When Going Blonde Is Better

It’s 10:00pm on a Thursday night, and I’m the only one home.  I already had dinner, took the dog on a run, and finished the laundry.  Don’t get me wrong, there is still a LOT to do (there always is)!  I’m moving to a new house this weekend and still have to pack up the bathrooms and kitchen.  I’m in transition, using plastic silverware and weaving through the maze of boxes to get from one room to another. Thanks to my mother (and Grandpa Jer), I grew up with the phrase “Never put off for tomorrow what you can do today.”  So I know I should keep working…but my brain has only been focused on how badly I want a brownie.  WHAT?!  Yes, a deliciously moist, dense brownie!  Being obsessed with health and wellness does not make me immune to cravings (unfortunately).

Recognizing that I should march back upstairs and tackle the bathroom, I think how much easier it would be after a satisfying brownie boost! I operate on the “Good, Better, Best” system.  It’s one thing to strive for perfection (or the best option), but there are times the best option isn’t available and we all need to be realistic with our health.  The best option for me now would be to muster up the willpower to ignore this craving completely.  Sometimes this tactic works, and I’ll have some carrots or nuts and other times I’ll go through carrots, nuts, crackers, and finally the desired dessert as well.  In these cases I’m eating more food that if I had just given in to the craving…

A good option is the opposite end of the spectrum; tonight it would be baking the ooey -gooey double chocolate Ghirardelli brownies my mom used to make.  These would definitely satisfy my sweet tooth craving, but require an unnecessary expense and impromptu trip to the store. Don’t get me wrong, the Ghirardelli brownies are WONDERFUL but I had a tasty and nutritious salad for dinner, went running, and didn’t wait until 10pm to kill my day with overeating a pan of brownies! Did I mention they have 20 grams of sugar and only 1 gram of protein?!  This ratio pretty much guarantees I will overeat:

1) The high amount of sugar triggers the “go, go, go & more, more, more” response

2) With such a low amount of protein, it will take more to feel full and turn on the “stop eating” switch

Hmm, so now I’m in search of the Better choice. I don’t have a lot of time or food on hand- did I mention most of my belongings are in boxes scattered throughout the house.  I’m dealing with a half empty pantry! I thumb through some of my dessert recipes, all of which require a long list of ingredients. Then I come across The Endless Summer Blondies recipe.  Perfect- like the idea of an endless summer when in search of the perfect wave.  This time it is the perfect crave...

This recipe

• Boasts 7 grams of protein per blondie
• Contains only 12 grams of sugar (compared to 20g!!!!)
• Is Gluten-free (for anyone with Celiac or gluten sensitivity)
• Requires less than 10 ingredients
• Easy cleanup (1 mixing bowl + 1 wooden spoon)
• Produces moist, chocolatey brownies that will silence your craving but won’t negate those healthy choices you’ve made today!

 

 

The ENDLESS SUMMER BLONDIEs (Chocolate chip Brownies)

Ingredients:

1 cup almond butter

1 egg

½ tsp. sea salt

½ cup organic sugar

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. pure vanilla extract

½ cup dark chocolate chips

topping: crushed walnuts

other optional toppings: sea salt, silvered almonds, pecans, semisweet chocolate chips….the options are endless!

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients (except for optional toppings).
3. Pour batter into parchment-lined pan, smooth top with a wooden spoon and top with crushed walnuts (you can crush your own walnuts using a spoon and plastic bag).
4. Bake blondies until golden brown, about 25 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and cool for about 10 minutes.
6. To serve, lift parchment paper out of pan (leaves it clean), cut into 8 squares and enjoy!

Note: The Endless Summer Blondies will last for a couple days in an airtight container on the counter (mine are usually eaten sooner!).  They also taste great refrigerated or as a frozen treat.  Enjoy your indulgence, guilt-free!  Life is all about compromise, so strive for the best and be satisfied with the better.

Live your WHOLE life,

 

Shannon & Meg