Nutty and delicious, a nutrient dense and filling snack perfect for the kids school lunch boxes!
*Only 5g Net Carbs per serve compared with average 18g Carbs for standard version
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serves: 10 pieces
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole almonds, roughly chopped
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 1 cup coconut flakes
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup natvia sweetener (or similar granulated sweetener)
- 2 Tbsp almond butter (or any preferred nut butter)
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 2 Tbsp sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup dark chocolate (min. 70% cocoa), chopped
- ¼ tsp salt
Method
Preheat oven to 180°C and line a 20cm square tray with non-stick baking paper.
- Place first three ingredients on three separate baking trays and bake until golden brown. Watch oven closely as coconut will take around 3 minutes, slivered almonds around 8 minutes and chopped almonds around 15 minutes. Remove and cool (place nuts on a plate in fridge if wanting to cool super fast).
- Add egg and sweetener to a medium mixing bowl and whisk until well combined.
- Add nut butter and coconut oil to a mug and microwave for 30 seconds on high until smooth. Pour into egg mixture and whisk to combine well.
- Add all remaining ingredients to egg mixture including cooled nuts. Mix to combine well.
- Spoon into prepared tray and press down firmly with large metal spoon (or clean wet hands) to ensure mixture is packed down well.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until top is golden brown. Cool in tray completely before slicing with a sharp knife. Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Are you wondering why everyone is talking about reducing carbohydrates and sugar? Are you curious to learn more about intermittent fasting, keto or paleo and whether it could benefit you in some way?
Linda Martinucci has created Simply Swap Foods to share the message that it really is simple to swap to a better way of eating and live your best life full of vibrant energy no matter how old you are.
Why swap foods?
When approaching middle age, Linda noticed her weight was increasing plus energy levels and mental clarity were at an all time low. Frustrated by all the confusing and conflicting health and dietary messages, Linda embarked on a journey to research the latest scientific medical studies around nutrition and health and was amazed at the findings. Incorporating her discoveries into everyday life resulted in a remarkable transformation for both Linda and her husband who lost 35kg of excess weight between them over eight months. They also found that they no longer suffered from afternoon brain fog and had energy levels return that they hadn’t felt for decades.
The secret to success
One of the keys to success and staying motivated was continuing to enjoy their traditional favourite meals and desserts. With delicious cakes and desserts still on the menu, there was no reason to seek out the unhealthy alternatives. Linda spent time developing lots of recipes that are low in refined sugar and naturally lower in carbohydrates so your insulin levels remain steady and you don’t feel hungry all the time.
So how many carbs should we eat*?
There are many factors to take into account when calculating your daily carb level however current research suggests between 20 to 50 grams per day is optimal for most people. The average Australian consumes 300 grams per day with 120g of these carbohydrates coming straight from sugar. This equates to a crazy 30 teaspoons of sugar every day, often unknowingly through added sugars in processed food. Simply removing processed foods from your diet will drastically cut your overall carbohydrate intake and improve your health very quickly.
*Information sourced from ‘Low Carb Down Under’ website www.lowcarbdownunder.com.au
Weight loss + feeling great = motivation
The benefits of going back to eating real food – dropping excess weight, increased energy and huge improvement in mental clarity – are just some of the reasons why it’s easy to stay motivated. Transitioning to a healthier way of eating for life doesn’t have to involve lots of deprivation.
Join the Simply Swap Foods community
Linda is sharing her recipes and information to give help and hope to anyone looking to improve their eating to feel their best or for health reasons. There are many free recipes on her website and social media pages plus Linda has been working hard on a range of recipe ebooks which will be released online soon. For more information, check out the website www.simplyswapfoods.com.au and follow Simply Swap Foods on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates, photos and recipes.
You really can have your cake and feel great too!
*(As always seek the advised of a qualified health professional before drastically changing your diet)