Paleo Peaches’N Cream Rawbars

Just do it.

This Nike slogan has grown to be a worldwide saying. Sadly, it has simultaneously become very misused in the medical community.

As a sick person, being your own advocate is one of the biggest roles you must play. Many patients fall in to the trap of viewing their doctors as “gods,” and do not think twice about what they are told. Frustrating enough, most doctors in the “system,” are simply out to make money through selling prescription drugs. Because Chronic Lyme is rejected by 90% of doctors, I have gone through dozens. Frankly, if I had listened and done what most of them said, it is not an understatement to say I would have died. Though your health issues may not be as severe as mine, it is important to realize that even the “little things” that doctors claim are vital in living a healthy life (vaccines, mammograms, heart drugs, etc…) may be wearing your body out more than you are aware of.

Do you buy into the dogma that fats are bad for the body, statin drugs cure heart disease, and high cholesterol in your blood is caused by “bad food?” Or do you go home and research for yourself, only to find out blood cholesterol is not effected by food, and actually becomes higher when the intake of natural cholesterol (eggs, bacon, and butter) is lowered. It is also important to know that statin drugs, seen as a cure for strokes, have been shown to only help 0.4-2.0% of patients struggling with heart disease, whether it was pre-existing or not, and have never once been proven to extend one’s life. You would also find out that fats, the very thing most people try and escape, are vital for cell function, and can actually help in aiding a healthy weight.

Bottom line? Take the initiative, don’t believe everything you are told, and use logic to seek out where errors are being taught. In doing so, I can guarantee that you will never feel better in life. As my insightful endocrinologist always says, “we doctors do not know everything, that is why it is merely called ‘practicing’ medicine.”

If you, or anyone you know, are interested in learning about the many more food and medicine myths, you can visit the following sites:
http://chriskresser.com/the-diet-heart-myth-cholesterol-and-saturated-fat-are-not-the-enemy
http://chriskresser.com/the-diet-heart-myth-why-everyone-should-know-their-ldl-particle-number
http://chriskresser.com/category/myths-truths

Chris Kresser has many interesting, yet simple to understand, articles, podcasts, and free e-books regarding all forms of health and wellness.
Dr. Leo Galland, my “primary” doctor in NYC, also has many great resources on his website, as well as the website run by his son, http://pilladvised.com.
You can find additional interviews, such as this one by Dr. Oz, about Dr. Galland’s books, “Super Immunity,” and “Super Immunity for Kids,” in which I highly recommend listening to (http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/interview-dr-leo-galland-0)!

“Eat the Yolks,” by Liz Wolfe, is one of the most straight forward books on food myths I have ever read. She writes with humor and simplicity, that really hits home regardless of reader’s age. Click on the link below to learn more:
http://realfoodliz.com/eat-the-yolks/

Paleo Snack Bars

These bars are my take on the grocery store classic, “Larabar.” Whether you are looking to save some extra money, or limit your amount of processed foods, these bars are for you! As my dad switched his eating to primarily paleo, he wanted something that he could grab and go. Though He never loved Larabars, my homemade version hit the spot, and now he eats one every day as an afternoon snack. They have no added sugars, and are the perfect snack to fix your late-afternoon hunger slump. All you need is a food processor, and voila, you’ll never need to buy stale, store bought bars again!

Peaches’N Cream Raw-bar

Print Recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup dried apricots
2 cups raw, unsalted cashews
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of sea salt
1/3 cup unsweetened, dried coconut

Process

Pulse cashews and coconut in a food processor until well chopped.
Next, add the dried apricots and continue to pulse.
Once the mixture begins to adhere to one another, add the salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. (At this point you can allow your processor to run continuously until the mixture forms a somewhat “dough,” and is workable)
Divide and shape the mixture into single serving bars, simultaneously wrapping them each in their own piece of plastic wrap. (The ideal serving size is measured 2 oz, which is perfect for my dad.)
Place bars in freezer or fridge to set firmer. (If you store these in the freezer like me, make sure to take the bar out 10 before you are planning on eating it so that it can soften a bit.)

Variations:

Blueberry Pie: 1/2 cup dried dates, 1/2 cup dried blueberries, 1 cup raw cashews, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp lemon zest

Pecan Cherry Crisp: 1/2 cup dried pitted dates, 1/2 cup dried tart cherries (or cranberries), 1/2 cup almonds, 1/2 cup pecans, 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Cookie Dough: 1 cup cashews, 2/3 cup dried pitted dates, 2 tbsp chocolate chips or cocoa nibs, pinch of sea salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract

*Don’t let lack of exact ingredients keep you from making these bars! Switch out any dried fruit or nut for what is in your pantry. If the mixture is too crumbly and does not want to form a “dough,” add a tbsp or two of coconut oil. The extra fat helps bind the ingredients together, and makes for a more workable mixture.

James 1:15 ” If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”