Hawkins Holistic

Yes, I really make these.

I love Christmas baking! I take great pleasure in creating the festive morsels, gifting them to friends & family, and eating them (obviously). For some people, it’s very true that once you stoke that sweet-tooth with white sugar, it’s hard to break free of its death grip.

Sugar addiction is a real thing. Consumption of it releases the brains feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine, but it’s a high that’s quick to fade, and much like hard drugs, it leaves the “user” craving more. Sugar, a leading contributor to countless serious health conditions, is commonly referred to as the “white devil” for good reason.

Alas, you need not be a slave to the sweet tooth! Try my Fruit & Nut Dip as an alternative when the occasional holiday indulging has verged on gorging, and perhaps the candy-cane cookies and nanaimo bars will stick around a little longer this season 😉

Fruit & Nut Dip (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

~ 1 small-medium gala apple (or honeycrisp apple)
~ 1 tbsp natural nut or seed butter
~ 1 tbsp organic raisins
~ ½ tbsp organic ground flaxseed
~ Sprinkle of cinnamon
~ Drizzle of agave or maple syrup

Directions: Cut apple into slices. Arrange in small bowl, leaving a space in the center for nut-butter dip. Sprinkle apples with cinnamon. Place nut-butter into center space and top with ground flaxseed and raisins. Lightly drizzle agave/maple syrup over the nut dip. The apple slices are your edible utensils. 🙂

I often enjoy this for dessert and it really satisfies my sweet tooth. And while white sugar depletes the body of nutrients, this sweet snack delivers fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins & minerals. Consider it a gift to yourself!

Naturally yours.

Sarah Hawkins, R.H.N.