Almond cookie body booster

By Mercedes Kay Gold, CNP, CPT 

Almonds are an all-star nut! Any busy bee, gym rat or lover of healthy snack prep loves the power of the protein packed almond. Yes, they contain calories, but a handful is satiating and fats don’t make you fat. It’s hard to believe we still have to send that gentle reminder.

An almond is a seed from a fruit tree that grows from an almond tree. Yes, they are seeds, but considered nuts. California may hail as the top supplier, but almonds are a world-wide taste sensation.

One ounce of almonds contains 152 calories, 6 grams of plant-based protein and 15 grams of fabulous fats. They are fiber-rich and the sugar is not worth mentioning.

Almonds are a great source of the fat-soluble immune boosting and supple skin provider vitamin E. Trace minerals are lost in today’s modern farming and phosphorus is worth noting. Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, helps metabolize glucose or in simple terms, B2 takes carbohydrates and turns them into energy. B2 is a daily requirement, as water-soluble vitamins aren’t stored in the body.

Eating almonds daily is a sure way to mindfully snack. The synergy of protein and fats without high carbohydrates stabilizes blood sugar and promotes fullness. Almonds may help lower bad cholesterol or LDL in the body. Mega magnesium and the power of potassium are linked to lowering blood pressure.

The key to reaping the body-boosting benefits of almonds is to avoid ones roasted with seed oils and enjoy raw.

Almonds are astounding and almond flour is gluten-free and an awesome way to power up your favorite recipe. Cookies and crusts are this holistic baker’s best hack for keto lovers and anyone avoiding grains.

All hail the amazing almond. My simple cookie is a one bowl 10-minute prep delight with a few simple wholesome ingredients. I love enrolling a set of mini hands for rolling, and spending a Sunday funday in the kitchen.

Heaps of healthy fats with the combination of coconut and almond. One cookie tames a tummy and satisfies a sugar tooth. I promise! Keep this recipe for gift-giving magic. They freeze well and can be customized to please any palate. I used pure fig jam, a lovely gift from Portugal, but this holiday season, cookies will have a holly jolly feel with red jam!

Almond coconut cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of almond flour or ground almonds
• 1 cup unsweetened sulfite-free shredded coconut
• 1/3 cup melted extra virgin coconut oil
• 1 tsp real vanilla extract
• ½ tsp Himalayan salt
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• Jam of choice

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Melt the coconut oil.
4. Mix ALL the ingredients except jam in a bowl. (almond flour, coconut oil, vanilla extract, salt and shredded coconut)
5. Roll into 12 balls. Place on a cookie sheet in rows.
6. Press your thumb into the middle creating a well.
7. Place a small amount of jam into the middle.
8. Bake in the oven about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Cool completely.

The cookies freeze fabulously and are a lovely side to a cup of your favorite steeped tea.

Mercedes Kay Gold is a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Holistic Nutritionist who loves helping others live their best life when not spending time with her children and grandson, Theodore. She can be reached at mercedeskaygoldfitness@gmail.com