New Years’ Resolutions can get a pretty bad rap, especially in the health and diet spectrum, often associated with abrupt (and notoriously temporary) lifestyle changes. Oh how quickly a euphoric January 1st can become a guilt-ridden January 3rd! It’s not that there’s anything wrong with setting positive goals, it’s simply that we often so eagerly “taketh away” (no more bread!), without a solid plan to “giveth back” (instead of bread, um… carrots?). In other words, there’s so much stress upon “detoxing,” we forget to include a realistic plan of refueling. That’s why instead of a dietary new year’s resolution, I instead like to encourage lifestyle evolution.
We know a lifetime plan of saying “no” to our favorite black-listed foods isn’t going to cut it. That’s why with evolution, instead of simply removing something from our life, we actually incorporate something new and improved in at the same time. And if this healthy “something new” happens to be utterly crave-worthy in its own right, bad diet habits broadcast at an increasingly softer volume. Nothing is as convincing as delicious, so go on, maximize your 2015 diet!
Prioritize your Protein. Protein isn’t just for big meals; it’s a wonderful addition to snacks and sweets too. In fact, regularly eating protein throughout the day can help significantly reduce cravings: a recent study from the University of Mississippi concluded that higher protein meals reduced cravings for both savory and sweet foods, increased satiety, and even helped to improve dopamine levels – in other words, protein makes us feel satisfied and happy! One great way to easily sneak protein into everything from smoothies to sweet treats is using a quality protein powder – I’m newly obsessed with ALOHA’s new vanilla and chocolate blends. With 18 grams of plant-based protein per serving, boasting an impressive array of whole food ingredients and superfoods, and a beyond delicious flavor (seriously guys), I’ve found their blend particularly easy to incorporate into recipes!
Incorporate Something New Every Week. Variety is the spice of life, and as it turns out, the spice to our healthy food as well! With thousands of varieties of fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, vegetables, superfoods and more, the world of healthy boosts is virtually endless. Incorporating a new natural food each week will keep you excited about your healthy adventure, diversify your nutrition, while boosting your education in the edible spectrum all at the same time. Try picking up a turnip to add to your soup; throw in some hemp seeds into your next batch of hummus; or buy a pound of the freshest, strangest fruit you can find – like a pineapple guava – at the farmer’s market (ask the seller for recipe ideas). Make it FUN!
Seek the Small Wins. A healthy diet isn’t about an overnight overhaul or absolute perfection. Rather, it’s a collection of micro-changes that add up to significant wellness gains. Look for ways to make small boosts: Add a handful of chopped spinach into your spaghetti sauce for some sneaky vegetables; stir in a spoonful of flavorless chia seeds into your oatmeal for an Omega-3 boost; switch out cane sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index; etc. No change is too small!
And speaking of changes you can stick with, why not satisfy your cookie cravings with a protein-rich, nutrient-dense, and utterly cravable superfood recipe?
Double Chocolate Macaroons
Can “double chocolate macaroons” really be part of a healthy lifestyle? With over a gram of protein apiece, as well as healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron … you bet they can! Consider these cookies a great any-time-of-the-day sweet treat. Note: Protein powders vary in flavor; this recipe was made using ALOHA’s blend, which tastes absolutely decadent in desserts (order a free trial on their website and see for yourself!). If using another variety of powder, you may need to adjust the amount of maple syrup to help sweeten, or almond butter and coconut to balance the flavor slightly.
Makes 2½ dozen macaroons
1½ cups + 2 tablespoons shredded dried coconut, divided
2 pouches ALOHA Chocolate Protein Powder, or 2 servings of your favorite chocolate protein powder
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1/3 cup smooth roasted almond butter
½ cup Medjool Dates, pitted (about 7-8 large)
1 tablespoon maple syrup
¼ cup cacao nibs
½ cup dark chocolate, finely chopped
Line a large plate with parchment paper. In food processor, blitz together 1 cup of dried coconut with the protein powder and sea salt. Add the almond butter, dates, and maple syrup, and process until incorporated to form a cookie dough. Add ½ cup more of the coconut shreds as well as the cacao nibs, and process briefly to distribute, while leaving some texture. Test the texture: dough should stick together very easily when pinched between two fingers, while still retaining a cookie-like crumble. If dough is too dry (due to variances in date moisture levels), mix in a touch of water, a teaspoon at a time, until proper texture is achieved.
Use a melon baller or tablespoon to scoop up rounds of the dough, pressing firmly in the scoop mold to compact before removing. Place cookies on prepared plate and repeat with remaining dough. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Gently melt the chocolate over very low heat or a double boiler, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Remove the cookies from the refrigerator and drizzle a small amount of chocolate – about ½ teaspoon – over the top of each cookie. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons coconut. Return the cookies to the refrigerator for 20 minutes, or until chocolate has solidified. Macaroons may be stored covered at room temperature or refrigerated, and will keep for a couple weeks.
This post was produced in partnership with ALOHA; all opinions are my own. Thank you for your continued support of our sponsors! xx ~ Julie
