Fiber Oat Carrot Cookies

Fiber is important. It helps you feel fuller for a longer period of time and aids in digestion. The problem is that sometimes fiber doesn't taste all that great. Luckily there is a tasty fiber campaign running through our food manufacturers these days. Fiber One makes bars, cereal and even "brownies". There are lots of other whole foods high in fiber as well; blueberries, raspberries, pears, apples, oats, whole wheat spaghetti, bran flakes, split peas, lentils, black beans, artichokes, peas, broccoli, etc.

Last night I was craving baked goods. This is normal for me but I've been trying to cut down on my snacking. Something I still struggle with even after maintaining my weight loss for over a year. Old habits die hard and just because I know this is a weakness of mine I try to keep it in check by offering other solutions. Therefore, healthy cookies!

FIBER OAT CARROT COOKIES

1 1/2 c. Fiber One Original (or the generic) Cereal

1 c. old fashioned Oats (not quick cooking)

1/2 medium banana, smashed

3 egg whites, beaten

1/2 c. shredded carrots

1/4 c. raisins

1-2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 c. baking Splenda

Blend all dry ingredients in a food processor until close to a corn meal texture. Mix all wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Pour wet mixture into dry mixture and pulse. Batter will be extremely thick. Stir in raisins. Use a small ice cream scoop/cookie scoop to measure out each cookie (approx: 1 inch ball if forming by hand). Spray cookie sheet with baking spray. Then flatten each cookie with the back of a spatula sprayed with baking spray to prevent sticking. These cookies will not spread on their own, they are too thick. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Store in the refrigerator and warm in microwave or toaster oven before eating. Or just eat them straight out of the fridge! Yields about 22 cookies.

Impressive Stats per cookie:

Calories: 34 (!)

Fat: .5g

Potassium: 84g

Carbs: 10g

Fiber: 3g

Sugars: 2g

Protein: 1.5g