mini vegan crunch bars

Time for me to get all real up in herrrrrrr! I'm gonna be honest right now. I WANT TO BE HOME. The last few months have been really really REALLY hard on me, and I think I'm ready to let go of this part of my life and move on. The do-nothing-ness of this place is really getting to me and I've lost some good friendships. I know it's just part of missionary life, but all my relationships are really in and out. People come and then they move somewhere else {or just stop talking to me. HA.} I miss my friends and family in the States like cray and can't wait to get back to our life there. On top of that, I really miss snow, Starbucks, shopping malls with real stores and clothes that don't fall apart two weeks after you purchase them. I'm not saying the last two years have been ALL bad though. I've learned a lot about myself, about people, about life in general. But it's time for a gingerbread latte, youknowwhati'msayinnnnn? On the upside, my freakish boredom gives me a lot of time to do school. I should be graduating in about two months. {kidding. dude I wish.}

I'm pretty sure if you looked up EMOTIONAL EATER up in the dictionary, you'd see a huge picture of my face right before your very eyes. I've got a problem and I know it. It's no wonder I gained like 15 pounds since we got here. I'm booooored, you guys! What else am I supposed to do? Read or something? Nahh. I'm trying to fix this little issue of constant munching, but while I'm working on it, might as well munch on something healthy. VEGAN CRUNCH BARS TO THE RESCUE! They heal wounds. Make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Bring world peace. They're so simple to make and are one of those things where you're like "This is healthy? Stop playing with my heart like that." Although they're not exactly low calorie {darn you, coconut oil, you.}, they're made of nothing but wholesome ingredients and loaded with antioxidants. Golly, I really do love chocolate. 

vegan mini crunch bars

1/2 c. liquid coconut oil 

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

3 1/2 tbsp. pure maple syrup

pinch of sea salt {optional}

1/2 c. puffed brown rice cereal

In a large bowl, whisk all ingredients except for the cereal until smooth. Add in the cereal and stir until combined. Spoon into an ice cube tray- it should make about 10 mini bars. Place tray in freezer and freeze for about 3 hours or overnight. Once chilled, pop the crunch bars out of tray and place in a small container or plastic bag; store in freezer. 

ginger carrot cake energy bites

I think it's safe to say my family officially thinks I'm crazy for making healthy desserts. They eat them every once in awhile and occasionally approve of them, but they really do have a mad love for anything containing butter, sugar, and flour. I do too, but I really enjoy seeing what I can make healthy without having it taste super overly healthy. It's like a challenge and I do love me a good challenge. My blog roll is a good mix of "normal" baking blogs and healthy baking blogs. I'm all for balance! ;) While I was reading a post earlier, I said "OOOH this shake sounds so good. With cocoa and coffee and walnuts and banana." My mom goes "Soph… Do you ever read NORMAL food blogs?" Yeeeeeeeeeeeees. 

One of my brothers' favorite healthy treats I make are those brownie energy bites and the chocolate chip cookie dough energy bites. They'd probably eat a whole batch of those things if I didn't scream and jump on top of them if they eat more than one. Just kiddingggggg… Kinda. They really love their chocolate so it's easy for them to get behind the chocolate variations of my energy bites. Not sure they'll fall for veggies in these though so I think I'll have this batch to myself. {Yusssssss.}

Okay guys. So we're getting fancy smancy up in herrrrrrrrrr. Not only are we making our own energy bites, but we're filling 'em up with spices and veggies. I promise you it's not as weird as it sounds. Dudes and dudettes! These little energy bite thingy ma bobbers give you a little oomph before a workout, satisfy your sweet tooth without busting your pants button, and taste like CAKE. Life is good. 

I seriously can't quit these things. I have SO so so so so many variations I can't wait to try out. I'm making smaller batches lately so that they're gone quicker, thus enabling me to make more quicker. Mhmmmm. Also, ya know that banana "ice cream" that's basically taking over the interwebs these days? Yah, make that and crumble one of these on top. Dessert for breakfast! 'Cuz that's just how we dooooooo. OOH!! Pssssst. I made a energy bite page for your viewing pleasure. Check itttttttttttt. 

ginger carrot cake energy bites

1/4 c. coconut flakes

1/3 c. raw nuts 

2/3 c. oats

1/2 c. chopped dates, tightly packed

2 tbsp. pure maple syrup {or honey}

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

2 tbsp. milk

1/4 c. shredded carrot {about 1 carrot}

1/4 c. raisins

Place coconut flakes, nuts, and oats in a blender or food processor and pulse until a flour forms. Add dates, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and milk. Blend until combined. Place dough in a large bowl and fold in shredded carrot and raisins. If the dough seems too wet, you may need to add a handful of coconut or oats until it becomes the texture of a cookie dough. Roll into balls; place in a plastic container and refrigerate. Makes about 7-8 large balls. 

chocolate chip cookie dough energy bites

Yes, I still exist. Honestly, I have no other excuse for not blogging other than the fact that I didn't feel like baking slash making food for a few weeks there. I blame that on this ridic heat. Good lord, you guys, it's so hot. Considering that I'm one of those weird people who have to be like in arctic conditions in order to fall asleep at night, I'm not really loving this whole no AC thing. My solution is showering right before bed, not drying off, and putting the fan on high. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do! My baking schedule needed to change, so now when I feel like whipping together a batch of granola or banana bread, I have to do it at night or early in the morning. Otherwise it feels like I'm in the devil's oven by about 10 a.m. 

In other news, since I last wrote, I did this really weird thing. I joined a gym. I KNOWWWWWWRIIIGHTTT. It all happened one day when we were at the doctor's office and I heard the music pumping in the gym next door. That was all I needed. It's just something to do I guess, because most days I don't even leave the house except for going for a run or occasionally going to the grocery store. {Isn't that depressing? No life, I tell you.} So even on my boring days, I will have had gone to the gym. 

My friend and I started last week and I'm pretty sure there's been more laughing going on than actual exercising. We make fools out of ourselves and I'm pretty sure the adults there think we're insane. Seriously, we were laughing so hard the other day when our treadmills seemed to have a mind of their own. It was actually kind of scary… I looked at the panel thing and saw my speed just going up and up and up without me touching anything! If it wasn't for my ninja-like reflexes, I could have been run off the back of the treadmill and against the wall like on a cartoon. 

Every morning before I leave, I like to eat something small and carby to keep my blood sugars and energy level while I'm at the gym. Sure, bananas are all fine and good, but YO. I already eat like 5 throughout the day {I have an addiction. Now you know.}, so I'd prefer something a little different. Last week's pre-gym treat was these raw chocolate truffles. Those things are my favorite and I could shove a whole batch in my face hole in a matter of minutes if I wasn't careful. When I finished those, I wanted to come up with a new energy bite concoction. I have a million ideas in my noggin, but chocolate chip cookie dough was first up. 

If you're wondering why they look so messy, it's because I thought I would try making my own dairy-free chocolate chips using coconut oil, cocoa powder, and maple syrup. I've used this combo before and it firms up beautifully, but for some reason this time it didn't. Maybe it's because I was impatient, but they turned out more like little fudge chips. You can use regular chocolate chips, chopped dark chocolate, or other dairy-free chocolate chips. Whatever works! Chocolate mess aside, these energy bites really do taste like cookie dough. I think it was the combo of maple syrup and cashew butter, but these are LEGIT. 

chocolate chip cookie dough energy bites

1 c. oats

1/4 c. flax seeds

1/4 c. coconut flakes

1 c. chopped dates

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 c. pure maple syrup

1/4 c. cashew butter

3 tbsp. dairy-free milk 

1/2 c. chocolate chips 

Place oats, coconut, and flax in a blender or food processor and pulse until a flour has formed. Add the remaining ingredients except for the chocolate chips and pulse until combined. Pour into a bowl and stir in chocolate chips. Roll into balls and store refrigerated in an airtight container. Makes about 9-10 large bites. 

{raw} banana & toasted coconut brownie pie

I don't what came over me, but the last few weeks my health-freak-ism has freakishly increased. The result? I got it in my big 'ol noggin that I could totally go raw for a week. 'Cuz, ya know. I have serious discipline and stuff. I messaged my friend on Facebook who's in the States at the moment {yay for fellow Freaks!!} and said I wish she was here to do it with me because, uhh. My family would never even think of doing anything remotely close to a diet. They love their pasta and doughnuts and Doritos way too much for that. My friend said she'd do it with me even though she's approximately 8236 miles away. Hey, whatever works, works.

If you don't know what a raw diet is, it's pretty self-explanatory. You just eat foods that are raw! It's mostly fruit and veggies, but also beans, nuts, and whole grains. I'm really getting creative with the grains. JUST KIDDING. The only way I can think of to eat whole grains RAW is overnight oats. So yes, I'll be living on raw oats for the next how many days. HA.

We started on Monday and about 5 minutes into it, I decided I needed coffee and cookies. It was the only way I could do to get through a morning of studying without passing out on my bed. Not even joking. I couldn't study in my room because I was afraid I was going to just fall over into a lack-of-coffee-coma. Don't worry though, guys. You know that serious discipline I mentioned? Turns out. It actually exists. I've gone 3 days without coffee and I'm still breathing! If you're not surprised by that bold statement I just made than you obviously don't know that coffee is basically what keeps me alive on a day to day basis. Well coffee and insulin.

Just because I'm going raw for a week does not mean I'll just eat spinach all the live long day and forget about the sweets. Uhh no. Sophie never forgets about the sweets. EVER. I need dessert every. day. whether that be ice cream with chocolate, peanut butter sauce, caramel, peanuts, banana, cherries, pineapple, and butterscotch {for the days when I'm feeling rather piggish.}, a smoothie, or some sort of healthy concoction like this herr pie. 

Remember when I made that chocolate peanut butter banana pie? That stuff is seriously, like… UGH. It shouldn't be healthy. But thank heavens it is because I could eat half the thing in one sitting. I seriously could. Don't test me. {although if ya wanted toooo….} I shnazzied up that pie and made this pie. GUUUUUYYZZEEEZ. It's better. The filling pretty much totally tastes like brownie batter. Yah. Brownie batter. And the crust is like a chocolate truffle. And the top if like crunchy munchy coconutty greatness. Don't you love the way I describe things? Har harrrr.

 I strongly urge you to make this pie. It's what dreams are made of!!! There's a little bit of everything in there. Peanut butter, chocolate {loooots and looooots and loooooots of chocolate.}, coconut, and banana. Plus it's no bake and super quick and easy. The only hard part is waiting. Which if you're kinda running low in the area of patience like yours truly, you could make this at night, pop it in the freezer, and it's ready to be chowed down upon for breakfast! Mhmmmm. 

{raw} banana & toasted coconut brownie pie 

crust: 

1 c. chopped dates

1/4 c. honey

3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 c. quick cooking oats

Blend all ingredients in a blender until the mixture resembles a coarse crumb. Press into a greased pie dish; set aside. 

filling:

2 bananas

3 tbsp. honey

1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 c. creamy peanut butter

2 tbsp. soymilk {or any kind of milk will work} 

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into prepared crust. Top with sliced bananas and toasted coconut.

cookie dough greek yogurt

Hmm. Totally not sure how to start this post. Or what to write in general. SO HEY. HI. HELLO. 

Here's some news! As if I'm not already totally obsessed, I'm becoming even MORE infatuated with healthy treats lately. Yup, I didn't think it was possible either. But it is, guys. It gosh dang IS.

I totally 1111100009% blame this issue of mine on Instagram. Seriously, whoa. There is a wealth of people out there posting beautiful photos that make me drool my eyeballs out {what?} over perfectly presented bowls of overnight oats, yogurt, nuts, and berries. I may or may not be becoming one of those people. HAAAAAALP.

Instagram is making me think it's totally a normal thing to lay the fruit in a perfect pinwheel, sprinkle it with pretty things, and take 10 minutes holding my iPod over my food trying to get the perfect picture. Gone are the days when I just mixed up granola, yogurt, and fruit and ate it right then and there. 

HEEEECK to the no. I have to make it PRETTY. Even if it means eating cold oatmeal or mushy fruit for breakfast. Meh fave.

{if you wanna follow my pretty food problems, click here. come to the dark side.}

Anyhoo, seeing that I follow about 400 people posting pretty food by the minute, it's no doubt, my issue is only getting worse. I wouldn't say it's a bad thing though. I'm becoming inspired to satisfy my sweet tooth with healthy things. No, not just an apple and peanut butter. Way too boring. 

ENTER cookie dough greek yogurt. YAAAH, I todes went there. And you should too. It tricks your brain into thinking you're eating something totally indulgent and calorie-laden. But nope, you're not. Take that BRAIN!!

P.S. If you need help justifying eating cookie dough for breakfast, don't worry your pretty little heart. I got chooo back… Top it off with banana slices and raw almonds. BOOM BANG POW SHEBANGG! Breakfast. 

cookie dough greek yogurt

3/4 c. greek yogurt
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. honey
1/2 tbsp. nut butter {i used peanut butter}
2 squares dark chocolate, chopped {I used 70%}

Mix all ingredient in a small bowl until evenly combined. Top off with fresh berries, banana, or almonds.

raw chocolate truffles

Oh my woooooooord, I haven't posted in a week! Hmm, let's not be stereotypical and go into this whole shebang about "ohemmgeeeeeee I've been so busy lately." and this, that, and the other thing. Instead, I'm going to tell you I was busy sitting on the beach. {for three days not 7 since my last post. But gimme a break people.} Trust me, it's not as glamorous as it sounds. We drove three hours to a German beach town on the coast of Namibia called Swakopmund. That place is seriously an oasis in the desert and our favorite place to escape to. 

But ya know how it's winter right now? Yah, well multiply our cold weather in Otji times 50. We were seriously freezing our buns off for those three days in Swakop. It was kind of sort of miserable. COLD WEATHER IN AFRICA! Isn't this a strange world we live in? Methinks yes.

Since all my brothers wanted to do was run around on the beach {where it's coldERRR} and swim in the water {where it's coldESSSST}, my mom and I did everything in our power to stay warm. This required coffee- much coffee. I had 5 cups in a day once. Or twice. 

Also some emergency shopping trips whose purpose was to find some wooly infinity scarves. But then we found snazzy sunglasses fooo cheeeeap. And boyfriend jeans were on sale. Oh gosh. My mom and I can do a lot of damage in not a lot of time. My dad just adores it. 

Surprisingly, we didn't only drink coffee and shop while we were there. We also took a little boat tour where we saw beautiful pelicans, seals, and dolphins. The morning fog that faded into the oceans expanse was a sight to behold and no photo or fancy camera lens could ever do it justice! I could just sit on a boat wrapped up in a blanket staring out into the distance for the rest of ever.

Whenever we're in Swakop, we always stuff ourselves to the brim, binging on sushi, pastries, gelato, and pretty much all the carbs in the land. I kept thinking "Ugh, this is so unhealthy. I'll just skip when we eat at the bakery." But then I realized was being to hard on myself and was missing out on some dang good food. I can just diet when I get home. So that's what I did. I ate what I wanted and I freaking enjoyed it, thank you very much. 

But when got home, I was seriously more than eager to dive back into green smoothies and salads. Since going on that diet a few months ago, I've realized dairy really is the culprit to my skin issues. If I over do it on yogurt for breakfast during the week or eat one too many cookies, my skin breaks out horribly. But when I cut dairy out completely, it worked wonders! The amount of dairy and sugar and gluten I consumed over the weekend was enough to make my skin go all wacky, so I'm back at it. 

These truffles are the perfect way to cure a sweet tooth the healthy way. They're raw, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, no-bake, require only five ingredients, and take only a few minutes to throw together. Plus, there's chocolate involved. Win win.  

{new nail polish. hardy har har.}

raw chocolate truffles

1 c. ground almonds {or 3/4 c. raw almonds, ground in a food processor or coffee grinder}

1 c. finely chopped dried dates

1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder + more for rolling

1/4 c. honey

1 tbsp. soymilk {or other non-dairy milk to keep it dairy-free}

Combine all ingredients using a fork or pressing with the tips of your fingers until the dough resembles a coarse crumb. Add more milk if it seems to dry. Roll dough into tablespoon sized balls and roll in extra cocoa powder. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate. 

my favorite green smoothie

I have this weird obsession with green smoothies. I think it's because of their adaptability. You can clean out the veggie drawer and fruit bowl with the swish of a blender. I have a green smoothie at least two or three times a week- they make a quick breakfast on the go, lunch, or snack and are the perfect remedy to an over-indulgent weekend of stressful eating. {I speak from experience.} I know a lot of people {my family included} stick up their noses at the thought of vegetables skiddaddling their way into their smoothies. But seriously, you guys. If you have the right balance of fruits and veggies, you don't taste the greens, but instead get the added nutrition and pretty color without any funky taste! 

Everyone has their own definition of the perfect green smoothie, but this is roughly the recipe I use. The creaminess of this smoothie comes from banana and avocado instead of yogurt since dairy makes my skin get all wacko. All those healthy fats are really good for healthy skin and hair! There's also some kiwi and honey for sweetness to balance out the spinach. Soy milk is used to thin it out, but you could use coconut milk, regular milk, fruit juice, or yogurt for extra creaminess. See what I mean when I say adaptable?! 

my favorite green smoothie

1 banana

1 kiwi

1/2 avocado

handful of fresh spinach

1/2 c. soymilk {or other milk or juice}

1 1/2 c. ice cubes

1 tbsp. honey

Place all ingredients in a blender; cover and blend until smooth.

no bake trail mix cookies

The last few days, I've gone through a box of tissues and a few rolls of toilet paper. Been close to coughing my brains out. Taken numerous bubble baths. Worn nothing but pajamas and yoga pants. Spent hours in bed reading. Eaten mainly chicken soup and smoothies for my meals. And have watched tons of movies and episodes of the Office. 

In case you can't tell, I've come down with one heck of a cold. 

I felt it coming on when we were in the car driving to Windhoek for the day. That night, I was so miserable laying on that hotel room floor and didn't sleep a bit due to my stuffed up nose, congested chest, and sore throat. 

What. a. dream. 

Trust me, I love being lazy- I'm basically a professional. 

But after day one, I'm ready to not be sick in bed. It drives me CAAAHHHRAAAZAAAAAY. Not to mention, since I haven't exercised since Wednesday, I feel like a big old blob. 

Unless I want to cough and wheeze to my death, I probably won't be able to run until next week. 

I am starting to feel a lot better though. I'm still so stuffed up, but I can actually taste some of the things I eat. My energy is coming back too... enough so that I was able to climb a water tower last night. 

BUUUUUUUT that's a whole other story. 

I have also come to the conclusion that the Office is basically the best show there ever was.

In one episode when Andy said "My whole life is a freaking snot bubble!", I found it oddly hilarious and relevant. I laughed so hard.

And then had a cough attack and nearly died.

Gross, sorry.

Anyways, this post is pretty scattered, but I figured I'd end it with something appropriate to a food blog… Food!

These cookies take about 5 minutes from bowl to face hole and you don't even have to turn on the oven! The base for the cookies is honey, peanut butter, and oats- that's it. I love this combo and, I'm gonna admit, at times when I need something sweet {which is. umm. always.}, I mix those ingredients together in a bowl and eat it with my fingers like cookie dough. 

For add-ins I just grabbed what I could find out of the cupboard. Raisins, peanuts, chocolate chunks, almonds, and flax seeds. You could substitute whatever nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate you would like though- the possibilities are endless. 

no bake trail mix cookies

3/4 c. creamy peanut butter

1/4 c. + 2 tbsp. honey 

1 1/4 c. quick oats

2 tbsp. flax seeds

1/4 c. salted peanuts

1/4 c. seedless raisins

1/4 c. chopped almonds

1/2 c. chocolate chunks {or chocolate chips}

In a large mixing bowl, mix together all ingredients. Stir until combined. Roll dough into balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Press down with a fork or the palm of your hand. Store in a plastic container. 

peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough bars

Let us sing for joy. I made something packed with peanut butter, chocolate, sugar, butter, and calories. 

Good gracious, things such as this make my heart go pitter-patter. Yah, it's been awhile since I baked something not healthy. I mean, hey, healthy sweets are good every once in awhile. But everything in moderation, amiright? 

Of course, since my tastebuds haven't felt the presence of sugar in awhile due to the diet, I'm gonna be honest. I OD'd it on these. 

Totally, full-on, stuffed my face, couldn't stop, over did it. 

It's funny because I haven't cheated with dairy or gluten at all {I haven't had BREAD in weeks. Truth.}, but I have allowed sugar which is the thing I need to cut out the most. That probably made no sense, but just act like you understand, ok? 

Anyways. I ate a lot of these last night. They made me happy. And hyper. And I think you should make them. I'm happy we had company over that I was able to send them home with. Ooooootherwise, I would have eaten the whole dang pan by myself. Seriously, there might be something illegal in there. 

These bars literally taste like straight up peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough. HEA.VEN.LY. For shizzle. 

The good thing is, you can eat it all straight from the bowl if that's what your little heart desires. It's safe to eat- no flour {because raw flour tastes icky} or egg. Press into a pan, cover it in chocolate, roll it into balls, eat it with a spoon, do what you wish.

peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough bars

1/2 c. butter, softened

3/4 c. peanut butter

2 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 c. dark brown sugar

2 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 c. chocolate chips + 1 more cup for topping if desired

In a large bowl, whisk together butter, peanut butter, vanilla, and brown sugar. Add powdered sugar and mix until combined. Fold in chocolate chips and press into a greased pan {mine was small- like 5x6, but you could use a bigger pan for thinner bars} If desired, melt 1 c. chocolate chips and pour on top. Chill in refrigerator for 2+ hours and cut into squares.

peanut butter banana energy bars

{Note: I hesitated to post these because THE PICTURES ARE HORRIBLE. However, They're some of my favorite energy bars I've ever made and I think if you make them, you'll love them!}

I really super hope you're not sick of all these "energy bars" or "energy bite" concoctions I've been feeding you 3 times a week. 

I mean SERIOUSLY. Can you blame me? What's a girl to do when she can't have gluten {I cheated.}, dairy, or sugar? This is the closest thing I can have to a giant ice cream sundae covered in homemade chocolate fudge sauce, brownies, peanuts, peanut BUTTER {in my Buddy The Elf voice}, and bananas. 

Wait. I might have done that Friday night. Whoops? I'm a bad dieter. 

Anyways, please don't worry. I'm probably just going through a phase or something… But if this sticks, who knows! Maybe I'll have a homemade energy bar business when I grow up! 

Seriously, I'm kinda not even kidding. 

Today, I bring you bananas and peanut butter all wrapped up into a chewy, addicting, bar that can be made in a matter of minutes. 

Yah, yah, I know, I know. 

EVERYTHING in the recent weeks has either contained chocolate, peanut butter, bananas, oats, was no bake, or even BETTER- all of the above. You can't get sick of that? Can you? 

Please assure me the answer is no. 

peanut butter banana energy bars

1 c. chopped dates

1/2 c. creamy peanut butter

2 tbsp. honey

2 1/2 c. crispy rice cereal, crushed

1 small banana

In a large bowl, combine the chopped dates, honey, and banana. Add in peanut butter and crushed cereal. Stir until combined. Press into a 9x9 pan lined with parchment paper. {My bars didn't take up the entire pan. I just pressed them into a square because I wanted them to be thick.} Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Cut into squares and store wrapped in plastic wrap or in a plastic container.

fruit & nut energy bites

So, ya know that whole "challenge" thing {no d-word} I'm doing? Well, I'm actually kinda sorta loving it. Way more than I thought I would at least.

I hardly even eat bread, but of course when I can't, it's all I'm thinking about. Again with that whole food consuming my thoughts… It's like a disease!!

Anyways, I'm learning to live with it and instead eat corn cakes, brown rice, and oats as my carbs. It's interesting to see what I can and can't eat. Of course, I'm not being SUPER strict about it. Or at least when it comes to the gluten part, because we think it's either dairy or sugar.

Food interests me a lot, so I went into full-on food nerd mode and read about gluten and what kinds of everyday foods are {and aren't} gluten free.

I looked up oats and apparently there's controversy over such. I read that oats say they contain gluten only because of contamination {like there being gluten in the production facilities} or if it was grown next to a grain containing gluten.

So since I'm not actually ALLERGIC to gluten, I'm gonna keep oats in my diet. After all, it's pretty much the only grain I can find here that I can eat for the next month. Almond flour and all that other weird stuff? Nowhere. In fact, I'm pretty sure if you asked someone if they knew where you could find hemp flour {that's a thing, isn't it?}, they'd look at you like you had five heads.

Trust me, I'm all too familiar with getting weird looks.

You're probably wondering how in the heck I'm somewhat enjoying this.

WELL, three days into it, and I can already tell a difference in my skin. Not only that, but I feel so much better! I thought I ate healthy, but I'm really starting to be able to tell I could have been doing so much better. I'm amping up my intake of protein, fruits, and veggies, and I can definitely tell a difference in the way I feel after I eat. So much less bloated, but perfectly full.

SOOO anyhoooozles- enough about that.

Today's my birthday! And these things are my birthday cake. How sad IS that? Hooray for oats and honey and nuts and fruit! Not my typical sugar feast, but I guess I can deal.

P.S. Since I'm focusing mainly on cutting out dairy and sugar, I used regular oats and rice krispies in this recipe. They both have just a liiiiiiitle bit of gluten in them, but if you're looking for a totally gluten free version, just use 1 1/4 c. gf oats instead.

fruit & nut energy bites

1/2 c. chopped dates

1/4 c. honey

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 c. rice krispies, crushed

3/4 c. oats

2 tbsp. raisins

2 tbsp. salted peanuts

3 tbsp. banana chips, roughly chopped

2 tbsp. dried cranberries

3 tbsp. sunflower seeds

In a large bowl, combine the chopped dates, honey, and vanilla extract. Add the crushed cereal and oats. Fold in the dried nuts and fruit and stir until everything is combined. Roll into balls about 1 1/2 tbsp. each and store in an airtight container or plastic bag. 

chewy chocolate energy bites

The last few mornings, I've taken Carl for a walk. If you don't know who Carl is, he's my pet turtle. Just kidding, he's my huge 120 pound baby rottweiler! He's the cutest thing ever, despite the amount of toilet paper and other non edible objects he consumes on a daily basis. He's got quite the funny personality too. He loves to sit on people because he thinks he's approximately the size of a poodle. Carl's got identity issues.

Anyways, I think he has ADHD times a thousand, so we don't bring him for walks often {read: EVER}. That AND you know how the dogs are here… They bark at you like nobody's business and the owners just leave the gates open so that their dogs can so lovingly approach you. Or attack you. 

The last time we took him outside of the gate was probably at least 5 months ago. Poor guy, so anti-social like. That didn't go well… Our walk was like 5 feet long because he was going bonkers and decided he wanted to roll over and lay down in the middle of the road. Cool, Carl. Cool. 

You should see people's faces when they see us coming down the road. At one point in our walk the other morning, there were lots of people out walking. But when they saw Carl and I coming down the road, everyone moved to the other side. It was kinda hilarious. Because none of the dogs here are really taken care of let alone walked on a daily basis, we get some pretty funny and scared for their life looks. 

WELL! Turns out, his skills have improved over the months. I don't know HOW since he doesn't have much experience, but I'll take it. I took him on a route on a side of the neighborhood where the dogs are better behaved. Yah, the neighborhood is split up into areas of good dogs and bad dogs. But, he did WAY better than I expected. Baby boy didn't even bark the whole time and just kinda… Stared at the other dogs. "Yah, Look at me. I'm outside of the gate, suckers!" 

Towards the end of the walk, he's so pooped, so I decide to take advantage of it and run a little bit. First, he starts of walking and I'm pretty much dragging this dumb 120 pound dog down the road. But then, he gets little bursts of energy and pulls me with all his might. It's kinda like an "I pull you, you pull me." situation. So… my arms are pretty sore. 

In other news… I made you energy bites. They're chocolatey and healthy. Surprised? Perfect for a post-walk snack! Or any-time-of-the-day snack. 

chewy chocolate energy bites

makes 9 medium sized bites

1 1/4 c. dried pitted dates, finely chopped

3 tbsp. honey

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 c. oats

3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 c. dark chocolate chips

In a large bowl, combine the dates, honey, and vanilla. Add oats and cocoa and fold in dark chocolate chips. Roll dough into balls; about 1 1/2 tablespoons each. Place into an airtight container or plastic bag and store refrigerated.