There is nothing more humbling than popping your bike helmet on, only to have the keys you stored in there fall out and smack you in the face. It’s like getting in the car and reaching across the seats but practically scalping yourself because you’ve trapped your hair in the door. Not only is it painful, but those of us going through the Peri (if you know, you know!) are struggling to hold on to every strand we’ve got. So rude.

With the wedding coming up I’m trying to avoid big bruises and injuries (I am rather accident prone) so this was yet another reminder that I should probably slow down. I am not sure normal adults injure themselves with bike keys and car doors. But it’s hard to slow down when you’re excited about marrying a big hairy Irishman and shaking things loose with your friends and family in Budapest. There’s just so much to do. Trying to leave the office with Beat the Couch, Nutrifit and a new season of the Integrative Oncology Programme from PALS simultaneously kicking off has me a little loopy. Who chose this date anyway? Oh, that’s right …. me. Will I never learn?

So! I am sharing this recipe, not because I am drifting towards comfort food (honestly …) but because it’s such a great little treat when you are looking for something sweet but squeaky clean. I opened the cupboards recently to realise I’d started buying a lot of packets of “stuff”. And not only does that get expensive, but it’s where the processed food starts to creep in. Sure, I buy the healthier versions of processed food, but they are still processed. Once you start doing it regularly, it becomes a habit that’s hard to shift.

I came up with this recipe in 2023 for our first Waterfront Wellness Healthy Kickstart. We explained at the time that although on the healthier side, these were still sweet and as such best enjoyed occasionally and with a side of protein. So, for example, stir some collagen into a cup of herbal tea, or have a small handful or nuts. If you go for the collagen idea, then I love the Great Lakes unflavoured option from Miles. It dissolves completely and without a trace — I just do a teaspoon at a time though. If you go for nuts, then perhaps avoid peanuts (rather high in inflammatory acids and nut mould) and go for almonds (vitamin E), walnuts (omega 3) or a couple of Brazils (selenium) and remember that unroasted is best!

Chocolate, Sea Salt & Olive Oil Cookies (gluten free, dairy free, vegan)

Ingredients (makes 10-12):

190g Bob’s Red Mill Paleo Grain-Free Baking Flour (or similar)

1 tsp fine sea salt

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp baking powder

½ cup good quality extra virgin olive oil

¼ cup maple syrup

¼ cup coconut sugar

2 tsps vanilla extract

120g dark chocolate chips (DF, GF if need be)

Flaky sea salt

Method:

Pre-heat the oven to 350F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda/powder, salt and coconut sugar. Once thoroughly mixed, add the chocolate chips and stir in.

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup and vanilla.

Add the wet bowl ingredients to the dry bowl. Fold together with a spatula. Get your hands in there if necessary!

Roll into 10-12 balls, place on the baking sheet and flatten a little with your fingertips.

Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and bake for 13 minutes or until the edges are golden.

Cool the cookies on the sheet for at least 15 minutes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Substitutions:

Coconut Sugar — you could use sucanat or regular brown sugar

Vanilla — this is optional and you can leave it out

Extra Virgin Olive Oil — this recipe also works with coconut oil

Chocolate Chips — if not allergies/preferences, then any chocolate chips will do

Flour — you could use any GF flour but this is my favourite for protein content.

• The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Burns BA Hons, Dip ION, BNTA is a fully qualified Nutritional Therapist trained by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in the UK. Join Catherine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nutrifitandnaturalnutritionbermuda or instagram @naturalbda.