As Christian women over 40, we often find ourselves seeking greater energy, clarity, and overall well-being in our spiritual, mental, and physical health. One way to embark on this transformative journey is by embracing a dairy-free and grain-free lifestyle. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of such an approach, focusing on inflammation reduction, gut healing, and the reasons why women over 40 should consider avoiding gluten and dairy. To kickstart your new dietary adventure, we’ll also share a delicious recipe for Banana Nut Breakfast Cookies that will nourish your body and delight your taste buds. Let’s dive in!

The Power of Inflammation Reduction
Inflammation is a natural immune response, but when it becomes chronic, it can wreak havoc on our bodies, leading to various health issues. A dairy-free and grain-free diet can help combat inflammation by eliminating common triggers such as gluten and lactose. By removing these potential irritants, you provide your body with an opportunity to heal and restore balance.

Healing the Gut
The gut plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, and maintaining its health is vital, especially as we age. A dairy-free and grain-free eating plan can contribute to gut healing by reducing the intake of substances that may harm the gut lining. By prioritizing nutrient-dense foods and incorporating gut-friendly alternatives, such as almond or coconut milk, you can support optimal digestion and absorption of essential nutrients.

Why Gluten and Dairy May Not Be Your Allies
As we reach our 40s and beyond, our bodies undergo various changes. Gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains, can become harder to digest for some individuals, leading to digestive discomfort, bloating, and fatigue. Dairy products, often rich in lactose, may also pose challenges as our lactase production decreases, making it harder to break down lactose and resulting in digestive issues. By avoiding gluten and dairy, we can enhance our vitality and improve our overall well-being.

Delicious Banana Nut Breakfast Cookies Recipe

To help you get started on your dairy-free and grain-free journey, here is a delightful recipe for Banana Nut Breakfast Cookies. These cookies are packed with nutrients and flavor, making them a perfect option for a quick and energizing morning meal. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients:

• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp (40 g) real maple syrup
• 2 tsp (4 g) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 g) almond or coconut milk
• 1 scoop (30 g) protein powder or collagen peptides
• 1 cup (120 g) almond flour
• 1 cup (112 g) coconut flour
• 1 tsp (4.5 g) baking powder
• 1 tsp (2.5 g) cinnamon
• Dash of sea salt
• 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup (36 g) chopped dates

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, beaten eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond or coconut milk until well combined.
3. Add the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, cinnamon, sea salt, walnuts, and dates to the bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
4. Form 12 circles with the dough and press lightly onto a greased baking sheet or use parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly browned.
6. Serve three cookies with a cup of green or matcha tea for a wholesome breakfast.

Nutrition Info (3 cookies):
Calories: 547
Carbohydrate: 55 grams
Protein: 26 grams
Fat: 26 grams

Ready to embark on your dairy-free and gluten-free journey? Download my free 1-week meal plan, which includes a comprehensive guide on what to eat, a shopping list, and delicious recipes like this one. If you’re looking for a whole month’s worth of dairy-free and grain-free meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists, visit my website at amywadlington.com/shop-menus. It’s time to prioritize your energy, clarity, and well-being, nourishing your body, mind, and spirit!

Remember, embracing a dairy-free and grain-free lifestyle is not just about what you eat; it’s a holistic approach that can positively impact your spiritual, mental, and physical health. Take the leap today and embark on a transformative journey toward a more vibrant and fulfilling life!