Coconut cacao cookies

hillsidehealthnutrition

7 years ago

I needed another ‘go to’ healthy treat other than my beloved banana nut bread. The criteria was something rich and indulgent, easy to make and quick to bake using as few ingredients as possible. When that chocolate craving hits you definitely don’t have time to execute patience. Using just four whole foods, I came up with a sinless cookie that supports both a healthy heart and waistline – without compromising on taste.

Lets talk cacao – not to be confused with inferior cocoa – but often used interchangeably. Raw cacao comes from cold-pressing unroasted cacao beans, unlike cocoa, which goes through a heating process, damaging the structure of the bean and resulting in a loss of beneficial nutrients. So cacao is the one you want – unprocessed and without any sugar added. My chocolate consumption goes into overdrive a week before my period. This is because I listen to internal cues and satisfy my need – and no – I don’t feel an ounce of guilt! My body is craving magnesium to relieve the stress and anxiety caused by my fluctuating hormones. Serotonin is also at it lowest and since cacao both contains and stimulates the release of this feel good chemical, it is no wonder chocolate is considered medicine for PMS. You may have heard of polyphenols and flavonoids? These are naturally occurring antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, tea and wine – Cacao is considered an antioxidant superfood that might help protect against cancer, improve cholesterol, lower blood pressure and prevent diabetes. It has also been linked to better blood flow, so you might even benefit from some brain power!

So that’s cacao well and truly justified. I’ve talked before about energizing coconut and how the easily absorbed medium chain fatty acids play an important role in losing weight. So if you want to shift a few pounds, please don’t be fooled by the high saturated fat content. Coconut is also wonderful for the immune system and our gut health, since it works as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Paired with walnuts – one of the highest plant sources of omega 3 – and banana – a good source of fiber to support digestive health – we have ourselves a well deserved cookie.

Dairy & gluten free with no oil or added sugar, you can now satisfy those cravings without jeopardizing your health. I really hope you like these and add them to your repertoire of sweet and healthy bites. My husband reluctantly tried one and then immediately afterwards needed to double check he liked them enough and helped himself to another. I also had seconds! And at less than 150 calories, you can certainly get away with it!

Ingredients:

3 ripe bananas

1/2 cup raw cacao (I use Navitas Organics)

1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Method:

Pre-heat oven to 350F
Line a large baking tray with parchment paper
Blend the bananas and cacao into a smooth paste
Add the coconut and pulse for a few seconds
Stir in the walnuts
Divide into cookie-like shapes around 1/2 inch thick.
Place in the center of the oven – bake for 15 minutes
Let stand for 15 minutes (if you can wait) and devour! (Even better after being refrigerated)

Different sized cookies to cater for all levels of cravings…

Delicious on their lonesome, but you wont stop at one!

Accompanied by fresh fruit for an extra special treat. Who’s joining me?

I made 11 (not so perfectly shaped!) cookies, and based the nutrition on this number of servings. They could be made into small bite-size balls and served as after dinner treats. Let me know what you think!