Gluten is a protein found in some grains and it can cause heavy duty symptoms for some people. Symptoms can include fatigue, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and possible damage to the intestinal villi. As you can see this protein can really wreak havoc on the digestive system.
Making the change to remove wheat or all gluten containing grains from your diet can feel overwhelming. Luckily now-a-days there are many many many alternatives. You don’t even need to seek out a health food store to find them.
The best option for gluten free products, especially for gluten free snacks, is to make your own. Unfortunately, most of the gluten free items in the store are filled with other unhealthy ingredients – corn, soy, refined sugar and potato flour to name a few.
People often struggle with finding healthy snacking options. Increase the struggle by trying to find a healthy gluten free options and it can seem near impossible.
I’ve tried out many gluten free recipes for many different things and recently came across this gem of a gluten free snack from @JoyousHealth.
Doodle Doo Cookies 2.0 ** Egg Free **Dairy Free **Gluten Free **Vegan
3 cups rolled or quick oats or “oat flakes” (choose gluten-free if needed)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2-3 large ripe bananas*
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
Big Schlop of sunflower butter (measurement as written by @joyoushealth)
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup chopped apricots
1/4 – 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
*start with 2 and add more if the batter is too dry
Combine all ingredients and bake at 350F for 8-10 minutes
There isn’t any flour at all in this recipe, so no need to search for some obscure flour you’ve never heard of. The banana and sunflower butter hold it all together instead of an egg. I’ve made a couple recipes like this based with banana and oats and this one is by far the best!
By simply omitting the walnuts these cookies are now nut free and can go in school lunches.
Yes, there are oats in the this recipe.
“But you said it was gluten free!!!”
Oats aren’t one of our gluten containing grains, but they are often cross contaminated with gluten from the facility they are processed in. Choosing a “gluten-free” oats will help to eliminate this issue.
Happy snacking!