Who doesn't love a cookie--especially a classic Chocolate Chip Cookie? But, when you are trying to eat healthier, cookies of any kind don't always fit the plan!  But sometimes you JUST NEED A TREAT!  You don't have totally blow your eating plan! Here is my "Secret Recipe" for Healthy(er) Chocolate Chip Cookies.  Do you know that I took these to a (non-wellness related) work retreat once and no-one knew they were healthy but they disappeared quicker than many of the other treats that day?  ​

Ingredients:

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• 1 cup all-purpose unbleached flour 
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (I prefer using King Arthur for both, particularly their organic line) 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup natural (unsweetened) apple sauce
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large (organic) eggs  You can also use 2 egg whites and 1 egg or equivalent egg substitute such as Egg Beaters
• 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (I LOVE very bitter, dark chocolate such as Green & Black's Organic's 70% or 85% Cacao bar, broken into chunks)
• 1 cup chopped nuts--preferably a healthier nut such as almonds or walnuts

Directions:

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1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in small bowl. Beat apple sauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. You may need to add slightly more flour.  Dough should be soft but not too sticky. Stir in chocolate and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
3. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

With authentic salsas, perfectly spiced meats, and even aquas frescas, Mexican-inspired dishes can be made healthier and stay just as tasty.
This Chicken and Black Bean Burrito Bowl is the perfect example: The fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients make an ideal (and easy!) lunch or an excellent dish to meal prep.
Make your own healthy Mexican-inspired chicken burrito bowl with cilantro-lime rice and all the trimmings. This recipe uses black beans, but you can substitute pinto beans if you prefer.
With fresh salsa, a squeeze of lime, and creamy Greek yogurt on top of crisp romaine lettuce, you don’t need any kind of dressing!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked brown rice warm
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cooked black beans warm
• 1½ cups shredded cooked chicken breast warm
• ½ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
• 1 cup fresh tomato salsa
• ½ medium avocado sliced
• 4 Tbsp low-fat plain yogurt

Instructions

1. Combine rice, lime juice, and cilantro in a medium bowl; mix well.
2. Evenly divide lettuce between 4 serving bowls.
3. Top evenly with rice mixture, beans, chicken, cheese, salsa, and avocado.
4. Top each bowl with 1 Tbsp. of yogurt; serve immediately.