If you’ve gotten a chance to read our September newsletter (subscribe here), you know that September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.

Studies and statistics tell us that over 17% of the nation’s children and teenagers were considered obese in 2012- a figure that is increasing every year. These kids have an increased risk for Type 2 Diabetes, heart diseases, several types of cancers, joint problems, sleep apnea, asthma, and high blood pressure. They are also likely to experience a lowered self-esteem and social discomfort.

Those numbers and facts are frightening, to say the least. So what can you as a parent do to help fight childhood obesity in your own home? If your child is overweight or obese, it is important to scale back their calories (mostly from added fats and sugars) but to also allow them enough calories for normal growth and development.  Find ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and nuts and legumes into your daily menu. Kids aren’t famous for their vegetable intake, but there are ways to sneak it into their food without them knowing.

My mom is notorious among our friends and family for her Vegetable Cakes. She uses box cake mix, eggs, water, and tons of grated vegetables like squash, zucchini, carrots, and cabbage.  People LOVE them! The trick is that she doesn’t tell them what kind of cake it is until after they try it (and love it).

Today I want to share a similar recipe for a cookie chock-full of veggies with no sugar (besides that from natural ingredients).

I’m not sure if more of this dough went in my mouth or in the oven, but they taste great either way. This is one cookie you DON’T have to feel guilty about 🙂

Natural Carrot & Oat Cookies

What you need:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 3 T peanut butter (almond butter, sunflower butter, or any other nut butter will work too)
• 1/2 c unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 c Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 2 T Chia Seeds
• 1/2 c grated or shredded carrots
• 1/4 c dried blueberries, cranberries, or raisins
• 1/4 c pumpkin seeds
• 1/3 c dark chocolate chips

Directions:

• 1. Mix and mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl.

2. Add peanut butter, applesauce, and vanilla to the bowl and stir to combine (Looks nice right?)

3. Add the carrots and all of your dry ingredients and continue mixing until everything is evenly mixed.

• Spoon dough onto a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 14 minutes, or until firm.

• Enjoy a cookie for breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner, and feel good about it!