Guest Post: A Yummy (and healthy!) Cookie Recipe

Happy fall, y'all!

We are thrilled that autumn is finally upon us, even if it is still 90-something degrees in Houston.

Fall is the perfect time to start getting together recipes and baking some warm, yummy treats. Sabrina is here to share a recipe that I hope you'll all love! She had me at cookies...but wait, they're healthy, too? Sign us up!

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I am a sucker for sweets, but my body doesn’t seem to process them the same way. When I was a teenager I could eat whatever I wanted, but my mid-20’s have proven a different fate. I’ve always been fairly active, but as many of you know, maintaining your ideal body weight gets a little tougher with age. Part of my regular weight maintenance included the use of protein powder. If you find the right brand, it’s delicious and nutritious. It also gives you several high protein baking alternatives you likely never considered before.

Since I’m not one to forego my favourite foods, I’ve come up with a few wiley alternatives. One of these is my delicious protein cookies. Besides being a sweet-eater, I’m also gluten free so this is a Celiac friendly recipe as well.

To make my tasty protein powder cookies you will need the following:

- 2 scoops of Protein Powder - I use Gold Standard Whey in Double Rich Chocolate

- 1 cup Quinoa Flour

- 2 tablespoons Natural Peanut Butter

- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Chocolate Chips (or your favourite dried berry)

- enough Unsweetened Almond Milk to moisten your mixture

Step 1 - Start by mixing all of your ingredients together in a bowl. Make sure you work out any clumps.

Step 2 - Lightly grease a baking sheet. I like to use coconut oil because it smells delicious and is healthier than your usual butter or lard grease. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 3 - Place one inch balls of dough onto your baking sheet and place in oven for 12-15 minutes. Stick them with  toothpick to make sure they are fully cooked. If they aren’t quite finished you will notice gooey cookie dough on the tooth pick. If this happens, pop them back in for 3-5 minutes. Monitor them closely though; you don’t want them to burn. Once done, let cool then enjoy!

If Almond Milk isn’t your number one choice, try mashing up a banana instead. The banana will provide just as much moisture as the almond milk, but with the added benefit of potassium.

Since many people don’t have quinoa flour on hand, if you aren’t Celiac feel free to alternate with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup rolled oats. This will add a punch of fiber, yet still taste delicious.

Don’t let your sweet tooth get the best of your waistline. Try this super simple recipe and enjoy a chocolatey treat without the guilt!

Author Bio: Sabrina is a jet setting, fitness loving, gym junkie who loves sharing her healthy tips, tricks and recipes. To stay connected, be sure to check her out on http://CarryOnDiet.com or on a <a href="http://twitter.com/Life_Stylin/">Twitter<a/> and <a href="http://facebook.com/lifestylin">Facebook<a/>.

 

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Thank you so much, Sabrina, for sharing your recipe and wisdom with us! I love the banana idea; definitely going to try it out. With a baby that's starting to eat everything Zach and I eat, I'm constantly on the hunt for recipes and foods that Bear will love but are also healthy. This is perfect!

Hope you have a fantastic week, friends!

 

 

Skin Care Guest Post

I was recently reach out to by a sweet woman named Michelle who works at a spa called Skana in a small town in Upstate NY. Her desire is to share her skin care knowledge with others and I'm thrilled she decided to use our blog as an outlet!

Hope you'll find her advice and "recipe" useful; makes me want to start doing more for my (and my son's!) skin. Michelle would LOVE your feedback; please leave her some love in the comments :).

 

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Lately a common topic of discussion around the spa has been the dangerous
effects the sun has on our skin. Most people are aware of the dangers prolonged exposure to the sun can cause, but are unaware of the dangerous chemicals found in most sunscreens. With all the time spent outdoors during the summer season skin safety should
be a primary concern.

 

 

 

Beach Beauty Hydration Mask

In the summer, moms are busier than ever keeping their children entertained until school starts again in the fall. It's easy to get caught up in all of the summer fun and let some of your routines slide. In the summer, I tend to wear less makeup, meaning I also end up skipping my skincare regimen more often than I'd like to admit. Even though your skin may feel oily at times in the summer heat, you still need moisture. The sun and the heat of summer dry out skin. The experts from Skana spa of the New York resort Turning Stone have contributed this recipe for an easy to make summer hydration mask.

What You Need

1 cup of natural yogurt

1/2 cup of oatmeal

1 tablespoon of honey

 

Start by mixing all ingredients in a large bowl until the mixture is well combined. You want a smooth consistency so that the mask can easily be spread evenly on your face.

Spread the hydration mask on your face. Avoid placing it too close to your eyes, as it may sting if it accidentally gets in them. Don't use the mask sparingly - you want a good, thick layer on your skin. Now it's time to relax. I love to lock myself in my bedroom while my husband takes care of the kids for a little while. Candles and smooth jazz music help set the atmosphere. After chasing the kids all week, it feels amazing to lay still and do absolutely nothing for a few minutes.

Relax for 10 to 15 minutes, and then wash the hydration mask off with a warm washcloth. I like to take my time with this step, as the warmth from the washcloth really helps open up and unclog your pores.

In addition to being relaxing, this hydration mask is amazing for your skin because it is all-natural and free from the chemicals contained in store bought products. The enzymes in yogurt kill bacteria that can cause acne. Oatmeal softens the skin and gives it that natural glow every woman seeks in the summer. Honey is a humectant, which means that it attracts moisture and helps the skin absorb it.

The recipe is quick and easy - an essential quality for any busy woman. And because the ingredients are cheap and items that I usually keep on hand in the kitchen, this indulgence doesn't break the budget. This hydration mask will leave your skin with that summer glow and have you ready for whatever the day throws at you.

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Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Michelle!
 

I tried this recipe last night and woke up with my skin feeling AMAZING. Love that all the ingredients can be found around the house and are natural. Hope you'll try it out, too!