I am not a stress eater, I am a stress cooker who will make lovely dishes and then not care about eating them.

I've baked Skinner Oatmeal Cookies twice during quarantine, but always with almond flour and either Truvia or Splenda Brown. Unfortunately, these cookies are not carb or calorie free, so I still have to be reasonable. I'll have one or two, the rest eaten by my husband who is a sugar hound.

If you have kids, bake with them. It's important for them to see you cook. It's important for them to know how to cook. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR KIDS SEE HOW TO HANDLE ADVERSITY WHERE FOOD IS AN ISSUE AND POSSIBLY IN SHORT SUPPLY. An adult should be able to feed themselves without take out or junk food. A great lesson for your child.

Right now I am going to be that good friend who tells you the leggings *do not* look good on you - the kind of friend where you don't get mad because you know they are right. The cookies still have calories. They aren't a green light to snack. They aren't HEALTHY cookies. They are just slightly lower in calories. However, they will keep you honest and out of the junk IF you are in control.

Here's the deal. If you pay attention for the next few days and don't keep feeding yourself excuses, you'll be in control again. That's all it will take. Just get a little focus under your belt and things will snowball fast in a good direction.

Skinnier Oatmeal Cookies

makes 24 cookies

Ingredients
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened dried coconut ( if you do not have this, use an additional 1/2 cup oats)
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup raisins, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup packed Splenda brown
  • 1/4 cup Truvia for baking
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, coconut, flour, raisins, baking soda and salt; set aside.
  • Using an electric mixer, beat butter with the Splenda Brown and Truvia until light and fluffy, scraping down bowl as necessary.
  • Add egg and vanilla; beat until blended. Gradually add oat mixture; mix until just until combined.
  • Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls - I use a small metal ice cream type scoop - 2 inches apart, onto two baking sheets.
  • Bake until cookies are golden brown but still soft to the touch, 12 to 14 minutes .
  • Cool 5 minutes on sheets; transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro-Tip: Tell yourself you can have ONE after dinner.

Do not wait until 8:00 pm to have "some" while you watch more TV. Do not tell yourself they will be nice to munch on over coffee on the back porch with your morning coffee since you don't have to rush to the office right now. ONE after a meal so you can have a "treat" while your surgical tool limits your portions because you already ate ample protein & veggies.

January 05, 2000
Bariatric Recipes Advice, Rants & Support Podcast: Real Talk