Date Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

I love me some Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies but this time I decided to kick it up a notch and make them a little bit healthier for my kids. Have you ever tried dates in your cookies? Dates are super healthy and a great way to get some fiber in your kids diet.

I have been working hard on a few goals for 2015 and I feel like it’s going really well. You know that New Year’s resolutions are easy to make but difficult to maintain, but so far, so good. I have been exercising, I’ve been reading for a book club, and I’ve been snacking much better than I was before the New Year.

We always ate pretty well in our house but after my mom died I let things slide. I allowed myself to snack at night, after the kids went to bed. I allowed myself way too much Nutella (but it’s so good!). And I allowed myself way too much juice and chips. Yuck! I think it just made me feel worse.

The last few weeks I’ve been feeling better emotionally, mentally and physically and I’ve been looking for good “healthy” cookie recipe for my family. My favorite recipe of all time is oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, so adding the dates to them was a no-brainer!

For the many Americans who resolve to eat healthier in the New Year, focusing on healthy snacks is an easy way to improve the quality of your diet, especially when you add the Feel Good Fruit to your favorite snacking recipes.

My kids have always had potty issues, as many kids do. They need extra help by drinking more water and getting more fiber in their diets. My kids were prescribed Miralax by their old pediatrician, which I have since stopped giving them. They were really good about it and we called it “magic juice” but I prefer to do things naturally for my kids.

 




 


These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Date Cookies are a great recipe for kids with potty issues, especially when paired with the PlumSmart Light juice from Sunsweet, which my kids LOVE. I drank this juice when I was pregnant and it was an awesome natural laxative. PlumSmart® Light: This juice is made from a special variety of fresh, juicy plums and has only 60 calories and 15g of carbs, and helps you stay fit on the inside by providing a good source of fiber. PlumSmart Light is a great addition to a smoothie.

 




 


I decided to use the Amaz!n™ Diced Prunes in my cookies because they are so soft and moist – not hard like some diced prunes you buy. Grab a handful of these delicious diced prunes for nutritious snacking. Toss them in cereal, oatmeal, salad or your favorite recipes for added flavor and fiber. One serving of Amaz!n Diced Prunes from Sunsweet is a good source of fiber for only 100 calories. Add to your favorite snacking recipe for extra fiber and a fruit flavor boost.

 




 

Feel good via the deliciously tasty and uniquely nutritious fruit – the prune.

Studies suggest the following positive effects from certain nutrients in prunes:

• Bone Health: Prunes may promote healthy bones. Dr. Bahram H. Arjmandi of Florida State University says, “Dried plums (prunes) are the most bone-friendly fruit that I have seen in decades. They are nature’s solution to maintaining good bone health.” Dr. Arjmandi hypothesizes that the many compounds and nutrients contained in prunes, such as vitamin K, potassium, copper and boron, likely work synergistically to have this positive effect. Additional research is currently being conducted to learn more about prunes and bone health.

• Potassium: Potassium may help prevent hypertension and stroke and play a role in helping support cell energy by regulating fluid balance, nerve impulses and muscle contraction to increase energy.

• Fiber: A diet containing foods with fiber can replace fats and sweets, and contributes to heart health.

• Regularity: A fiber rich diet may contribute to maintaining a consistent digestive tract which helps lead to improved digestive health.

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Sunsweet® prunes and juices are an easy fix to help you stick with your healthy eating resolutions for 2015.