Make Your Oatmeal Cookies Healthier
By Donna Stark
Don't you just love the sweet, warm smell of freshly baked oatmeal cookies wafting through your home? You really can't get much better than that, can you? Well, at least until it came time to eat them, right? But let's not stop there. Let's take this delectable fantasy one level higher by dreaming about oatmeal cookies that are actually good for us! What? A cookie that is good for you? Well, it may not rank high on the list of health foods but oatmeal cookies are far better than some of the others. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Oatmeal Cookies Are Healthier
You may already know that oatmeal cookies contain more protein, fiber, and calcium than some of your other favorite treats, but did you know you can make them even healthier? It's true! Since oatmeal cookies are extremely versatile, you can choose to do whatever you want with them. Here are some suggestions of ingredients to try that will not only enhance the flavor but will also increase the nutrition of the next batch you make.
- Dried fruits, such as raisins and cranberries, will increase fiber and antioxidants
- Peanut butter increases protein and healthy fats
- Dark chocolate chips contain a decent amount of antioxidants and minerals
- Ground flax seed or chia seeds increases healthy omega-3 fatty acids
- Mashed bananas will add some extra potassium
Special Requests Are Easy, Too!
The best thing about baking your favorite treats at home is that you will always have complete control over what goes into them, and that means you can take special orders. Do you have someone in your home who is gluten-free or who is trying to eliminate sugar from their diet? No worries! Because in addition to the ingredients above, there are other simple ways you can make your oatmeal cookies healthier. Try switching your white flour to whole-wheat flour, use sugar-free applesauce in place of oils, and say goodbye to refined sugar by using honey or pureed fruit. There really is no limit to the amount of health benefits you can gain when you make your own cookies at home.
Don't Go Overboard
Even though you are making your oatmeal cookies healthier, you need to remember they are still a treat. So go ahead and enjoy what you have baked but be sure to consume in moderation. There is no such thing as a completely guilt-free cookie!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bernalillo, N.M.