Healthy Protein Cocoa Puffs

“You’re disciplined with what you want to be disciplined about.”

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A favorite podcast segment:

“I’m 50 years old.  I work out every day, but continue to make poor eating choices.”

“Are you one of these people who thinks there’s some magical thing that somebody can say or do to you so you’ll stop being lazy and self-indulgent?  Because that’s where the words lazy and self-indulgent come from – from people who indulge themselves rather than do what they’re supposed to do.  So with whatever discipline you use to work out, you use the same discipline for eating.  There’s simply no other magic.”

“But I feel like there’s something you can do to help break this”

“Yes, order a piece of fish .. grilled.”

“Well, I’ll make those choices and go along for about two weeks. “

“Ma’am, we don’t have to go into your childhood angst, there is you being self-indulgent.  I work out, so I’m going to eat this.  Whatever you use for two weeks to not be stupid in your choices, you use for the rest of the month

There’s no magic

So the next time you order fried chicken say, ‘I’m lazy and self-indulgent, and I’m going to enjoy every greasy moment of this’  But at least be honest with yourself.”

“I guess I thought that since I’m so disciplined with my workouts.”

“You’re disciplined with what you choose to be disciplined about.  Well, you’re going to have to expand your choices, or never bring it up again because it’s just going to make you look silly.  I’m very disciplined in my workout, but I don’t want to be disciplined in my eating.

I want to make that some neurotic process that somebody else has to fix, so I don’t have to take responsibility for wanting that ..

doughnut!

You don’t think I want doughnuts?!  I could eat a dozen all by myself, but I don’t even have one.  I remember them, though.  If could know an hour before I’m going to die, I’d eat a dozen if I’m going to die anyway ..

I might as well die with my arteries all screwed up”     ~ Dr. Laura | October 6, 2014 | Hour 3

There are some podcasts, websites, articles, and friends that I’ve learned to keep at the ready.  For the times I’m feeling stressed,  blue, or generally out of sorts.  The kinds of moments I could be easily be eating cookies.  The kinds of moments when my reaction could be to numb

What I’ve discovered about a life skill like discipline, one only gets better with practice.  I want it to become a habit ingrained in my spirit, not just something that helps get me over a hump

So the past few weeks, I’ve committed to being present about the food I put into my body.  Why do I want that particular thing?  Is it because I’m bored, tired, stressed, ambivalent?  Or is it because I’m seeking nourishment?

I’m present and listening to not only my body but my heart.

A fun recipe to share as we head into the weekend.

The past few years I haven’t been big cereal eater, but every now and again, it really does hit the spot.  Especially on nights when I’m home alone.  There’s something that reminds me of being a kid, filling my favorite bowl with milk, cereal, and a few slices of banana to top it off.

If you’re looking for the sugary taste of your childhood favorite, these aren’t it.  Instead, something different altogether.

I’ve become convinced I don’t need a slew of sugary, buttery ingredients to inch me closer to where I was because at some point the only thing they offer is a reminder of what I can’t have, and most importantly, where I don’t want to be.

They work well with the three types of chocolate powders I’ve experimented with:  cocoa, cacao, and chocolate protein powder. When made with cocoa powder, they tasted the sweetest.  Protein powder is always a great option for those who like to incorporate it into some of their meals.

Cacao powder is the least processed as well as the least sweet and provides a wealth of additional nutrients.  Be sure to remember, if using protein or cacao powder, keep an eye on the dough as you may need to add a bit of extra liquid.

A few tips:

Rolling the little puffs can be a bit tedious, although it picked up after I developed a process.  I also found the dough much easier to handle after being chilled in the fridge or freezer.

The first batch that emerged from the oven, I wasn’t smitten.  That is until I let them sit in my bowl of nut milk for a minute or so.  After that, there was no turning back

Though almond milk is a staple in our fridge, there’s something about chocolate and hazelnut that can’t be beaten.  If you haven’t made homemade nut milk, hazelnut in particular, and would like to expand your horizons, this would be a great time to give it a try.

Wishing you the happiest of weekends ahead

Enjoy!

xoxo

ps:  Another of my favorite thoughts on discipline .. here

pps:  What’s the difference in cocoa powder and cacao powder?  A few interesting articles: here, here, and here

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~ Adapted from Heathers French Press