Okay guys, I’m writing about this for two reasons. 1. I’m learning a lot and 2. I need to be held accountable haha.
So this new project I’m taking on is a tough one, no sugar. Well, I shouldn’t say it’s new because I’ve done it once before. At the beginning of the new year grant and I decided to take on the challenge of not eating refined sugar and when I say no sugar I mean NO SUGAR. Not in mayonnaise, not in steak sauce, salad dressings, bread, etc. if it had “sugar” in any form on the ingredients list than we weren’t eating it.
You may think that’s crazy or overboard, but it was a great learning experience. We very quickly became aware of how many seemingly innocent items had sugar in them (like the mayonnaise)! I will never forget that grocery shopping trip. Grant and I went back and forth through the aisles trying to find acceptable things to eat haha.
So anyways, guess what happened?
After the headaches and sugar withdrawal we began to feel a lot better and a lot less sluggish. I was excited. And then the pounds just started slipping off!! In two weeks I lost five pounds and Grant lost TEN! We were STUNNED!
So what happened?
Well after we met our goal of 2 weeks we gave in a little, started introducing certain items back into our meals (ranch dressing ahem..) and little by little started having more and more of the treats we loved. Then Valentines Day hit and well.. the rest is history.
Last week I noticed that I was buying candy every day, having soda multiple times a day and baking brownies AND cookies in the SAME DAY! I couldn’t eat enough and I felt like I constantly needed to fuel up on the stuff.
Go ahead and think I’m a nutcase, but I thought that was just so awful. I didn’t like the fact that it was controlling me and not the other way around. So to take matters into our own hands we’re back to square one. Sugar is cut and I’m feelin the pain. Last night and today I’ve been desperate for sweets and instead went for a sugar free substitute. I give you, the sugar free no bake chocolate peanut butter oat cookies!!
SUGAR-FREE NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE OAT COOKIES
30min to prepare Yield: 3 dozen
INGREDIENTS
3 cups quick-cooking oats
3/4 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup honey
2/3 cup natural peanut butter, optional
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
PREPARATION
– Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
– In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine honey, peanut butter and coconut oil, stirring until everything blends together smoothly.
– Stir in oats, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt and mix until everything is fully incorporated and coated.
– Use a spoon or small ice cream scoop to drop cookies down onto parchment-lined baking sheets, then place in freezer for at least 15 minutes to set.
– Store in an airtight container either in the fridge or freezer (depending on how you like them) and enjoy!
*Recipe adapted from 12 Tomatoes.
I did add the 3/4 cups of unsweetened shredded coconut with the oats. It turned out better than the original in my opinion. Try it and tell me what you think!
I just made them and I’m SO glad I did. They make it seem like it’s not so bad lol. 2 days down and 10 pounds to lose, wish me luck!
Also, be sure to try out that recipe and comment with any sugar free tips and tricks you’ve got! Or better yet if you want to join me in this venture, do it!! 14 days sugar free! You’ll feel so much better believe me!!