Banana Nut Oatmeal Chocolate Chip {no guilt} Cookies

Cookies do not have to be the enemy. Seriously, they don't. My family LOVES these cookies.  They are packed full of nutrient dense ingredients that make them easy to enjoy without the guilt.  They are also vegan and have a VERY long name.

Banana Nut Oatmeal Chocolate Chip {no guilt} Cookies


Here's a list of most of the ingredients and some of their benefits:

Oat flour and Oats: Great source of soluble fiber and is great for heart health

Flaxseed: Rich in Omega-3s and fiber, helps reduce inflammation, great for heart health (the list could really go on and on) For more info visit this link: Flaxseed

Coconut Oil:  Is great for your immune system, great for heart health,and a great source of energy

Banana: Rich in potassium and a great source of energy

Honey:  is a heart-healthy all natural sweetener, can promote better blood level control and contains "friendly" bacteria

Cinnamon:  1/2 tsp a day can lower LDL cholesterol, can help with type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and increasing insulin, and when combined with honey has been found to relieve arthritis pain.

Almond Milk:  Provides calcium, is lactose-free and heart-healthy

Walnuts:  Rich in Omega-3s and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats

Dark Chocolate: Yes, there are even benefits to dark chocolate...It can lower high blood pressure and contains antioxidants. This applies only to dark chocolate, not milk or white.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup oat flour (I use Bob's Red Mill) 
• 1 1/3 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp {pure} vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup honey (or agave nectar for a sweeter taste)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 2 Tbps ground flaxseed
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (I use vanilla flavored)
• 1 Tbps {organic} extra virgin coconut oil (I use Barlean's brand )
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/8 tsp sea salt

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
2) Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
3) Spoon a tablespoon size ball on to a greased baking sheet, about 1-2 inches apart.
4) Bake for 10-12 minutes on middle rack. Let cool for 5 minutes.


Makes about 10 large cookies.


NOTE: It's very important to get extra virgin organic (cold-pressed) coconut oil to reap the benefits. I price shop and order my Barlean's online. Also, make sure you store your flaxseed in an airtight container in the refrigerator.


These cookies are not low fat. I do not eat a low fat diet, but do eat healthy fats.  I don't count calories, but I do practice common sense. I wouldn't eat more than 2 of these in one day. These cookies contain good healthy fats your body needs to perform at its best.


Omit the dark chocolate and/or walnuts if desired.


Approximate nutritional values(per cookie-if 10):
Fat: 6 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 4 g