Here’s is an incredible gift for the New Year… a cookie that combines lazy, delicious, and good-for-you all in one cute yummy package. But, seriously I wish I created these a while ago. These are perfect to satisfy your cookie craving (I recommend throwing in some chocolate chips too to take it to the next level). Not to mention, they are vegan, gluten free, oil free, salt free, and refined sugar-free. Oh baby! 

Here is the recipe & How-to: 

Ingredients (makes 10-12 cookies):

1 cup gluten free rolled oats

1 cup Medjool dates (pitted and soaked for at least 20 min to soften) 

1/2 cup natural salt-free peanut butter 

Instructions:

1. Add oats to a food processor or blender and blend into a flour.

2. Add dates & peanut butter and blend until a dough forms.

3. Scoop out roughly 2-tbsp amounts and roll into balls.

4. Use a fork to press into cookies and create a cross hatch design on top.

5. Enjoy and place in the fridge for up to a week and the freezer for up to a month.

Okay, grab your cookie and get ready because here is some super useful knowledge that is going to make your new year easy, healthy, and fun: 

MY TOP TIPS FOR MEAL PREP

Let me just start out saying that I am by no means a meal prep queen, but I have noticed that there are so many benefits when I commit to making this happen on a weekly basis.

Here are some of the top reasons why you should make meal prep a priority:

1. Save time

2. Save money

3. Reduce stress and anxiety over what to eat

4. Nourish your body with healthy whole foods

5. Meal prep truly is an act of self love and commitment to becoming the best version of you

Meal prep is the secret to saying goodbye to random take-out orders, too frequent trips to the grocery store, unsatisfying & boring meals, and constantly feeling stressed about what to eat or to prepare for your family. 

Here are some things to consider and all the tips & tricks to making this a regular thing in 2021:

#1. What kind of meal prepper are you? First, get real with your time and schedule. Some people like to do a massive meal prep on Sundays, while others like to do 2-3 mini meal preps throughout the week. Take some time to consider what fits you and your lifestyle best.

#2. Take one day to plan & one day to prep. For example, give yourself 30 minutes or so on a Saturday to look through Pinterest or flip through your favorite cookbook and pick the recipes you want to create that week. Make a menu for the week, write down what you will need to prep, and create a grocery list. Now on meal prep day, everything should be a breeze… 

#3. Set aside anywhere between 1-3 hours for your meal prep. Head to the store, wash, chop, and prepare. I suggest washing and chopping fruits and veggies, making your soups/ stews, preparing sauces, making big batches of grains and beans, overnight oats, freezing fruit for smoothies, etc. 

#4. Invest in quality food storage containers. I suggest air-tight glass tupperware as the best option. Normally, food should last up to 4-5 days when stored properly.

#5. Make it fun! Meal prep time really can be something you look forward to. Invite your kids or friends to join you, play music, a podcast, or audio book. Give yourself time to slow down, be present with the art of cooking, and feel good about making a positive step towards setting up your week. 

#6. Make use of freezing meals. If you know you won’t be able to finish all the food in time, or have a large amount of leftovers, store them in the freezer. There will be a time when you are in a pinch and a perfectly frozen meal will come in handy. I suggest freezing meals in glass instead of plastic. 

#7. Meal prep smoothies. If you have super busy mornings and smoothies are your go-to, make your life easy and prepare these for  the week. Simply put everything you want in the smoothie (except liquid or any wet ingredients) in a Ziplock and store in the freezer. That way all you need to do is add liquid to your blender in the morning, dump your baggie, blend, and go-go! 

I hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know your favorite ways to meal prep.

If you are looking for a little more guidance, download my FREE 5 Day Reset Guide HERE. I give you a full 5 day meal plan, grocery list, and meal prep guide to make your first go super easy, delicious, and fun. 

Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year! xo