Thank goodness that it’s Friday because I am feeling really stressed today. I realize that I juggle a lot (CNC, NuVal, Health, OpenSky, Gordon’s, writing a book), so stress is expected in my life, but today it’s totally overwhelming me.  I know that I am very fortunate to have all of these wonderful opportunities– I just needed to vent for a minute, ya know? As my husband always says: “It will all work out.”

Snack

When I arrived at NuVal, I immediately made myself a hot cup of Rooibos tea with a squirt of agave nectar. It warmed me right up. The weather is in the 40′s today, but I was still really cold this morning.

Lunch

For lunch, I dug into a homemade salad.

In the mix:

• Romaine hearts
• Spinach
• Grape tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Mushrooms
• Crumbled blue cheese

I also had a Siggi’s Orange & Ginger yogurt, which was absolutely divine. It was such a treat!

A little while later, I made a “mocha” by mixing a packet of sugar-free hot cocoa with some coffee. It was just okay, so I only drank about half of it.

When I got home from work, I made myself a whole wheat Sandwich Thin with peanut butter and banana slices.

I was so hungry. It definitely hit the spot!

Agave Nectar

I’ve received quite a few questions about agave nectar. Like many of you, I’ve read some negative articles floating around the internet about agave nectar and the health benefits associated with it. I’m not really sure what to think about these statements. But, from talking with my Registered Dietitian friend about agave nectar, HFCS, table sugar, etc., we basically came to the conclusion that sugar is sugar. I’m not a RD, so I really shouldn’t comment on the health benefits/risks related to agave nectar and sugar, but in case you have any questions, here’s some info that might help you make your own decision:

• The Truth About Agave: Great Alternative to Sugar, Honey and other Natural Sweeteners
• How Is Agave Processed
• The Truth About Agave Syrup: Not As Healthy As You May Think
• Not All Agaves Are Created Equal
• Sugar Solutions

What do you think about agave nectar and its claims?

P.S. Can someone please come take these cashews away from me!?! I’ve eaten like 50 of them while writing this blog post!

These Banana Oatmeal Chip cookies taste way too delicious to be good for you. Surprisingly, they are equally nutritious as they are delicious! Super star ingredients include: ground flaxseed meal, banana, soy milk, agave nectar, whole wheat flour, walnuts, and canola oil. Sounds like an all-star cast to me! Added bonus: these cookies are vegan!

Makes approximately 25 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal
• 1/4 cup agave nectar (or honey)
• 1/4 cup soy milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup walnuts (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Check out the chunks of chocolate chips and walnuts! Holy yum!

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350*F.
• Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well until batter is blended evenly.
• Use a tablespoon to portion cookies on a greased baking sheet, approximately 1-2 inches apart.
• Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes.
• Remove cookies from baking sheet and allow to cool on wire rack.
• Eat and enjoy!

Make sure you give this recipe a try! You will not be disappointed!!