Sweets and Treats

Z’s Choco Chip EX cookies

Sugar-free, low-carb, THM-S, Keto

Why the EX?

There are chocolate chip cookies, and then there are chocolate chip cookies with “EXtra” stuff in them. Hence the “EX”. (No, I wasn’t going to talk about one of my ex’s, sorry if you were looking for some drama! I aint no drama mama! lol.)

These bad boys are lightly sweetened and have Lilly’s dark chocolate chips, so they are the perfect little not-too-sweet snack.

I often like to create recipes that are both delicious and also beneficial to my health. These cookies do both!

Choco chip X

The “extra” ingredients really aren’t needed to create a sweet treat, but isn’t nice to know that you are having a sweet treat AND helping your body be healthy? I don’t know about you, but I sure do!

Here are the two “Extra” ingredients that are in these bad boys:

Flax meal: Ground flax seeds, which is known as flax meal is very good for you. Omega-3 essential fatty acids, “good” fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s. Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. I love to use GROUND flax seeds (flax meal) because once the flax seeds are ground, your body can digest the awesome vitamins and minerals that the seeds possess. If you just eat straight up flax seeds, they will pass right through your body, and you won’t benefit from their nutritious benefits.

Protein powder: Protein powder is a popular nutritional supplement. Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build muscle, repair tissue, and make enzymes and hormones. Using protein powder may also aid weight loss and help people tone their muscles. I like to use a protein powder that has three different kinds of protein in it. It allows your body to digest these separate proteins in a slower fashion, thus helping aid building muscle! Yes please!

The art of baking low-carb

I have learned that baking with almond flours and other low carb flours is an art. It really is. I have had many failures when creating healthier recipes, and have learned a lot about what not to do.

Almond flour is my preferred “low-carb” flour. I have heard of people liking to bake with coconut flour, but unfortunately, I have NEVER had luck with it. Not only does it does it have the consistency of chalk, but the coconut flavor permeates through everything!

Perhaps you like the taste of coconut, but I do not. That is why I have learned to love baking with almond flour. One of the tricks that I have learned is to use xanthan gum to bind the flour together. I’m not sure scientifically how that works, but I have found it to be very helpful in the texture of my cookies.

cookies on baking sheet

I am still learning to bake in a low carb fashion, and to make the textures just as good as the traditional recipes. And I do still occasionally like to make yummy traditionally baked treats as well (i.e. regular chocolate chips cookies, full of sugar and butter). I do however, love to experiment at making cookies and treats that I feel less guilty eating. Because I love treats!

The Recipe

This recipe is really easy. I just add the “wet” ingredients first in the stand mixer, mix the dry ingredients together and then throw it all in the stand mixer to mix. After that, I let the cookie dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes (this is another little trick to baking low carb). That way, after the dough chills, it is very easy to make into balls. I just add the balls of dough onto the baking sheets, smoosh them down slightly and then bake! Easy peasy!

So, without further adieu, here is the recipe! Enjoy!

God Bless!

-Z

Yields 36 cookies

Z’s Choco Chip EX cookies

Sugar-free, THM-S, Keto. A classic chocolate chip cookie taste with an EXTRA dose of goodness!

10 minPrep Time

12 minCook Time

22 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 2 sticks butter (softened)
  • 1 tsp vanilla (or two 😉
  • 3/4 cup of sweetener (I used a blend of stevia and erythritol)
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp mollases
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp xanthan gum
  • 1/2 cup flax meal
  • 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
  • 7 oz Lilly's dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350
  2. In a stand mixer:
  3. Cream together softened butter and sweetener.
  4. Add in room temperature eggs and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
  5. Add in remaining wet ingredients and mix until smooth and creamy
  6. in a separate bowl, mix all the dry ingredients (except chocolate chips) together with a whisk.
  7. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until smooth.
  8. Add chocolate chips.
  9. Mix until well combined.
  10. Place stand mixer bowl of dough in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  11. Once chilled, roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on uncreased cookie sheet. Smoosh balls of dough down lightly.
  12. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown along bottom.
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48
https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/10/04/zs-choco-chip-ex-cookies/

Nutrition

Calories

3947 cal

Fat

318 g

Carbs

198 g

Protein

89 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

 

 

 

Home · Sweets and Treats

Z’s Banana Creme Pie

With Chocolate Crust

No sugar added, Low carb

Bananas everywhere!!!

I recently had bought a bunch of bananas because they were on sale. However, because of our home addition that we started last week (long story), the house has been “opened up” quite a bit…which has caused the house to be very warm during the days. Thus, turning all my newly bought bananas brown!

I usually make a banana bread (try my Banana Walnut bread here….https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/01/07/banana-walnut-bread/), which is good…but I wanted to make something yummy and sweet. I wanted to make a pie.

So, I was debating on what to make, when my husband came into the kitchen and suggested that I make a banana pie with chocolate crust. Thus started my brain wheels spinning!

I looked through my cupboards and gathered together what might taste good in a banana pie, and because I only had a couple of hours until my nephews party started, I needed to come up with something fast!

banana creme pie

My brother in law requested for me to bring some sugar-free desserts, so I decided to make this and my other popular recipe: Z’s Double Strawberry Cheesecake.

Here’s the recipe for that one…https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/06/19/zs-double-strawberry-cheesecake/.

So I made both of these bad boys, and brought them over! Needless to say, they were a hit! Everyone loved them both…but my husband said that his new favorite was the Banana Creme Pie!

Bananas for the win!

I am usually not a fan of banana anything, but I actually thoroughly enjoyed this pie! This pie was definitely win, win!

My favorite part was the chocolate crust!!! The crust was to die for! So chocolatey and perfectly thick!

Also, topping it with Lily’s dark chocolate chips was a perfect finish! (here’s a link where you can buy them…)

What I am not a big fan of though, is using products that are processed. I just have to say, straight up…I did use a box of Jello sugar-free vanilla pudding mix in this recipe! I know! BAD GIRL!

I am sure there are ways you can tweak it to not have that processed stuff in it, but because of my lack for time and no opportunity to go to the store for special ingredients, this is what I used.

I usually like to stick to healthier choices. But,I think it’s ok to indulge every once in a while! EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE GUYS!

After all, it’s always better to choose things foods that won’t spike your blood sugar…even if occasionally it is processed or contains Sucralose.

Note: Eating foods containing Sucralose on a daily basis can have major health detriments. I would not suggest eating it very often.

The Recipe

Again…this bad boy was made in my Vitamix Blender!!! So stinkin’ easy! I have been spoiled rotten with that machine, and frankly, I am in love with the ease that it allows for making pretty much anything! If anyone wants to buy one…check out my main page on the sidebar! (I’ll get a small commission if you buy from my site:).

This pie was a hit, and I know that it will grace our tables many times to come!!!

I hope that you will enjoy this pie as much as my family and I have!

God Bless! -Z

Z’s

Yields 8 large lices. 16 small slices.

Z’s Banana Creme Pie with Chocolate crust

No sugar added. A delicious and banana-y treat!

15 minPrep Time

15 minCook Time

30 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

    Crust:
  • 4 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar substitute
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/8 cup golden flax meal
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 eggs
  • Filling:
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 box Jello sugar-free vanilla pudding mix (instant)
  • 20 drops vanilla creme stevia drops (or 1 tsp vanilla)
  • 1/3 cups Gentle Sweet
  • 1/8 tsp xantham gum
  • 4 medium ripe bananas

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Mix all crust ingredients in medium bowl until well mixed.
  3. Lightly grease a pie pan (I used Pam baking spray).
  4. Place crust mixture in pie pan and firm down with fingers.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes.
  6. In blender:
  7. Whip up heavy whipping cream in blender until firm. Add the rest of the filling ingredients until smooth and creamy.
  8. Add filling to cooled pie pan and place in freezer until firm (about 3 hours).
  9. Garnish with bananas, whipped cream and Lily's dark chocolate chips.
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https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/06/28/zs-banana-creme-pie/

 

Sweets and Treats

Z’s Cinnamon Pecan Swirl Bundt Cake

Sugar-Free, THM-S, Keto

Too Beautiful to Eat

This cake was so easy to make, yet one of the most decadent and beautiful cakes I’ve made. It not only makes for a gorgeous dessert, but because it is sugar-free and low carb, it would do great for breakfast with a piping hot cup of coffee!

Yes please!

This cake has a rich texture, full of surprises! The butter, cinnamon and crunchy pecans are a wonderful combo!

This cake is not only beautiful, but actually has health benefits! This cake has oat fiber and collagen in it!

I mean, come on! How can a cake that is so pretty, be so healthy to eat???

bundt cake

This is why I LOVE the THM way of life! I get to eat stuff like this every day! What’s not to love?

Theadore to the Rescue!

As you well know by now, I named my blender Theadore (affectionately called Teddy). I seriously use my blender every day! Sometimes more like 3 times a day! The thing I just can’t stop raving about, is the fact that you can literally make anything in it!

Guess what? This beautiful specimen was made in my Vitamix blender!

Yes, you heard me right! In my blender!!!! Theodore to the rescue!

(Here’s a free link to a discount on an amazing Vitamix Blender. This is series that I have. Use this link Ascent Series Blenders)

My beautiful niece Kyla, modeling some bundt cake.

The Recipe

Needless to say, this cake is a real crowd pleaser! It is beautiful, easy to make, and most importantly…delicious!

If you have a high speed blender, you will love this cake for a fast and decadent dessert!

Without further adieu, here is the recipe!

Hope you enjoy it!

God bless!

-Z

Z’s Cinnamon Pecan Swirl Bundt Cake

Sugar-free, THM-S, Keto.

A delicious and decadent bundt cake that is too easy to make!

10 minPrep Time

45 minCook Time

55 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

    For the Cake batter:
  • 1/2 cup egg whites (carton works great)
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tsp xantham gum
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese (2%)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup erythritol (or gentle sweet)
  • 2 scoops collagen
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/3 cup oat fiber
  • 1 1/2 cups pecans (hold 1 cup for swirl)
  • pinch or salt
  • 1 tbs baking powder
  • For the cake swirl:
  • 3 tbs cinnamon
  • 4 tbs melted butter
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • For the Icing:
  • 1 brick cream cheese (8 oz)
  • 5 tbs gentle sweet
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2-3 tbs half and half

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
  2. In a high speed blender:
  3. blend egg whites, eggs and xantham gum for 40 seconds
  4. Add in the remaining cake batter ingredients
  5. Blend for 45 seconds or until creamy
  6. Add cake batter to a greased bundt pan.
  7. Mix the cake swirl ingredients together.
  8. Add the swirl mixture in 4 large spoonfuls, on top of the cake batter.
  9. Swirl the cinnamon/pecan/butter mix all around in the cake pan, until well swirled.
  10. bake cake for 45 minutes.
  11. Let cake cool completely.
  12. Frost with the cream cheese Icing. Top with extra pecans and dust with cinnamon.
  13. Enjoy for a dessert, or with coffee for breakfast!
  14. Enjoy!
7.8.1.2
39
https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/04/16/zs-cinnamon-pecan-swirl-bundt-cake/

Nutrition

Calories

3456 cal

Fat

278 g

Carbs

126 g

Protein

142 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

 

Sweets and Treats

Z’s Madeleine’s

Sugar-free, THM-S, Keto

Copycat Awesomeness!

These little suckers are totally copycats of Starbucks little Madeleine cookies…except they they don’t have all the preservatives, refined flours and sugar that those guys from Starbucks have! They have a delightful buttery taste and the perfect little cake/cookie texture! The best part about these little guys are…they are sugar-free! Completely guilt-free, and perfect with coffee!!!

I had made these little cakes originally as just little cookies, but as soon as I tasted them, I knew that I needed to make these into Madeleine’s!

The rich buttery taste were just too good to resist, and I knew they would look beautiful as traditional little tea cakes. So, I went online and ordered some madeleine molds, and alas…here they are!

 

“I’d like to order a cup of coffee with unsweetened cashew milk and one packet of Gentle Sweet, and I’d like a few of those delicious looking Z’s Madeleine’s!”

Yes please!

Teddy to the Rescue!

I don’t know about you, but I name my appliances. Especially the ones I love! I named my new Vitamix, Teddy. I named him after one of my favorite Presidents of all times! (you can read all about why I love him here https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/01/13/theadore/)

You guessed it…these little guys were made in my favorite appliance! It really makes life so much easier when you have great tools for your cooking and baking. My Vitamix Teddy is no exception! I just throw my ingredients in and blend, then I pour, then I bake!

Viola!

If you are on the fence of whether or not to invest in one…I would say…JUST DO IT!!! Mine truly has been worth every penny! AND…10 year warranty! Yes please!

Here’s a link…(I get a little commission if you buy from this link! Check out my affiliates disclosure below)…


The Recipe

I sent a Tupperware full of these little cookies to work with my husband and he reported back that “the guys loved them!”. I also had a friend taste one and she said she “got goosebumps, because they are so good”.

So, it is safe to say that these are delicious!

Even my son was impressed, and said, “Mommy…how do you get these to taste so yummy without sugar?”

 

I love this boy and how he is always willing to taste test my baked goods!

These little guys really do turn out so pretty! They would perfect for a special tea or a little church event!

I will be enjoying a couple of these with my coffee later this morning (makes the perfect “S” snack), and I will be feeling 0 guilt!

 

I hope that you enjoy them as much as we do!

God Bless!

-Z

Z’s Madeleine’s

Sugar-Free, THM-S, Keto.

A deliciously buttery little cake! Perfect for a Tea or just with a cup of your favorite coffee!

5 minPrep Time

20 minCook Time

25 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 2 sticks softened butter (1 cup)
  • 1 8 oz brick of softened cream cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup gentle sweet
  • 1/2 tsp butter extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup oat fiber

Instructions

  1. In a high powered blender:
  2. add in butter, cream cheese, gentle sweet and extracts.
  3. Blend until fluffy
  4. Add in the eggs and blend until creamy.
  5. Add in the rest of ingredients and blend until smooth and thick.
  6. Place in uncreased silicone molds.
  7. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until edges are golden and the center is no longer gooey.
  8. Let cool completely.
  9. Serve with coffee, tea or your favorite hot drink!
  10. Enjoy!
7.8.1.2
37
https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/04/03/zs-madeleines/

Nutrition

Calories

1272 cal

Fat

96 g

Carbs

66 g

Protein

57 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

 

 

 

Sweets and Treats

Z’s Chocolate Oat Bars

Sugar-free, THM-E, Low fat

A delicious little cake with a big protein punch! The best part is that they are soooooooo easy to make!

“Store-bought, Shmore-bought”

Lately I have been very frustrated with store-bought protein bars, cookies and cakes. There are so many choices available for protein bars and things, that you could literally spend an hour in a Sprouts or health food store, deciding which ones to buy! Although there are a plethora of choices for protein treats, almost all of them have ingredients that I don’t prefer, or that don’t fall into the THM way of life.

Even if they say “vegan”, or “non-gmo”, or “plant-based”, almost always they have loads of sugar in them or no healthy carbs, or the sweetener they use is yucky. There really is a host of problems that I find with protein bars, cookies and cakes.

There are a couple of yummy protein bars or cookies that work, and that I actually do keep on hand for quick grab snacks or on-the-go must haves, but there literally are only a couple of brands that I would buy.

Also, I don’t know if it’s just me, but most of the protein bars, cookies and cakes that I have tried TASTE LIKE CRAP! I mean…EW! Also…I just can’t bring myself to pay almost $3 (sometimes more) for something that tastes like chalk! No thanks!

Look at that beautiful fluffy thang!

And, that is where I end up being frustrated and saying to myself, “store-bought, shmore-bought…I’ll make my own…and they’ll taste so much better!”

The thing I love about these awesome little cakes/bars is that they are so fluffy! They really do have the consistency of a cake, but the impact of a protein bar.

They are easy to wrap up and stick in fridge for easy grabbing.  I made them a couple of weeks ago for my husband to take to work, and he loved having what felt like a treat, but also knowing that it was good for him and energy giving!

These little bars are made with oat flour and lots of protein, so they are perfect for those needed afternoon “pick-me-ups”.

 

 Do It Yourself

I am one of those “weirdo” kinds of people who likes to try everything on my own. If I don’t like something, I make my own. If I can’t get someone to do something, I do it myself. I guess it just “flows through my veins”. I am a natural-born DIY’r.

I think that is why I finally decided to try making my own variations of protein bars, cookies and cakes. I just wasn’t satisfied with spending that much money on something that really wasn’t that great. It also makes me cringe to eat something that is so processed (on a daily basis).

Wanna know the amazing thing about making these awesome little cakes??? I made them in the blender!!! THE BLENDER! They take a whole of 10 minutes to whip together! So easy to make!

These guys just come out of the oven so fluffy and ready to eat! I really did score with this recipe, and am very happy with how they came out!

I hope that you can enjoy them as much as we did!

God Bless!

-Z

Z’s Chocolate Oat Bars

Sugar-Free, THM-E, Low fat, EASY TO MAKE!

10 minPrep Time

20 minCook Time

30 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups old fashioned oats
  • 1 tbs baking powder
  • 1 cup gentle sweet
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup egg whites
  • 1 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 2 scoops collagen
  • 1 scoop (1/4 cup) vanilla whey protein powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. In a high powered blender:
  3. First, grind oats into flour (the finer the better)
  4. then add the dry ingredients and blend together until well mixed
  5. Add in wet ingredients
  6. Blend for 30-60 seconds or until the mixture resembles a cake batter
  7. Pour into greased (I used Baking Pam) pan (I used bar shaped pans)
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean
  9. Enjoy!
7.8.1.2
33
https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/03/24/zs-chocolate-oat-bars/

Nutrition

Calories

1675 cal

Fat

41 g

Carbs

268 g

Protein

78 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

Healthy Mom

The Skinny on Natural Sugars vs. Processed Sugars

Welcome to Talk Tuesday! Today we are discussing the difference between natural sugars and processed sugars. A lot of people have been asking me why my family and I eat a mostly sugar-free lifestyle. Here is the discussion!

As always…please feel free to send me some topics you’d like discussed for Talk Tuesday!

Natural Sugars vs. Processed Sugars

What are natural sugars?

Natural sugars are sugars that are found, well naturally. This includes fruits, veggies, and honey.

Glucose – refers to “simple” sugars, found in all foods that have carbohydrates. Glucose can be found in mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, etc. Glucose is vital to life and is in every single living molecule. It is also produced by your body and easily broken down by every cell in your body.

 Fructose – another “simple” sugar, it’s also referred to as fruit sugar, because its main source is fruits (and also honey). Fructose is a bit harder to break down, as only your liver breaks down significant portions of it. -organics.org

Processed sugars:

Processed sugars are natural sugars that are modified, combined and processed by us to make something with regular flavor and texture, such as white sugar.

Sucrose – combines (half) glucose and (half) fructose to become a “complex” sugar. Typically it’s extracted from sugar-beet plans or sugar cane to make your typical “table sugar”.

Other Types – High fructose corn syrup, Sucralose (Splenda) etc…

(expert obtained from organics.org)

 

The effects of that yucky stuff…

An abundance of added sugar may cause your liver to become resistant to insulin, an important hormone that helps turn sugar in your bloodstream into energy. This means your body isn’t able to control your blood sugar levels as well, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. -webmd.com

Now, I’ve already mentioned that I don’t mind sugar and sweets for my kids or I occasionally. I don’t think there is anything wrong with enjoying sweets every now and again. But, on a daily basis, these processed  and sugary foods can have a detrimental effect on not only your liver and pancreas, but your health. The way you feel is also effected because of that yucky stuff called processed sugar.

Yes, you may get a spike in energy right after you eat something with processed sugar in it, but you are followed very soon after with a “energy crash”. This is because of the spike in glucose levels, and then the hormone levels become “off balance” (dropping back again in a fast manner), causing you to feel tired, and have no energy.

Store-bought syrups

This morning, I made my yummy berry sauce (find Z’s Very Berry Sauce on my recipe page!). I poured it all over my kids French toast (look for my recipe on my Recipe page!). They gobbled it up! They couldn’t even tell that I used erythritol to sweeten it. Berries in and of themselves are very sweet. Especially when you get off processed sugars, so you really don’t need much to sweeten them. This was my yummy berry sauce…

Absolutely delish on French toast, pancakes, waffles and toast!

I’ve always been weary about buying syrups from the store. Don’t get me wrong, I do sometimes (especially when we’re on vacation), but after I read the ingredient labels….oooooo…I shudder.

Did you know that there are more than 35 grams of sugar per serving in traditional store-bought syrups? Holy crap! I don’t know about you, but knowing that I am letting my kids eat a crap-ton of sugar in one sitting makes me feel ridiculously guilty!

Think about it…

The recommended daily sugar intake is 25 grams for us women (heart.org).

If we are having syrup on our pancakes, or letting our kids eat it (God-forbid) with every pancake or waffle breakfast…That’s over DOUBLE of our daily recommended intake, in one sitting!!!

That’s a CRAP-TON of sugar.

Enter Trim Healthy Mama…

Enter the THM lifestyle! We absolutely love eating this way! If you haven’t looked into THM (trim healthy mama), then I highly suggest it! We eat like kings and queens here, and it’s all thanks to THM! No carb counting, no points watching, no stressing about what you can and cannot eat. Just good ole fashion healthy food! I don’t campaign for them or anything, and I am not a sales rep for them (do they even have those?), but when I believe in something…I talk about it!

The reason why we love it is because we try not to eat added sugar! But, THM allows you to eat all kinds of sweets! Don’t get me wrong…everyone consumes sugar. Wether it is fruit or candy, sugar is in a lot of things. The difference between healthy sugars, and processed sugars are astounding though!

Here is a diagram done by Harvard on the differences between the two types of sugars. (Please disregard the diet soda example. We don’t do diet sodas here very often because of the yucky stuff in them. The Sucralose (Splenda) content in those are not healthy on a regular basis.)

See, processed sugars cause a huge spike in blood sugar levels! Eating processed sugars on a daily basis, and in large quantities can cause so many health issues! It’s just not worth it to me. The long term effects are not very friendly.

The reason fruit is so good for you is because of the fiber that is in them. When you consume a piece of fruit, the fiber helps to metabolize it in a way that is not as damaging to your insulin levels. That is one reason why I find it important to drink the pulp of fruit when “juicing”. I just throw the whole dang things in my blender and drink them!

The Debate About Stevia

There has been a lot of talk about wether stevia, erythritol, xylitol etc are good for you. You have to do the research on it for yourself, but I believe that it is way better for your body and insulin levels that cane sugar or processed sugars.

Don’t get me wrong, these types of sugars (stevia etc) can be processed too. There is always a certain “process” that takes place to get the actual sweet stuff out of the plant or grain, etc. The important thing is to find the most healthy options out there. If you quality sweeteners, you won’t have to worry about that.

Truvia, Pure Via, and different forms of stevia blends are more processed, yes, but I would argue that they are far less detrimental to your waist line than standard cane sugars. I use Truvia and I love it. I prefer “blends” rather than pure stevia. Blends are just stevia with usually another sweetener added; for example, eyrthritol. I’m not a fan of the bitter taste that stevia has alone, but a lot of people actually like it. It is all based off of preference. I use Gentle Sweet (I get it here http://trimhealthymama.com) in my coffee every day. It is a quality and very lightly processed sweetener blend, and it tastes just like regular sugar to me. The great thing is, you need far less than traditional sugar for it to be sweet.

Be sure to buy quality sweeteners if you are going to use them on a regular basis.

Here’s the skinny…

So, when you see me posting sugar-free or no-sugar-added recipes, THAT is why. All the reasons I listed above, aren’t even the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the health issues involved with eating processed sugars. I only listed a couple reasons why we choose to eat the majority of our food in a sugar-free way. There will always be people who would argue that eating “sugar-free” is not good for you. But, I would say, you have to do whats best for your family. If it works, the “proof is in the pudding”, it will show on your body and in your health. If it doesn’t, maybe try something new.

Ever since my family and I have started this THM lifestyle, we have noticed such a difference in the way we feel and they way we look.

Obesity runs in my family. And it is something that I really have to be conscious of. I gain weight very easily, so I have to really pay attention to what works for my body. When I am “on plan”, I notice that my waist-line stays pretty trim, but when I don’t follow the right way of eating, I notice it right away.

I don’t desire to be extremely skinny or really thin, but I do want to be trim and to be fit. Taking processed sugar out of my diet has helped exponentially in that arena!

Of course, exercise is a great way to help with a lot of health issues too!

natural sugars vs. processed sugars
The family that works out together, stays together!

Ultimately, you have to what works for you. I encourage you to do your research on this subject, and really search out the truth for yourself. I hope that this post helps to “clear the air” a little bit on sugar.

Please let me know if there is any other topics you would like to see discussed! Below is a contact form. Please be sure to fill it out and list what you would like to see talked about, or any comments or tips about this post! Thanks!

-Z

Recipes · Sweets and Treats

Z’s Strawberry Custard Ice-Cream

Sugar-free, THM-S, Keto, Kid-approved

Ice-Cream…The Easy Treat

Let me just say, that I have not really made a lot of homemade ice-cream, ever. I have no idea why the heck not! It really is very easy, especially if you have a Vitamix blender (shameless plug;).

This post is mostly pictures of my amazingly handsome boys devouring this ice-cream. I couldn’t help myself.

You see, I just got my 50 mm camera lens, and it just takes too good of pictures to not practice with it!

My boys had so much taking the pictures, but they especially loved eating my “prop” strawberries (for my food photography), along with the actual ice-cream. It was awesome to just sit and watch them enjoy this decadent treat, and secretly know how good it was for them!

Also….priceless memories.

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They picked at the strawberries and smacked their lips as they thoroughly enjoyed their treat.

They had no idea that this ice-cream was actually healthy. They eat everything I make for them, but they especially love when mommy makes them treats!

My boys

DSC_0318This my Justus boy. He is 6 years old. He is so silly, and loves attention.  He is my little creative boy. He loves art, and can spend hours playing by himself.

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This is my Josiah David. He is 4 years old. He is my crazy ball of energy, but he has his serious moments. Especially when he’s getting his picture taken.

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This boy! This is my oldest boy, Jesse. He will be 8 years old next month. His sweet heart melts mine almost every day. He is the most caring and loving boy you’ll ever meet.

I know, I know….you’re sitting there going, “holy crap! look at those eyes!” Trust me, they get it wherever they go. They got their handsome eyes from their daddy, who I’m head over heels for. You can see why :).

Blessed

Have you ever wondered how you got so blessed? I do, almost every day. I know that my husband, these boys, my baby girl, and even the ability to stay home with them and make them healthy food…it is all a gift. A HUGE AMAZING GIFT. It truly is. I am positively and amazingly blessed!

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The Recipe

I actually wanted to make a vanilla “custard” ice-cream, but ended up making it into a strawberry version of that. I was looking for something sweet on my fuel cycle (THM week long fat burning diet), and I started to put something together. This is the recipe that came out. So, I guess you could say that it technically is a custard ice-cream.

Custard ice-creams a type of ice-cream that is old fashioned. Its kind of how they used to make ice-cream, before ice-cream became so processed.

“One early commercialization of frozen custard was in Coney Island, New York in 1919, when ice cream vendors Archie and Elton Kohr found that adding egg yolks to ice creamcreated a smoother texture and helped the ice cream stay cold longer. In their first weekend on the boardwalk, they sold 18,460 cones.” -Wikapedia.com

The eggs are what make it a THM S. It’s a great way to eat a scrumptious dessert, while staying “on plan”.

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So, without further adieu….Here is the recipe!

Serves Serves a large family

Z’s Strawberry Custard Ice-Cream

15 minPrep Time

3 hr, 30 Total Time

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Recipe Image

Ingredients

  • 6 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 bag frozen strawberries (about 4 cups)
  • 1/2 cup gentle sweet (or preferred sweetener)
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 tbs glucomannan
  • dash of salt

Instructions

  1. In your blender: blend the eggs, almond milk and vanilla until smooth.
  2. In a large pot: add blended mixture and cook on medium-high heat until mixture becomes bubbly.
  3. Whisk often while heating.
  4. Before the mixture becomes bubbly, add your glucomannan, sweetener and dash of salt.
  5. Continue whisking until bubbly.
  6. Once the mixture gets frothy and bubbly, turn off heat and let cool.
  7. Once cooled, put in large Tupperware, and stick in freezer for a few hours.
  8. Don't freeze the mixture solid.
  9. Take out of freezer once the mixture has become very cold, but not frozen.
  10. Add mixture to blender and add frozen strawberries.
  11. Blend until smooth.
  12. Serve with extra strawberries or plain.
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https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/01/11/zs-strawberry-custard-ice-cream/