Creating a cookie that's healthy plus delicious, well, it's here. The Oatmeal Energy Cookie is GF, no added sugar and yummy!
Energy Cookies
I've been thinking about creating a tasty energy cookie for a long time.
Why? Well, it's pretty simple. I love a good cookie every now and then, and I don't want a cookie full of sugar.
What's the bad rap about sugar. First of all, if you look carefully, it's loaded in so many of the things you purchase at the store. Just read labels. Make yourself aware of it.
And, there are consequences of sugar, weight gain, blood sugar problems, insulin resistance, increased risk of heart disease and more.
Oatmeal Cookie Balls
So, what is the recommended amount of sugar in your diet?
According to the American Heart Association: Men should consume no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams or 150 calories) of added sugar per day. Women should consume no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams or 100 calories) per day.
Once you start tracking the amount of sugar in all that you eat, you'll be surprised at how these grams add up quickly each day.
Gluten Free Oatmeal Balls
If there's a way to curb the refined sugar in our diets, why not do it. I mean, sugar is a sure culprit associated with some health issues. Why risk it. Why not enjoy your sweet tooth cravings in a healthier way.
That's what these oatmeal energy cookies do, I think. They give me that hint of sweet, and I'm not indulging in way too much added sugar.
Oatmeal Power Cookies
Here's another thing about sugar. It's kind of addictive to your tastebuds.
According to Healthline:"...there is research demonstrating that sugar can stimulate the brain's reward processing center in a manner that mimics what we see with some recreational drugs." Bellatti adds, "In certain individuals with certain predispositions, this could manifest as an addiction to sugary foods."
Energy Oatmeal Cookies
These oatmeal energy cookies have no added refined sugar. The hints of sweetness come from the dates, apples, and banana.
There are other power ingredients in them like almonds UNsweetened cocount and whole oats oatmeal.
Energy Cookie Recipe
The biggest thing, I think, in preparing these cookies is in the shaping and rolling them into mounds or balls. You could use a spring scoop to help with this, but you would need one that's at least three tablespoon quantity because you want the cookies to be a real size 'cookie'.
I did experiment with the 'mounds or balls' and I smooshed down a few, ever so slightly, with a fork. That did work, but, in the end when baked, I preferred the mounded or ball cookie shapes.
Finally, if you're an oatmeal lover like, me then I have some other oatmeal recipes that might spark an interest.
Keep in mind that over the years of doing what I do, I have become much more aware of the balance of sugary things in our diets. You never stop learning and changing. That's what life's about!