Are You a Stress Eater, Tips to Manage Impulsive Eating, Cherry Pistachio Protein Bars

How is everyone doing? How are you handling social distancing? Are you taking care of yourself?

We are certainly going through some difficult times. It’s new territory for everyone! Just like everyone else, I look forward to when we get back to normal. To be honest, I am not quite sure what our new normal will look like, or when that will be?

In the mean time, I honestly believe there has never been a better time to take better care of ourselves. Ask yourself, “are you doing everything you can to help our country survive this epidemic and future ones?

The other day I was rearranging my Super Food Cupboard and found the a small bag of unsweetened sour dried cherries which was left over after making this delicious sourdough bread. I also had some hemp hearts, crispy pistachios, dates, coconut oil, and of course my favorite protein powder. These ingredients all came together beautifully to make an incredibly tasty and healthy protein bar.

Just like most others, my diet and lifestyle are not perfect. I doubt anyone is, but do you think you can do better? I honestly believe if we don’t make some serious changes about our food choices, our life/work balance, and how we treat our earth, we will have more serious epidemics and life challenges in the future. How about we try to support our local farmers, eat more plant based foods, exercise more, get outside on a daily basis, drink more water, breathe, etc.

Just a few small changes can make a huge difference…..below is a powerful message which I thought was worth sharing. I listened to this on my 2 1/2 hour run Friday and I found myself wiping away tears towards the end of this podcast. Yes I was tired, which makes me more emotional, but this message is outstanding. Are you interested in taking a more proactive roll in your own health? I hope so…….

I admit, I am NOT a STRESS EATING individual but I do recognize it’s REAL for a lot of people. In fact, the opposite most often happens to me. My all ready high metabolism goes even higher. I find myself taking more breaks to just breathe. I am busier than I have ever been so I continue to do activities that help me relieve stress. These include running, HIT workouts, strength workouts, yoga, breath work, eating healthier, calling or texting friends and family, and taking my supplements.

Being cooped up inside can invite unhealthy eating habits like snacking out of boredom or emotional binge eating. Here is a simple list of things I shared with my husband….Hope you also find it helpful.

• Eat as many vegetables as you can. My goal is at least 6 fistfuls of veggies a day! Most often I get 9 in. Veggies are loaded with antioxidants that will help bolster your immune system plus, they’re packed with gut-filling fiber therefore loading up on those will mean you’ll have less room for junk food. (I like to keep a variety of colorful veggies around with lots of hummus or guacamole for smart snacking).
• Always eat on a plate – not out of packaging, to put a barrier between yourself and the bottom of the potato chip bag. If you have to get up and go back to the kitchen to get a refill there’s a good chance you might decide not to bother standing up at all. Try these….they are so GOOD and healthier!
• Drink MORE water. Not only does water serve to enhance detoxification (which is critical for your immune system) but it’s also important for appetite regulation. In fact, much of the time when we “feel” hungry, we are actually just dehydrated. Try adding a pinch of pink Himalyan sea salt to your water or your smoothies to enhance mineral retention (this will keep your electrolytes balanced).
• After eating, wait 20 minutes and do something else, such as stretching, reading or calling a friend or loved one. If you are truly hungry after 20 minutes, have something else, but usually after 20 minutes, your body recognizes you’re full.
• Make room for a healthy “dessert” — a psychological one, not a caloric one. These Pistachio Protein Bars are the BOMB! Or try greek yogurt with a little bit of cocoa powder, a few frozen berries and Stevia!
• Have a cutoff time for eating in the evening to curtail late night grazing.
• Get outside! We can still run, walk, or jog. THANK GOD!
• Have you tired Bullet Proof Coffee? Try adding just a tablespoon of coconut-derived MCTs to your diet. Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a special form of saturated fat with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that not only support your immune system, but also dramatically reduce your appetite, enhance energy, and improve brain function. I mix a tablespoon into my coffee every morning. On my Intermittent Fasting days I will have a second tablespoon in a cup of Energizing green tea about noon.
• Last but not least, take good quality supplements! I personally love Shaklee. They are always safe, they always work, and they are always green. I love the Immunity Power Pack they currently have at a discount.

Their protein powder not only makes delicious smoothies and bowls, but tasty snacks too. I am super excited to share my newest protein bar.

These bars are delicious, healthy, and I promise will satisfy your cravings. Use you favorite protein powder if you don’t have Shaklee’s Plant based one.

CHERRY PISTACHIO PROTEIN BARS:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 cup crispy pistachios
• 1/4 cup hemp hearts
• 1/2 cup pitted dates
• 1/2 cup unsweetened dried cherries
• 2 tablespoons raw cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup plant protein
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 tablespoon coconut oil
• pinch pink Hymalyan sea salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Pulse pistachios and hemp hearts in food processor for about 30 seconds or until chopped into small pieces
2. Add remaining ingredients and pulse till well blended
3. Add more coconut oil only if needed to hold together.
4. Scoop into a parchment lined baking pan and smooth top with back of spoon
5. Refrigerate or Freeze for at least an hour.
6. Release edges with a knife and flip pan to invert bars. Cut into 8 equal servings.

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Do you incorporate Plant Based Meals weekly?

How many fistfuls of veggies are you eating on a daily basis?

What’s your favorite way to exercise outside?

Are you listening to more podcasts since being quarantined?