Crunchy Quinoa Almond Butter Bites + Preparing for Healthier Holidays
November 1 — the start of the “holiday season.” Halloween has come and gone, candy is lingering [see solution below!], and party planning is in full swing. For many of my clients they don’t truly think of the holidays until Thanksgiving has arrived, when in reality the planning, gatherings, and maybe even a little stress [anyone?!], start much sooner. It may turn into a downward spiral from now until January 1 — the day we all hope for a do-over.
What if we acted now, set our intentions for the next 60 days and made this holiday season different? One where we get to January 1 and it isn’t about a do-over but about how we can continue to improve into 2019?
To start this healthier holiday journey, we may need to ask ourselves some questions, get organized, and set some goals. Those questions might include:
How will I make time for exercise? What will I do if I can’t make it to the gym? Walking - it counts! - or an at home workout app are great options.
When will I have time to meal prep? If I don’t have time, what are my go-to healthier options going to be? Check out these frozen meal ideas!
How will I make healthier swaps for those ever-lingering holiday treats in the break room? See Crunchy Quinoa Almond Butter Bites [below], Vanilla Blueberry Banana Cookies, Chocolate Tahini Bliss Bites, and Cashew Date Bars for sweet alternatives!
How will I react when I do have a slice of my co-workers famous pie? Will it be a “ruined day” turned into a “bad week,” or will I “keep on keeping on” because one slice of pie isn’t the end of my world?
What can I do for fun, for me, to help relieve stress?
When answering these questions, be realistic with yourself, consider how you might change your mindset around food/exercise/the holidays in general. You may need to re-ask yourself these questions in two, four, or six weeks because life might get even crazier than expected. Write your goals/intentions down, place it in a spot where you’ll see it frequently, and edit it as life throws you those curve balls. Most importantly, make time for YOU this holiday season!
P.S. you can get rid of that halloween candy by donating it to the troops at a local dentist office and these other great causes!
I would love to hear about your holiday intentions! …send a message @TheWellFedGuide or email Lara@thewellfedguide.com
Crunchy Quinoa Almond Butter Bites
INGREDIENTS:
1 C rolled oats
1/2 C quinoa
1/2 C almond butter [can sub other nut butter]
2 T coconut oil, melted
1 T honey/agave/maple syrup
1 t vanilla extract
1/2 - 1 t cinnamon
1 T chia seeds
heavy pinch of salt
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees & line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spread oats & quinoa on the lined baking sheet evenly. Toast for 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, melt almond butter & coconut oil in the microwave for ~45 seconds. Stir in sweetener of choice & vanilla.
Once oats have cooled, add to a bowl with chia seeds, cinnamon & salt. Stir in wet ingredients until well combined.
Line a small baking dish, like an 8X5, with parchment paper & spread mixture evenly, pressing down. Freeze for 1 hour then cut into bite size pieces. *Storage: best if kept in refrigerator or freezer. They will be slightly crumbly!
*recipe adapted from Ambitious Kitchen.