugar, dairy free, gluten free, vegan.... so that is why I call it.... HealthIER Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cookies. Cuz of course there are calories, they are just nutrient dense calories. Meaning there is a whole lot of nutrition in these and not a lot of bad things. Plus every one I know needs chocolate and Ice cream AT LEAST once a month.... know what i'm saying? So you will just need to combine 2 of my recipes for this:
During this time when we are all under quarantine for the notorious Coronavirus, I want to share more "pantry" recipes to help people make their cravings easily in a healthier way. Meaning quick things you can make from things that you have in your pantry (non-perishables). At the time of this post, these items are available and in-stock on Amazon. So if you are like me and you HAVE to have ice cream during shark week. Or maybe you just have to have ice cream because you love it, then this is for you...
3 Ingredient Healthier Chocolate Ice Cream You will need 3 ingredients: 1 cup Cashews 1 can Coconut Milk (canned full fat) 1/2 bag chocolate chips note: I double this recipe If you like rich dark chocolate ice cream, use dark chocolate chips, If you like sweeter milk chocolate, use milk chocolate chips. Soak the cashews in lots of water overnight. Drain before use. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove with the coconut milk, then put in the fridge until it is cool. Next blend cashews with the coconut milk and chocolate mixture. Blend well in a blender. Next you can either churn in an ice cream maker, or just pour into a bread pan, cover and put in the freezer. Remove from the freezer 15 minutes before serving so it is scoop-able. Also if you are looking for support, a community, and a way to not feel alone during this time. Please email me. I have a FREE support group. No strings, just support, encouragement and motivation regarding a healthy lifestyle.
Who doesn't love chocolate? I know I do, but it is actually more for the nutritional benefits just as much as it is for the yummy comfort. Cacao has incredible mood-boosting properties and is high in antioxidants, but usually comes with calories. Until now. You guys, I just gotta tell you about this Cacao tea from Cacao Tea Co.
It is 100% pure and organic and is completely sugar-free, caffeine-free, gluten-free, dairy-free and GMO-free with no artificial flavoring, additives or preservatives. That is a given if I am recommending it. But it also has a natural sweetness, a heavenly chocolate taste and aroma, and a delicate stimulating effect helping with focus and alertness. This cacao tea is the perfect natural alternative to chocolate or coffee. You want to know the best part? It has ZERO calories. Making it the perfect beverage to enjoy when you are trying to have a healthy lifestyle.
It is a 100% natural tea which is brewed from cacao husks (also known as cacao shells). The tea is a loose-leaf style tea which, when steeped in boiling water, results in a delicious tea which tastes like chocolate.
I steeped in boiling water for 5 minutes and added a few sweet drops and had a zero calorie cup of chocolate comfort. I highly recommend! Try it here!
Listen, there is NO WAY on earth I would EVER ask a person to give up chocolate.
Ever.
Chocolate is the bomb dot com. It makes the world go round. It saves lives... okay, I may be getting a bit dramatic, but still.
Okay, switching to my healthy ways... Chocolate is a POWERFUL source of Antioxidants! It improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure, raises HDL and protects LDL from oxidation, it reduces the risk of heart disease, improves brain function, and so much more. So of course I am going to say EAT THE CHOCOLATE.
The thing is, so many have chocolate ALL WRONG. You have to stay away from the storebought crap. It isn't good for you. It rarely has a lot of real chocolate in it. It is full of sugar and other chemicals.
Get Cacao NOT Cocoa. When you know better, you do better.
So grab a great non-gmo organic bag of CACAO and let's get started!
Healthy Dark Chocolate Brownies
2 cups almond flour 1/2 cup unsweetened cacao powder 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon pink himalayan sea salt 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled to room temperature 1/2 cup raw honey 1/2 cup pure maple syrup 2 eggs 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350º. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl add almond flour, cacao, baking powder, sea salt, and mix together.
In a small size mixing bowl, add melted coconut oil, maple syrup, honey, almond milk and eggs. Mix
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Add in chocolate chips to the brownie batter and stir to combine.
Pour the brownie batter into the baking pan, and spread in an even layer.
Bake for 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Use the parchment paper to lift the cooled brownies out of the pan, cut and serve.
It is the week that all your hard work can go out the window because the evil Bitch wants chocolate and she wants it NOW!
NO!
Not this time. This is what we do.
We pause for a second and realize we CAN have it, we just gotta make it!
We are like everyone else. We have cravings. We just know how to make them healthy. This is how I help people lose weight while EATING everything they love. You just need the knowledge! Knowledge is power and I help people online with their nutrition. If you need help, be sure to send me an message.
Back to these amazing cookies.
I would take these over any other cookie any day of the week. Especially fresh from the oven. If you use Enjoy life chocolate chips then this recipe is free from most allergens. I use God given sweetener. The syrup from a tree, or the honey from a bee, and very very little of it. I find a 50/50 blend of the two makes for perfection. These are also gluten free, grain free, soy free, and PACKED with protein.
These boast:
150 calories per cookie
5 grams protein per cookie
3 grams fiber per cookie
So they actually add nutrition. The ingredients are wholesome REAL food. You can cut back on the calories if you want to lower the chocolate chip count, but I say INDULGE! Having one of these is like having a scoop of peanut butter healthwise... so GO FOR IT!
Healthier Chocolate Chip Cookies
makes 16 cookies
2 cups Almond flour
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/3 cup PURE RAW honey or PURE maple syrup or 50/50
1/2 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 egg
3/4 cup chocolate chips
Preheat the oven for 375
Mix all ingredients, except chocolate chips, together until fully blended like dough.
Stir in chocolate chips.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Scoop the cookies into 16 mounds. I used the pampered chef cookie scoop to make them all the same size.
Bake for 13 minutes. Serve warm, or cold, or however you like.
Hey! I haven't been talking at all about this and it's something I eat daily (sometimes more than once).
Honestly who doesn't have a protein bar they grab to fill in the gaps when they are hungry? I get busy living life and forget to eat. I used to grab bars at GNC and grocery stores until I got my education in Nutrition and realized they were full of crap! I'm so thankful I have these now! They help me quickly get some nutrition when I need, while hitting that chocolate spot I love, and keeping me on track in my health and fitness goals.
They nourish your body with 10 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber. It is my goto snack for when I'm on the go or when I need a healthy alternative to toss in your husbands lunch box!
Yes they are gluten free. (since that's the first thing you always ask haha).
They are PACKED full of protein.
But did you know they were also FULL of Superfoods ?!?!
Yes, 30+ BOTANICAL superfoods!!!!
Being a cancer survivor ... this is my daily non-negotiable.
My ONE thing that curbs my cravings, helps me stay alkaline, gives me all my vitamins, minerals, adaptagens, amino acids, and a FULL DAY's supply of fruits and veggies.
All for less than the price of a starbucks.
WHY people still buy sub-par vitamins and supplements is beyond me. I only take the BEST. Botanical, organic, farm to table supplements. If you would like to try them you can send me an email to ask any questions, or you can check them out here.
You can make it as a shake, you can make it as ice cream, pancakes, waffles, granola, yogurt, pudding, pie.... you choose. I would LOVE to help you with this solution in your life.
Today I chose to make crepes, and they did NOT disappoint. One thing though... I don't fry my crepes. I am crepe flipping inept. So ... I found a solution. I bake them. Problem solved. Super easy and they come out perfect every time.
If you are in my nutrition program these are 1/2 purple and 1/2 red per crepe. If you aren't on my nutrition program you SHOULD BE! Send me an email and let's get started!
Combine Eggs, Shakeology, Greek Yogurt, Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Sweet Drops in a blender.
Blend until fully combined and smooth.
Prepare a baking sheet (that has edges) with parchment paper that has been lightly coated with cooking spray.
Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto prepared baking sheet. Repeat, being careful to space out the batter into circles. I could only fit 3 per sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove from oven to cool slightly.
Add to your plate and top with fruit, and if you want you can add healthy coconut whipped cream like i did. ( canned coconut milk in the fridge over night. pour out liquid and use solids, whip together with vanilla creme sweet drops and WALA!) Or if you would rather, just add peanut butter:
I was sitting in the dentist chair last night and my dentist was all absorbed in hearing about my cancer battle. I was surprised at how hungry he was to hear my story. Turns out his wife is just this year, a 5 year survivor of breast Cancer. Tears welled up in his eyes as he listened to me speak about the process and how we found out and what the year long battle was like. He then looked at me in the eyes and said:
"Why is it that we as people have to wait for our lives to be at risk before we do something about what we are putting into our bodies?"
He hit the nail on the head. I am sure many of you reading this are just thinking; "well I am fine, I will cross that bridge if I get to it." You will get to it. I promise you. I am just hoping and praying your outcome is as good as mine was. It is rare to live through. Many do, but for the rest of our lives we are "high risk" and we don't have a choice regarding what we put in our bodies after that. We are stuck with high doctor bills and going in for a full work up every 3 months. Being poked and prodded and put in various machines. We are faced every 3 months with our battle and we wait for the phone call that will tell us yay or nay. I hate it.
I agreed with my dentist and we kept on chatting. He is an older wiser man, who was born and raised in the United States, but his family is from Mexico. He spoke of how hard it is for them to find real food in America. He spoke of the processed foods and all the chemicals they learned about during his wife's battle. Again, I agreed with him and proceeded to give him tips on how to avoid produce from U.S.A and Canada. I also started giving him cancer fighting superfood information that he quickly wrote down.
I am one of those people that needs facts. I need to educate myself in order to make proper choices for me and my health. With so many supplements and shakes out there I got overwhelmed and turned off to all things smoothie and supplement for a while. That is until Cancer hit. You get an education, and FAST!
One of my first questions to my doctor, when told about the diet I needed to be on because cancer thrives off of "American Food", was "Why isn't everyone told this? Why is it allowed." The answer was simple. "Freedom." Yep, we are in the land of the free. That means you are free to choose to educate yourself, and you are free not to. The FDA is not approving things they think are great for you. They are simply allowing so many thousands of chemicals in items.... in other words... they have determined what wont kill you now, in that one item. They don't tell you what happens when you continue to eat non-food items day in and day out. Where do those items go? Systs, Tumors, Growths... I have said it all before, but you are still here, so that means you are still interested in learning. That my friend is your first step.
So I set forth to educate myself day in and day out. I spent hundreds of dollars a month buying imported peruvian superfoods, concentrate powders, extracts etc.. It broke the bank, but it was what my body needed. I started to really bounce back and get healthy. Today, one year later I am cancer free.
So what did I learn along the way? I was doing it the hard way. Enter Shakeology. Thanks to some awesome advice from my doctor, who couldn't sell it to me because it is a conflict of interest, but she pointed me to it. You see it has EVERYTHING, and I mean everything and then some, I need to keep my body cancer free and help me shed off all the extra pounds that came with Cancer. For those who have had cancer, they know what I mean. Bloating, water weight, pounds from having to lay around for a year. All of it made me feel awful. THIS is what taking this has done for me!!
- 65 pounds
cancer free
happy
healthy
strong!
I now feel like it is my job to educate those that have not had the cancer battle, or the education that I have had. So sit back and here is why there is not a single other product on the market that compares.
First of all let's talk about cost. Do you have 2 minutes? Please watch to see how there is over $700 in organic superfoods in ONE bag of Shakeology. Get your Shakeology HERE!
It helps me stayCancer FreeIt is my NUMBER ONE solution in my life and I LOVE helping others feel this good. I was able to throw out ALL other subpar vitamins, minerals, probiotics, adaptagens, prebiotics etc... so I SAVE a ton. If you are ready for this solution in your life get yours HERE or EMAIL me.
Do I have your attention yet? Can I show you how much it is for some of these ingredients? Now remember there are 70 of them?
I personally took those pics with my cell phone at my grocery store this week.
Yikes huh?
So now you are probably thinking... well what about other shakes?
Take a second to look at this so you can KNOW WHAT IS IN YOUR SHAKE!
A lot of shakes cause more harm than good. Ours is ALLLLL good!
So what about Isogenix? You have heard such great things about it right? Well... let's compare.
The positives of Isagenix is that it contains 23 grams of protein per serving (compared to Shakeology’s18 grams of protein per serving). Isagenix, like Shakeology, also contains many naturally occurring ingredients which set them apart from other meal replacements. However, I have not found other components that set Isagenix apart from Shakeology.
On the negative side, Isagenix contains 1100% more fat than Shakeology (6 grams compared to less than half a gram). It also contains more cholesterol and sodium than is found in Shakeology and contains 240 calories per serving when Shakeology only has 150 calories per serving.
Isagenix lacks to potency of the vitamins and minerals that Shakeology contains. Isagenix has only 40% of the daily recommended allowance of Vitamin C versus 300% inShakeology. It lacks significance of other vitamins contained in every Shakeology drink such as Vitamin B1, B2, and B3. You would actually have to drink 2-4 Isagneix shakes to get the same concentration of vitamins and minerals found in just 1 Shakeology shake.
I do feel that Isagenix is one of the better meal replacement shakes, but it just does not compare to Shakeology. Shakeology is a step above the rest.
The only other shake that even comes close to Shakeology is Vega One.. however close but no cigar. Why? Well let me tell you....
Vega One vs Shakeology:
Beachbody’s Shakeology has more than seventy elements, taken from all over the globe, which no other supplemental drinks have.
Shakeology ingredients are the secret behind this nutrient dense shake. The basic nutrient groups, which are inclusive of a number of ultra high quality benefits, include the following:
Protein and Essential Amino Acids:
These ingredients help in building lean muscles and improve body mass while reducing the food cravings.
Digestive Enzymes and Prebiotics:
These ingredients aid in improving digestion, bring regularity, and help in the absorption of nutrients.
Antioxidants and Phytonutrients:
Antioxidants are very effective in counteracting free radical damages in the body that can lead to degenerative diseases
Vitamins and Minerals:
The building blocks of the body, vitamins, and minerals are essential for optimal health and functional body.
Himalayan Salt:
With more than 70 trace minerals, Himalayan salt helps in fighting tooth decay and acne.
Coconut Flower Nectar:
With the addition of coconut flower nectar, you will get plentiful nutrients including amino acids, minerals, vitamins B and C, Zinc, Iron, Magnesium and Prebiotic fiber for strengthening the digestive and the immune system.
Moringa:
The anti-inflammatory property of Moringa and its richness in Vitamin C and A, Calcium, potassium and Iron make your body strong against diseases.
Luo Han Guo:
A product that is 300 times sweeter in taste than sugar but offers many health benefits in comparison, including solution to respiratory ailments, cough control and other health problems.
Vega One Ingredients:
Vega One is plant-based, alkaline-forming and includes the following key macro and micro nutrients, and supplements:
Protein:
Vega One’s Complete Protein Blend includes:
Pea protein
SaviSeed™ (sacha inchi) protein
Hemp seed protein
Sprouted whole grain brown rice protein
Fiber:
Fiber in Vega One is primarily sourced from flax, inulin (fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)), and pea.
Omega-3:
Vega One sources its plant-based Omega profile from white chia, whole flax seed and hemp.
Antioxidants:
Maqui, goji and berries
Pomegranate seed
Mangosteen
Grape seed extract
Greens:
Chlorella (cracked cell, high CGF), Alfalfa grass, Spinach leaf, Broccoli and Kale
Vitamins and Minerals:
Vega One give you 50% of your daily intake of vitamins and minerals.
Probiotics:
Vega One helps maintain healthy intestinal flora with the Probiotics.
Digestive Enzymes:
With Probiotics like (lactobacillus acidopholus and Bifidobacterium bifidum), Vega One helps maintain healthy intestinal flora.
The Winner: Shakeology!
With almost everything that is needed for your body, stands out to be the best replacement shake with greater health benefits than the Shakeology alternatives.
Vega One vs. Shakeology: Results and Reviews:
Shakeology Results and Reviews:
Results:
In a 90-day study, participants replaced one meal per day with Shakeology, ate a balanced diet, and exercised moderately three times per week. Total cholesterol was reduced on average by 30% and LDL cholesterol was reduced on average by 38%.
Participants followed the Shakeology Program, which included replacing one meal per day with Shakeology, exercising three times a week, and eating a balanced diet.
“You Get What You Pay For”.
Although you can find a number of cheaper alternatives to Shakeology in the stores, THEY DON'T WORK and they are missing the KEY botanical ingredients!!! The benefits can never be compromised.
Can we talk packaged snack food for a sec?
I know it is convenient, and before I started my healthy lifestyle I used to eat at least one packaged bar daily, thinking it was healthy! While a select few are good for you with all natural ingredients, others are full of artificial flavors, tons of added sugar, preservatives, and trans fats. In fact, a lot aren’t much better than eating a candy bar.
That’s why I’m SO Excited for these new BEACHBARS because they are full of REAL, natural ingredients, packed with protein, low sugar, low glycemic, and full of fiber! I have seriously been waiting for Beachbody to come out with a bar to help those of us who are go-go-go... but still want to eat HEALTHY!
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition in Beachbody BEACHBARS are exactly what you want in a bar. PLUS they are gluten free, have zero grams trans fats, and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Each bar has 150 calories, 10 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and only 5-6 grams of sugar. It’s the perfect snack for on-the-go or anytime you need something quick!
What Flavors does BEACHBAR come in?
It comes in two flavors: Peanut Butter Chocolate and Chocolate Cherry Almond. Both are made with nut pieces and nut butters, protein crisps, and topped with a ribbon of chocolate. Can you say, delicious!?
Ingredients
BEACHBAR combines crunchy, protein crisps, nut pieces, chocolate chips, creamy nut butters, and fruit chunks (in the Chocolate Cherry Almond flavor) to deliver delicious, satisfying goodness in every bite. The key ingredients are below!
How Do BEACHBARS Compare?
Like I said, there are a select few bars out there that are actually good for you (including my favorite RX Bars!) These are the few I would actually consider healthy, but BEACHBARS actually out rank ALL of them!
Do They Fit Into the Portion Fix?
YES! They count as 1/2 red, 1/2 yellow, and 1 tsp per bar! They will fit right into the Beachbody program nutrition plans.
Place graham crackers in food processor (or blender); process continuously until crackers are crushed into fine crumbs. Set aside.
Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with plastic wrap (or aluminum foil). Evenly sprinkle ⅓ of graham cracker crumbs in bottom of pan. Set aside.
Combine banana, almond butter, cocoa powder, 2 scoops Chocolate Shakeology, and ⅓ of graham cracker crumbs in a medium bowl; mix well with clean hands or a rubber spatula.
Press chocolate mixture into prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap and press down to flatten into pan. Refrigerate for 1 hour to set.
Place cheese, Vanilla Shakeology, and marshmallow flavor in food processor (or blender); process until smooth and well blended.
Evenly spread cheese mixture over chocolate mixture. Set aside.
Combine remaining 2 scoops Chocolate Shakeology and oil in a small bowl; mix until smooth.
Evenly spread Chocolate Shakeology mixture over cheese mixture.
Sprinkle top with remaining ⅓ of graham cracker crumbs. Lightly press graham cracker crumbs into top. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until set.
Cut into twelve bars (approx. 2½ x 2-inches).
Recipe Notes
You can find marshmallow flavor on-line or in specialty cake decorating stores.
You can substitute pure vanilla extract for marshmallow flavor.
Nutrition Facts
No-Bake S'mores Bars
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 199Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 7mg2%
Sodium 114mg5%
Total Carbohydrates 13g4%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 5g
Protein 11g22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
If you are wanting to do a post holiday DETOX or CLEANSE hit me up!
I help people get healthy naturally. Being a cancer survivor I learned how necessary it is to detox after indulging. I have got your back! My passion is to help others stay cancer free. I have searched the world high and low and have found the BEST highest QUALITY natural products to help get the gunk out naturally, They are SAFE, healthy and will IMPROVE your health vs. hurting it with starvation or breaking down your digestive system which is what most detoxes do. So EMAIL ME and let's get started!
