Healthy Monkey Cookie

2 frames of thought and I agree with both.

Want a real cookie, then eat a real cookie.

vs

Want a real cookie, try a healthier version.

TODAY it's about the healthier version.

I found this one at http://onceamonthmom.com

I'm also going to show you how to calculate the calories in your own recipes.

Don't they look delicious?!

Ingredients

3 medium bananas

2 cups rolled oats

1/4 cup Peanut Butter

1/4 cup cocoa

1/3 cup applesauce

1 tsp vanilla

I have a marker board and as I put the ingredients into the mixing bowl I write down the calories.

Grand total for the entire batch is 1470 calories.

Mix it all up and let set for a few minutes.

I don't believe in tiny cookies or mini cupcakes so I made them

"Teresa Size"

Got 23 out of the batch.

Simple math here: 1470/23 = 64 calories each.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.  

They won't spread out so you can put them pretty close together.

Not bad when you need a low calorie fix.

Just don't expect them to taste like a cookie made with sugar and butter, ok?

Salads to go!

Not a big salad fan here.

Here's why:

To make a good salad requires a ton of ingredients

Planning ahead

Dressing issue - carry around bottle or find a tiny container

The veggies go bad in only a few days making it frustrating and expensive!

Thanks to Pinterest I have discovered salads in a jar!!!

You make all at once ahead of time, they stay fresh for 1 week and nothing is wasted!

TA DAAAA!

I picked up some mason jars with toppers and got to work.

I bought Ranch (Newman's Own because it is MSG free)

Tons of veggies I love

Mixed salad leaves

The layering is the most important part of this process.

Measure out 2 Tbsp dressing and pour into bottom

Then layer the chopped veggies

Top with lettuce.

When you're ready to eat, turn it upside down and shake.

It travels well, it's healthy, cost effective and super delicious.

Total calories per jar = 188 calories!!!

Teresa

100 Calorie Cupcakes!

I'm talking actual cupcakes . . . with frosting!

100 CALORIES EACH!

Ingredients:

1 box of Cake Mix (ANY FLAVOR)

1 can of diet pop (light with light cake and dark with dark cakes)

Mix together in a mixer and pour 1/4 cup into 24 cupcake wrappers.  

They only fill about 1/2 way but they rise beautifully.

Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes

Frosting:

1 tub of light Cool Whip

1 small box of pudding (any flavor)

Mix together well and spread evenly over cooled cupcakes.

Add sprinkles of course!

These freeze very well.  I make a batch and then stick them in the freezer until I need a little treat.

Here's one I made with Funfetti cake mix, sprite zero and french vanilla pudding.