Culinary Therapy
I’ve been really loving my culinary therapy as of late! Anybody else here guilty of baking and making just to avoid getting work done? It’s one of the most delicious forms of procrastination, in my humble opinion! BUT, did you know it’s been scientifically proven that baking actually helps to relieve stress?! Now that’s what I’m talking about! Culinary therapy is a real thing, and mental health is beyond important!
Three reasons why I believe baking & making is good for you:
It requires mindfulness. I feel like most days I’m scatterbrained and my monkey mind is anything but organized. Following a recipe, measuring ingredients, taste-testing, the whole process pulls me back to present and helps me to focus on just the task at hand.
It’s healthier! Preparing and enjoying your own food is a foolproof way to eat less processed foods and more whole foods. I always feel better when I make my own food and have control over exactly what goes into each meal—and we all know that healthier equals happier!
It helps us to practice altruism and connection. Preparing a treat or a meal for somebody else always makes you feel good. I love being able to witness others enjoying something I’ve created with love in my heart. Eating also brings us closer to one another and allows us to slow down and share in conversation and connection!
“Sharing in meal preparation, and eating together are very basic human experiences. They allow us to spend time together in ways that can be relaxing and fulfilling. Eating is a biological necessity, as well as a center of pleasure. When we share that with others, we can access our best selves.”
— Miriam Weinstein, Author of The Surprising Power of Family Meals
Culinary Therapy Articles To Explore:
Healthy Hack
Especially as a new mom, short and sweet is the way most recipes have to be these days and this recipe is the ultimate healthy treat hack! Girl Scout Caramel Delites were my favorite growing up, and I had been wanting something tasty to take with me on-the-go, whether we’re out to dinner and want a healthy dessert, or wanting something sweet to snack on while running errands with the babe, these cookies fit the bill, 110%!
Traditional Caramel Delites contain many allergens and animal products, including wheat (gluten), dairy, and soy, as well as excess fat and a handful of other unnecessary ingredients.
(see nutritional label)
As I like to say, If you can’t read it, don’t eat it!
For more kitchen hacks, check out this Redfin article I was featured in, to learn some of the experts’ best kept secrets!
Vegan Girl Scout Cookies: Caramel Delites
These cookies are so effortless, I have a hard time not making them! If you’re looking for something sweetly simple to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further! Homemade caramel delites are fun to make with the kiddos and they’re baby-friendly, too! Max loves when I break off little bits for him to nibble on, and we love to enjoy them as a healthy snack on-the-go or for dessert after dinner.
Gluten-free, dairy-free, oil-free, refined-sugar-free, soy-free, low-fat, baby & kid-friendly, simply delightful!
time: 20min // servings: 12-16
ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup pitted medjool dates (10-12)
3 tbsp almond butter
3 tbsp shredded coconut
1.5 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean powder
dash of salt
1/2c melted cacao paste or dark chocolate chips
steps:
Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Soak pitted dates in warm water for 5-10min.
Place all ingredients in large mixing bowl and mash with hands until gooey and well combined.
Form 12 round balls, flatten and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in oven for 10-12min.
Remove and let sit for 5 min.
Heat chocolate in small pan on stovetop on medium-low, stirring often, until completely melted.
Use a spoon and drizzle cookies w/ melted chocolate and place in freezer for 10 min to solidify.
Remove from freezer and allow to thaw for a couple of minutes. Enjoy!
notes:
feel free to omit coconut and use hemp seeds in place
try peanut butter or tahini instead of almond butter!
break cookies into small bites and top your nice cream
As Seen On YouTube
Join us in the kitchen as we whip up these delightful treats on the EatMoveRest YouTube channel! Be sure to Subscribe, click that bell to turn on Notifications, give it a Thumbs Up, leave us some love in the Comments, and Share with family and friends!
The Best Therapist
Dusty and I are huge supporters of mental health awareness, and we believe that there should be no shame in seeking help. We have both admittedly gone through our fair share of stress, anxiety, and feelings of depression, and have met with several professionals, from therapists to doctors to coaches, to keep our mental health in check.
We’ve realized that the best therapist isn’t the one who solves all of your problems, but the one who helps you to see your blind spots and allows you to come to the solution on your own! Maybe that’s a professional…or maybe it’s a trusted friend or loved one. Maybe your therapist comes in an unconventional form, such as a yoga practice or baking session in your kitchen—no matter what form of release, self-actualization and exploration you choose, do what you need to do to stay sane! To bring your best, you’ve got to be your best! Culinary Therapy for the win!
