We All Need A Treat! :)

Today's post is about treats and desserts..yum!! Our challenge wants us to stay away from sugar/sweet treats 6 days out of the week. This is possible, right? Maybe.. ;)

Good news! There are TONS of treats that taste sinful, but aren't! They're actually fairly healthy and lower in calories than normal desserts! I totally would make these and not count them as a sugary treat, because they're healthy and low in sugar! Yahoo!

Chewy Low Fat Banana Nut Oatmeal CookiesServings: 15 • Serving Size: 2 cookies • Old Points: 4 pts • Points+: 5 pts
Calories: 175.8 • Fat: 6.7 g • Protein: 3.5 g • Carb: 28.3 g • Fiber: 1.6 g • Sugar: 14 g

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup mashed ripe banana
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups quick oats
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350°; line two baking sheets with parchment paper or use a silpat.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.

In a large bowl, with a mixer, cream together the butter and the sugars on medium speed.  

Add the egg, followed by the mashed banana and vanilla extract.

Working by hand, stir in the flour mixture and the oats until just combined and no streaks of flour remain; stir in the chopped walnuts.

Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until cookies become light brown at the edges.

Let cool on baking sheet for 3 or 4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container so you don't eat them all in one sitting!

Makes about 30 cookies.

This recipe is adapted from http://www.skinnytaste.com/ -- I highly recommend checking this website out for more awesome ideas on "skinny" food recipes!

Healthified Brownies!

1 package brownie mix of choice

1 can pumpkin

This mixture will be very thick, but don't add anything else! Put mixture into brownie pan and bake for about 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.

This one I love and use all the time ever since my mom taught me how a few years ago! They're very moist and provide just enough brownie/chocolately taste! I recommend pairing it with some Free Cool Whip and you're set for a brownie sundae! :)

I wish I had a picture of their chocolate delightfulness -- I guess I'll just have to make them sometime soon! :)

Quick options for a sugary craving: Pudding made with skim milk, Sugar-Free Jello, 3 pieces of dark chocolate, frozen cool whip, frozen yogurt, frozen banana.