Dietary therapy is a major component of traditional Chinese medicine. A healthy, well-rounded diet suited to your individual needs will go a long way in bringing your body, mind and spirit into balance. Diet and exercise are also essential for weight loss or maintenance. Yet, eating unprocessed, nutrient rich, organic food doesn’t mean you can’t have your indulgences. In need of a sweet treat? Try one of these natural, clean recipes that won’t put a dent in your efforts when enjoyed in moderation.
Chocolate Chip Cookies (adapted from The Gracious Pantry)
Ingredients:
2/3 cup organic almonds
1/3 cup organic oatmeal, cooked
3 tbsp local, raw, organic honey
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1/8 cup organic whole wheat pastry flour
½ cup organic chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Mix everything except for the chocolate chips in a food processor.
4. Scrape the dough into a large mixing bowl. Add the chocolate chips and mix.
5. Spoon the cookie dough onto the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Healthy Chocolate Bars (12 Servings)
Ingredients:
¾ cup pure organic coconut oil
½ cup organic unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup organic raw, local honey
2 tsp organic vanilla extract
½ tsp organic chili powder
2 tsp organic cinnamon, ground
Sea salt to taste
Directions:
1. Add all of the ingredients to a medium-sized bowl. Stir well until smooth. Be sure to get rid of clumps.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and then spread chocolate mixture over the sheet evenly. Chill in the fridge overnight.
3. Cut the hardened chocolate and serve.
Chia Pudding with Baked Apples (6 Servings)
Ingredients:
Pudding:
2/3 cup organic black chia seeds
2 cups organic unsweetened almond milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
Apples:
6 organic cooking apples, cored and sliced
1 tbsp raw organic, local honey
1 tbsp cinnamon
Directions:
1. Place the chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla, and cinnamon in a glass jar with a lid. Place lid on jar and shake well to combine ingredients. Refrigerate overnight.
2. The next day, preheat the oven to 350 degree Fahrenheit.
3. Mix the apple slices (peel if desired), cinnamon, and honey in a mixing bowl. Stir to coat.
4. Place the apple mixture onto a baking dish.
5. Bake, covered, for 30 to 40 minutes or until apples are tender.
6. Stir the chia pudding well. Spoon the pudding into bowls and top with the baked apples.