Side Dish
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
Health Benefits: Cacao Nibs Cacao nibs are crushed pieces of cacao beans that retain their natural flavanols, fiber, and minerals, offering a nutrient‑dense, unsweetened form of chocolate. Their high flavanol content provides antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory effects, and these compounds, especially epicatechin, support vascular health and metabolic function. For people with diabetes, cocoa flavonoids have been shown to positively influence glycemic control and insulin sensitivity when incorporated in moderation, making cacao nibs a lower‑glycemic alternative to sweetened chocolate products. Nutrition Tip: Low Glycemic Flour Swap Swapping regular flour for almond flour and oat flour creates a lower‑glycemic base that supports steadier blood‑sugar responses. Almond flour is naturally low in carbohydrates and rich in monounsaturated fats and fiber, which slow digestion and help reduce post‑meal glucose spikes. Oat flour adds beta‑glucan, a soluble fiber shown to slow carbohydrate absorption and improve insulin response. Together, they make baked goods more supportive for people managing diabetes. References: Is Cocoa Good for Diabetics? Effects on Blood Sugar. Biology Insights. August 17, 2025. Santos LM, Mendonça VS, Rocha GS, et al. Effects of cocoa flavonoids on glycemic homeostasis in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review. Nutrire. 2025;50:79. American Diabetes Association. Glycemic Index and Diabetes. 2024. Whitehead A, Beck EJ, Tosh S, et al. Cholesterol‑lowering effects of oat β‑glucan: a meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014;100(6):1413‑1421.
Source: Live Tula Meal Planner
1 steps, about 25 minutes
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01In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour and oat flour. 2. Add the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, nut butter, salt, and vanilla. Mix until a smooth dough forms. 3. Fold in the cacao nibs. 4. Line an 8×8‑inch pan with parchment and press the dough firmly into an even layer. Refrigerate for 2 hours, then cut into squares. 5. Store in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
Health Benefits: Cacao Nibs Cacao nibs are crushed pieces of cacao beans that retain their natural flavanols, fiber, and minerals, offering a nutrient‑dense, unsweetened form of chocolate. Their high flavanol content provides antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory effects, and these compounds, especially epicatechin, support vascular health and metabolic function. For people with diabetes, cocoa flavonoids have been shown to positively influence glycemic control and insulin sensitivity when incorporated in moderation, making cacao nibs a lower‑glycemic alternative to sweetened chocolate products. Nutrition Tip: Low Glycemic Flour Swap Swapping regular flour for almond flour and oat flour creates a lower‑glycemic base that supports steadier blood‑sugar responses. Almond flour is naturally low in carbohydrates and rich in monounsaturated fats and fiber, which slow digestion and help reduce post‑meal glucose spikes. Oat flour adds beta‑glucan, a soluble fiber shown to slow carbohydrate absorption and improve insulin response. Together, they make baked goods more supportive for people managing diabetes. References: Is Cocoa Good for Diabetics? Effects on Blood Sugar. Biology Insights. August 17, 2025. Santos LM, Mendonça VS, Rocha GS, et al. Effects of cocoa flavonoids on glycemic homeostasis in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review. Nutrire. 2025;50:79. American Diabetes Association. Glycemic Index and Diabetes. 2024. Whitehead A, Beck EJ, Tosh S, et al. Cholesterol‑lowering effects of oat β‑glucan: a meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014;100(6):1413‑1421.
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