Sweet Potato Brownies

I LOVE treats! But, as I learned on the cleanse I did, treats are my nemesis. It is interesting to discover that things you ate regularly (more regularly than you'd even care to admit) make you feel so crummy! Before the cleanse, I didn't attribute changes to my body's physical and mental health to the foods I was eating. After eating so clean for three weeks, and really being mindful about what I was eating, I continue to learn so much!
For example, yesterday was my baby's birthday AND Easter. Candy and treats were abounding all week. I held off pretty well, but yesterday I told myself I could enjoy the festivities, including the food. Here is what happened: it didn't taste a great as I remembered and I not only had a bellyache, I was grumpy! Today, my kids were all in tears about menial things and they are tired and grumpy too!
Don't try to tell me sugar isn't bad for you! Hahaha.

I have been wanting to try a recipe my friend, Michelle, sent me and today seemed like a good day. There are still treats in the house and I WILL NOT eat them! But, I will eat my Sweet Potato Brownies! Don't be fooled, they do not taste exactly like brownies, but they are good and guilt free! Give them a try and let me know what you think.

Ingredients

1 cup of cooked sweet potato, smashed (about one medium sweet potato) 1/2 cup of cashew butter 2 tablespoons of maple syrup 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder 1 good size handful of carob chips (I used three pieces of dark chocolate roughly chopped) 1 egg, whisked

Preheat oven 350. Spray loaf pan. Mix all ingredients together, except carob chips. Add those in last. Put in loaf pan. Bake for 25 minutes.
After they are cooled put it in the fridge. They are best served cold.

No Bake Energy Bites

Sometimes I just want to pretend like I'm eating cookie dough. I cannot be alone!

No bake energy bites are a great solution to this problem. I don't even bother rolling them up. I just slap them in a container and eat them straight from the container. I allow myself a spoonful (or two) a day. It is a great way to satisfy those time of the month cravings. I know you know what I mean!

I found the recipe I use HERE at Gimmesomeoven. I love that there are so many variations and you can pretty much use what is in your cupboard and get something pretty yummy and cookie-dough-esque.

Bananas Foster

When I was on vacation a couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go on a date with my sweet hubbabloo! We enjoyed dessert at the Raintree Cafe in St. Augustine. I had a Bananas Foster Crepe. It was very delicious, and today I was wanting something sweet and bananay to eat. I found this recipe on teambeachbody.com

I didn't have any ripe bananas, so I popped some in the oven at 300 degrees for about 40 minutes. Great hack if you need ripe bananas and have none on hand.

Total Time: 21 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 6 min.
Makes 4 servings, about ⅓ cup each

Ingredients:
2 tsp. raw honey
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
Nonstick cooking spray
2 large ripe bananas, cut into ½-inch slices

Instructions:
1. Combine honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl; mix well. Set aside.
2. Heat medium nonstick skillet, lightly 
coated with spray, over medium-high heat.
3. Add bananas; cook, gently stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add honey mixture; cook, gently stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until bananas are well coated and soft.
5. Serve immediately.

Tip: Use a nonstick coconut spray for additional flavor.