Yet, another GUILT FREE Cookie Recipe (Vegan & Gluten Free)

I wish I could say that I didn’t let my cookie cravings get the better of me during the last 10 weeks – but I’ve been making cookies and eating them on… r  e  p  e  a  t!

Thankfully I have a few (here and here) that are on heavy rotation but I’ve also tried to make a regular butter/sugar cookie (which the girl gang prefer).

Delicious Cookies

I did come across another variation of a healthy cookie.  It’s vegan, gluten & refined sugar free.  Which by default makes it GUILT Free.

Cookie Recipe

Without further ado, here is the recipe/instructions.  Save the image or pin for later :)

Recipe Card

Practicing Self Care during Physical Distancing

It’s been over 10 weeks since we started physically distancing.

Information is changing constantly and of course I am hopeful and I am also realistic. But I think I am extra sensitive these days.

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Initially, it felt great having “extra time” but then life at home got busier with full time everything all the time!

Having to facilitate remote schooling, preparing wholesome learning activities, tutoring, all day child minding along with being a housekeeper, cook, partner.  Mix in part time school and WFH – it literally left no time for anything else.

And then something clicked and I realized that this wasn’t going to be a sprint – but a marathon. I also realized I needed to re-adjust the action plan for the long haul.

The feeling of being extra sensitive comes and goes in waves – I’m trying to figure out what and when I’m triggered and remove those triggers from my immediate attention (I am sharing this in case others are feeling the same but also to share that this activity is part of the readjustment for the long haul).

WFH Outfit

So now I am taking it one day at a time, learning to relentlessly triage, give myself grace, slow down all while enjoying this special-unusual-new normal as much as I can.

I also remind myself of this:

  • happiness isn’t a destination
  • being positive is knowing things will get better even if they aren’t great right now

Self Care Physical Distancing

Apart from these thoughts, there is always a loud voice telling me to be creative.  When I am not writing/taking pictures regularly I just feel off. So with whatever time I can manage, I’ll try to make space for creativity.

With all that said, I hope you are doing well and in case you need a recharge as we enter week 11 of physical distancing I’ve included some self care ideas to keep you going for the long haul.

  1. Create a (new) routine. Realizing I didn’t have my commute, my morning step count/city walk, my time to scroll IG, read a book or catch up/make lists/plan. Although I don’t have a routine that makes me grounded, I had to be okay changing things up.  Steps around the house or a quick walk with the girls around the street, read in bed while the house is closet/before getting up to start the day.  Part of the routine also includes remote learning for the kids as well as teaching them about when we have work tasks/meetings.  It’s a tricky balance but we are getting there.
  2. Get dressed in something cute every morning.  Ok I am definitely not wearing dress pants, skirts or blazers.  But a fresh pair of leggings and a cute sweater can make all the difference.
  3. Exercise and find ways to be active.  Workouts have changed.  Running outdoors doesn’t feel the same.  I have to really fight for my 10k steps.  But I do it anyways.  I take the stairs more than I have to.  I chase the kids.  I try not to stand still and walk during meetings.
  4. Talk to someone.  I think since 2020 started, I realized that I became an introvert in adulthood.  Or maybe I just crave my own space, quiet and stillness.  But then I found that I needed to talk to people who filled my cup. I needed to surround myself with positivity and clarity.  Thankfully I have a few people I can talk to.
  5. Drink tons of water.  Water/Sparkling/Herbal tea + multiple trips to the bathroom :)
  6. Conscious Eating.  We’ve started meal planning again or atleast writing a list of meals for the week so we can prep in advance or not have to think of options when it’s time to eat.  Make grocery lists.  And decide on when we want to indulge (because that happens!)

Creativity

Easy healthy granola – that tastes like a cookie!

The other day the Mister said that this granola tastes like a cookie, and I couldn’t agree more.

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I started making it because I could no longer find my favourite Special K Dark Chocolate Coconut Popped Granola in ANY grocery store.

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I used to make a nut granola but really wanted something a little lighter (nuts can get heavy) so opted for a baked oatmeal instead.

This is super simple to make and quick enough that I can make it on a Sunday to use thoughtout the week.

Where is what you do:
1) roughly crush up a half cup of dry roasted almonds

2) measure 1 cup of quick oats, add to crushed almonds and lay flat on a sheet pan. Bake for 10-15 min at 400 degrees. Check often to prevent burning and turn the sheet pan to make sure everything cooks evenly.

3) in a small pot (using the lowest heat) melt 1/3 cup coconut oil, then add pure maple syrup, cinnamon, cacao powder to taste (careful it’s hot!). Add a tablespoon of chia seeds and a pinch of salt. Stir often and combine well. If you want the granola to be chewy, add more coconut oil, maple syrup and cacao.

4) remove the oats and almonds and let cool for 5 min then pour coconut oil mixture on top (it will sizzle). Mix to coat all the oats/almonds.

5) pack the mixture so it can get stuck together and be chunky! (instead of laying it flat on the pan). Put back in the oven for 3-5 min. Check frequently as it can burn easy.

6) remove from oven and let cool before enjoying with yogurt, almond milk or by itself.

Optional add ons: dark chocolate, another nut or seed or dried fruit!

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Try it out and let me know what you think in the comments below?  Better yet, share your healthy home made granola recipes for me to try!


More like this? Check out this other healthy cookie recipe.

My Evolution Of Journaling

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Looking inward to find ways to be better for myself is by journaling.

For free writing and diary type entires, I’ve relied on my @dayoneapp. I can write long, free-form and always had an option to export my entire month or year of journaling to a PDF.

I started using the @fiveminutejournal 3 years ago because I wanted to be more present and grateful. It was by far the easiest way to keep me grounded.

When my mornings got to busy and I couldn’t even find 5 minutes to write in the morning because I didn’t have the time to myself I started using the app version of the journal. I would use it on my morning commute – it and made gratitude journaling more convenient.

A few days ago, I found out that I can combine my free form journal writing with my gratitude practice with the ease of an app! I still use paper and pen daily but having everything available on the go without the bulk of a book is a game changer!

Do you journal? Which app do you use or do you prefer a paper journal?

5 Ways to beat the winter blues & a trip to TO Christmas Market

When the whether dips, it’s not uncommon to feel seasonal depression.  With the sun no longer shining as much, the need to bundle up all.the.time and the persistent search of a warm getaway – it’s easy to lose perspective.  I am learning to give in a little bit.  Enjoy the warm soups, choose sautéed veggies over cold salads and drink as much tea as I want.

Here are a few other ways to enjoy the colder months…

Get cozy: fleece PJs (matching with family members? even better), fuzzy house coat, warm slippers and turning on the fireplace…!

A mug of your favourite warm beverage: Tea, coffee multiple times a day.  Better enjoyed with a friend.

Watch all the best movies or series: Ok so it’s true, Friends is leaving Netflix but there are tons of Holiday movies to enjoy this time of year.

A warm cozy bed: I love love love the feeling of getting into bed with clean sheets after a hot shower.  Switching to a duvet at this time of year can be wonderful.

Being grateful: Every morning and every night or really any time of day when you feel your mood slip.  Take a moment to breath and give thanks.

Another important thing to do in winter?  Get out of your house.  For a walk around the block, to an seasonal event or a winter activity.  Take a little more planning but you really won’t regret it.

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Book Review – What I know For Sure

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A few weeks ago I finished the book “What I know For Sure” by Oprah. I really enjoyed reading it. It felt like I was reading the journal of an older sister or mentor. I felt like taking pictures of every paragraph or sentence of paragraph that gave me that “aha” feeling. I soon realized that I’d be taking more pictures than actually reading and appreciating the book.

I was never an Oprah fan. Well I wouldn’t say I am now either. I do watch the occasional Soul Circle video on Instagram and listen to an episode of her podcast here or there. I don’t think I would ever go to her live talks though (just because I am not the biggest fan of concerts and large audience events). But when a smart, successful, creative, mindful, ambitious, knows-what-she-wants-and-goes-after-it woman immortalizes her experiences and thoughts into a book – yep for sure I’ll be all over that.

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The book is all the wisdom Oprah gained from when she was very young to her current age. Life lessons, inspiration, revelations and thoughtful trinkets.  It’s the kind of book that I’d want to buy (yep I borrowed it from the library) and fold page corners, highlight and bookmark so much of this book because the advice is relatable and genuine.

Here are a few lines that I want to share:

On reading…

I now consider reading a good book a sacred indulgence. […] What I know for sure is that reading opens you up, exposes you and gives you access to anything your mind can hold.  […] Reading gives you the ability to reach higher ground.  And keep climbing.

On Resiliency…

The only way to endure the quake is to adjust your stance.

On Gratitude…

What you focus on expands. When you focus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it.

On doing your life’s work…

I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint – and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.

 

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Check out the other books I’ve ready in 2019!