Parents, caregivers, and providers unite! Let's tell the world we need an afternoon break every day. And why should it have to be an unhealthy one when we need to keep up our energy and strength for round 2? By round 2, I mean dinner, clean-up, leftover homework, baths, stories, and bed.
I recommend some tea and these easy-to-make, mouthwatering, double chocolate-chip cookies which have protein, fiber, calcium, and omega 3 fatty acids. They're also sugar-free and gluten-free.
They'll have you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated instead of drained by dinnertime.
The great thing about these cookies is that kids and people who aren't low carb love them too!
After so many years of sacrificing this well-earned me-time for my work and my family, I finally realized that I turn into a hangry, horrible ogre when I don't get it. So I have a little visual symbol I get out to make sure everyone knows to leave me alone for a while. I call it my yellow placemat and sitting with it in front of me for 20 minutes each afternoon with my tea and my healthy chocolate cookies lets the world know that this is my time. Try it! It's a good way to be assertive without having to say a word. And the cookies are amazing.
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
You'll need:
1 cup finely ground almond flour
1 stick butter (melted)
1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup toasted carob powder
2 eggs
1 Tbsp. stevia powder
1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. baking poweder
4 Tbsp. coconut flour
1 packet Knox plain gelatin
2/3 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut flakes
2/3 cup dark chocolate baking chips, sugar-free (like Lily's)
Pre-heat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Form into balls 1 1/2 in. diameter and press them down slightly on an ungreased cookie sheet. Sprinkle tops with stevia if desired and bake for 10 minutes. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.
n.joy
Want more low carb recipes? Do you have specific questions about Sleep, Eating, Learning, Fun or SELF?
Nanci J Bradley, 60, is an early childhood and family educator, author, teacher, SELF-care facilitator, family aerobics instructor, and an all-around fun-loving person. She believes in the power of sleep, healthy eating, lifelong learning and most of all, PLAY! She studied early childhood ed at Triton College and received her BS in education in 1986 from NIU. She received her MA in human development from Pacific Oaks College in 2011. She lives and teaches in Madison WI.