Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Sometime you just feel like cookies. Right now I feel overwhelmed by cookies. Although tasty and beautiful, typical Christmas-type cookies don't really do it for me. I don't like a cookie that leaves a greasy residue on my hand or that is sickeningly sweet. I decided to make some today, I'm not much of a baker, as reader of this blog know, so it's rare I even have cookie making ingredients. But thanks to those tasty bacon cupcakes last week, I had all the necessities on hand. These are a simple, wholesome cookies that have no butter and minimal sugars/sweetners. They are not the sweetest cookie, but they are quite satisfying and pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. Whole wheat flour, oat bran and oats combine to make these cookies quite dense and filled with fiber. The honey and peanut butter lend a lot of flavor and olive oil and applesauce replace butter. These took about 20 minutes to make and yield a smaller batch, about 30 tablespoon sized cookies.

Full recipe after the jump
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Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins

I love muffins on a Sunday morning with my coffee. The problem is that most muffins are packed with butter and sugar and tons of calories. This recipe is not just easy to make, it's incredibly healthy as well. Each muffin has only 88 calories and 3 grams of protein and fiber. These are an energizing breakfast or pre-workout snack. Best of all they take less than 30 minutes to make.


Full recipe after the jump.
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7 Make Ahead Healthy Staples: How one hour on Sunday can give you a week's worth of cheap, nutritious meals

Most people are simply too busy to prepare three meals a day. But everyone knows that cooking your own meals is both healthier and cheaper than eating out. What many don't realize is that with some planning, organization and an hour on Sunday night, you can fill your refrigerator with a variety of nutritious, convenient options that will last you through even the busiest week.


7 Make Ahead Staples:

1. Hard Boiled Eggs

One hard boiled egg has only 70 calories and 6 grams of high quality protein. They are portable, versatile and can be consumed on the go. Cooked, they last about one week in the fridge.

Cost: The best part about eggs: they are CHEAP. A dozen eggs ranges from $2-5, making it an affordable protein option.

How To:
1. Place eggs in saucepan and fill with enough COLD water to cover by 1 inch
2. Cover and bring to a rolling boil
3. Reduce heat to low and cook eggs for 10 minutes
4. Remove from heat and place eggs in cold water or ice water to chill.
5. Dry cooled eggs and store in a Tupperware container that's lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Ideas:

• Eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner or as a quick filling snack.
• Chop and add to salads
• Slice and add to sandwiches or crackers

Rest after the jump

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World's Greatest Breakfast: Steel-cut Oats

This is a fast, easy and nutritionally complete breakfast that I make almost every day. Packed with protein and fiber it is quick, filling and comforting on cold winter mornings.

Steel-cut oats are a nuttier, chewier alternative to traditional rolled oats. Steel-cut oats are whole grain grouts, which are the inner portions of an oat kernel, which have been cut into three pieces rather than flattened. Because they are less processed than rolled oats, they have more fiber, nutrients, flavor, and take longer to digest, keeping you feeling fuller for a longer period of time. They're also rich in magnesium and selenium and help to stabilize blood sugar. Studies have shown regular consumption of whole grains is associated with a 26% reduction in the risk of Coronary Heart Disease.

Because steel cut oats take a longer time to cook. I recommend making a big batch and refridgerating for up to one week. In the morning, this healthy breakfast takes 1 minute to assemble and 1 minute to cook!

Full recipe after the jump!


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