In the spirit of staying healthy through the holidays, let’s chat about baking! 🍪🍪🍪

Baking and staying healthy might not seem to go hand and hand, but there are so many ways we can continue this common holiday tradition without completely burying our bodies in extra sugar, salt and fat. No really- it IS possible!

I absolutely LOVE baking with my kids. We do it pretty much in every weekend in December- and then the kids love to help me deliver the goodies to the neighbors, family, teachers, etc…And, as a pediatric Occupational Therapist, I know baking is an activity that inherently includes many excellent skill building areas for the developing brain (executive functioning skills, math, science, fine motor, visual perception…I could go on and on).

We’ll be baking our traditional and VERY indulgent chocolate chip cookies this year, but we’ll also be making lots of cookies, muffins and breads with healthier oils, sweeteners and flour alternatives.

So, what are some of these healthier baking methods??

✨use coconut sugar, honey or maple syrup instead of sugar

✨try to avoid inflammatory oils whenever possible! I’m still learning about the dangers of seed oils, and we’re making a conscious effort to bake with olive oil or avocado oil

✨we use flax eggs instead of eggs in recipes like muffins and I really strive for organic, cafe free eggs whenever possible

✨applesauce can often be substituted in recipes as well

✨whatever I do, I avoid margarine, “spreads” and shortening. I’ll always choose butter over those options

✨add in healthy and seasonal options for some extra antioxidants, fiber, etc. This time of year, cranberries and pumpkin are awesome add ins

If you need a fun recipe to whip up for Christmas morning or a hostess gift, I highly recommend this banana bread 🍞🍞🍞. Not only does it use healthier ingredients, but it’s free of refined flours and packs some extra protein, fiber and vitamins 👌👌

Banana Protein Cake Recipe

✨4 scoops IsaLean® Shake Creamy French Vanilla (you can find it here: https://jessicatreadwell1.isagenix.com/en-us/shop/weight-management/isalean-shake?pid=e18379664dad4b4e8390fd15c5022321 )

✨2-3 bananas, mashed½ cup muesli or rolled oats

✨ 2 eggs

✨1/2 cup almond milk

✨1/3 cup chia seeds

Mash bananas in large bowl. Mix in the rest of the ingredients until combined. Pour into a cake pan and bake on 375 F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

I’d love to hear your favorite holiday recipes and maybe one health swap you’re trying this year ⬇️⬇️

Cheers to a busy, happy (and maybe even relaxing) December!! 🍪🍞🧁🍫🍩

To your health,

~Jess