These gingerbread men are not your typical gingerbreads! They're gluten-free, refined-sugar free, and dairy-free (but if you ask one of my roommates, she will also say they are enjoyment-free). If you want a healthy treat, these are great. If you want a cookie - go eat a cookie! Tis the season.
Ingredients for your follicular phase: sprouted rolled oats, cashews and egg. During the follicular phase, your metabolism naturally slows down, so you want to eat foods that aid liver detoxification to ensure estrogen buildup doesn't occur in the gut.
Oats are high in fiber which makes it wonderful for our body during the follicular phase. Fiber is key to helping our body flush out excess estrogen while our body ramps up production at this time of the cycle. The specific type of fiber it contains is called beta-glucan, which acts as a prebiotic for beneficial bacteria in our gut microbiome. And because a healthy gut is able to best regulate hormone production, this is very important! Rolled oats are also typically gluten-free by nature, so for those of us that are gluten sensitive - this is a great breakfast to have.
Eggs are a follicular phase food because they are high in choline, which is an important mineral for fertility. Eggs also have high levels of omega-3 and are a wonderful source of protein. High FSH levels can lead to menstrual problems including PCOS, and omega-3s are shown to reduce FSH levels. Protein helps increase energy and promotes healthy egg production.
Cashews contain zinc and selenium which are important nutrients for the production of healthy follicles. They are also rich in fiber and high in protein, which aids blood sugar regulation and will help you maintain higher energy levels.
Healthy Gingerbread Men
Serves: 12 Active Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 30 min
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
2 cups sprouted rolled oats
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 egg
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp almond butter
1/2 tbsp ginger
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1 tbsp ice water
Dairy-free, Sugar-free Icing
1/2 cup cashews
1 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp almond milk
Pinch of salt
Soak cashews in hot water for 30 min
Process
Start by soaking the cashews. Boil water in a kettle, then add to a bowl of cashews until the nuts are fully covered. Leave them to soak as you prepare the cookies.
Preheat oven to 350ºF
Add all the ingredients in a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. If you want the texture to be more cookie like and less oatmeal like - blend the oats before you add the rest of the ingredients. That way, the oats turn into flour.
Remove the dough from the blender and place it on an oiled or flowered surface. Use your hands, or a rolling pin, to spread it flat. Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to make 12 cookies.
Place the gingerbread men on an oiled baking tray and then bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on if you like your cookie crispy or softer.
Once you remove them from the oven, let it cool before adding your "icing".
Strain the water from the cashews, then add the soaked nuts into the blender. Add maple syrup, almond milk, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
Ice your gingerbread men, and enjoy!
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