Happy weekend, and round up Sunday! I’m writing you from Colorado where we just had our first-ever, in-person Healthy Glow Co. retreat. I got to spend the weekend with the HGC team and 14 amazing members that make our collective possible. Feeling inspired, refreshed, and SO excited about the community we’ve built. I’ll be sure to share more details of our trip soon, but first let’s talk about these incredible paleo dessert recipes that I rounded up for you guys!
AMAZING skillet brownies made without grains, gluten or dairy. These super fudgy walnut brownies taste just like the ones from your childhood. Bonus: They pack plenty of good for you omega 3s thanks to walnut butter & chia seeds.
It’s about to be a happy monday (I hope) because I’ve got some pretty AMAZING brownies for you.
First though, how was your weekend?
I feel like I can’t start this blog post without saying that my heart goes out to those in Florida and the Caribbean islands who were hit by Hurricane Irma. I sincerely hope that this recipe brings you a little joy to your day, even if it’s just a little smile. Most of all, I’m thankful that you’re okay.
Paleo Zucchini Banana Bread Bars with chocolate chips are the BEST way to enjoy a healthier treat when you have a sweet tooth. They also make a great snack since they’re packed with fiber and protein.
WELCOME TO ZUCCHINI WEEK 2017. I’m so excited we’re doing this again!
If you’re wondering what in the hell zucchini week is, well it’s basically where I bring you zucchini recipes every day this week (except Friday). We’re talking snacks, breakfast, dinner and desserts.
I know you’re probably like, why zucchini week out of all the things?! Frankly because I know what it feels like to have a real out of control zucchini problem.
The best brownies I’ve ever eaten: tahini brownies. No butter, flour, oil or refined sugar. These paleo, gluten free and grain free brownies are simply incredible with REAL, wholesome ingredients!
While I was in Israel last November, I consumed the most tahini I had ever had in my life. The hummus (or often pronounced WHOOO-MUH-S) was one of the best things I’d ever eaten. Granted I have never been to Greece but this stuff was creamy, rich, and with a slight bitter tang from the freshly ground tahini.
After eating tahini for over a week with various dishes like roasted pumpkin, bread, meatballs and more, I became addicted. And even more so when I found out that Trader Joe’s sold tahini (aka sesame seed butter) for less than $5.
*places all TJ’s tahini in cart and runs*
Easy, one bowl maple peanut butter cookies made with only 5 simple ingredients. Grain free, gluten free and dairy free. Only 20 minutes from start to finish.
Confession: These could be the easiest cookies I have on the blog. It’s almost a no brainer recipe that you can’t mess up. And guess what? These cookies are gluten free, grain free and dairy free, so if you’re looking for a cookie that meets that criteria, then these are for you.
Actually wait, if you happen to love peanut butter, then these are for you. And if you don’t love peanut butter, then simply use cashew or almond butter. Told you they were easy.
Peanut butter protein bars made with simple, healthy ingredients like oats, peanut butter, chia seed, coconut and protein powder. Drizzled with chocolate and a little sea salt. Truly the ultimate protein bar because you can easily make it your own!
When I was first learning how to refuel my body after a workout, I would grab whatever snack was available in the gym’s vending machine. At the time, no one told me that reading the ingredients was very important; it was 2009, and everyone was still on the low-fat diet craze. Clearly the gym I was a member of didn’t know any better, or just didn’t care.
I remembering gobbling down the bars with weird ingredients: crunchy rice, fake fiber and sugar, and most likely a terrible protein source. Shortly after the bars with insane amounts of fiber came on the scene; they were filled with fiber that isn’t even found in nature, but rather made in a lab. Those sketchy mofos.
Blueberry Glazed Donuts — a healthier baked donuts made with a mix of almond and whole grain flour, then dipped in an easy homemade blueberry glaze.
I just started doing a fun challenge on Instagram called the #ambitiouschallege. It’s an everyday glimpse into my life from where I live and what I do on an everyday basis to all of the things that I love in life.
On day 3 of the challenge, I shared one of my favorite treats: DONUTS! For all of my life, I’ve had a love of a good donut. My two favorites here in Chicago are Firecakes and Doughnut Vault — a treat meant for special occasions (or if I’m downtown and really in the mood for something fantastically sweet).
However I try to limit my indulgent donut devouring to once a month, especially when I can easily bake them at home…
The BEST flourless Black Bean Brownies made with heart-healthy avocado and wholesome, real ingredients. Absolutely delicious!
A little update from me: I haven’t been able to give the blog the love it deserves. You may have noticed that I’ve been taking time off from doing my Friday Favorites because we’re launching a new healthy living website that’s been taking up most of my time. To top it all off I’ve been testing cookies for 4 days straight in preparation for an upcoming cookie week. YOU GUYS ARE GONNA FREAKING LOVE IT.
Healthy Apple Oatmeal Muffins made with whole wheat flour, fresh SweeTango® apples and chai spices. Finished with a light vanilla bean glaze for a special treat!
Whew! I’m finally back in Chicago after a crazy couple of days in Minneapolis with Lee and Katie. I think I’ve mentioned a few times that I’m working on an exciting new project for the Sweat Series! Don’t worry, we’ll be letting you in on all of the details soon but basically it is going to be the BEST HEALTH PROGRAM EVER.
That being said, I want to thank you all for being patient with me. I know I’ve been posting less frequently, but promise I still have plenty of delicious goodies coming to you… like these healthy apple muffins!
Oh boy were these nut free granola bars delicious! No, I’m not just saying that because this is my blog and I claim everything to be tasty af — it’s because I kept returning to the fridge to grab another, and then another! I could have eaten the entire pan right then and there.
First, let me share that these granola bars that were inspired by YOU! Yes, the lovely, loyal, incredible AK readers out there. These nut free granola bars came to fruition from your requests on my previous reader survey. While scrolling through your comments, I noticed that a few of you had allergies to nuts or you were baking for little ones who couldn’t have nut containing items in their lunchboxes.
