Many years ago I discovered the magic pill. It makes me feel better, prevents injury, helps me sleep better, aids in avoiding sickness and even helps with weight control. But it's not easy, it's not sexy and it's often not fun.
It's exercise. And although I know I should do it regularly and I know how much it helps, I still haven't always done it regularly. And it's not just about weight control, because exercise is only part of the weight control equation. Eating healthy is actually the bigger part of that equation. And that's why I like to create healthy desserts like these Healthy Chocolate Chip Spinach Cookies!
Exercise keeps that looming dark cloud of stress, anxiety and misery at bay. It also burns calories. Then there's that feeling it gives me; it seems to satisfy some innate, primal need.
But like I said, I know that exercise is only part of the equation- you still have to watch what you eat. Although I wish it weren't the case, there is no way around it. It's simple math. If you want to lose weight, you need to burn off more calories than you consume. And although it feels like you are burning tons of calories when you exercise, you're not burning as much as you think. Therefore, you have to be conscious of food intake.
Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
But I know for myself, that cannot mean total deprivation. I still need my chocolate. I mean, who doesn't? That's where these guys come in.
This soft healthy chocolate chip cookie recipe is one of those desserts that gets me through. It's a chocolate chip cookie with banana, spinach and pineapple, making them all the more healthy.
Did you know that spinach is very calcium-rich and it contains more calcium than milk?
So now you can have your chocolate chip cookies and be healthy too! These cookies are so good that my kids (who don’t even like spinach) know there is spinach in them and still love them. If you are looking for a healthy spinach cookie recipe, look no further.
Spinach Cookies
These healthy chocolate chip spinach cookies won 3rd place in the Farmers' Almanac Spinach Contest.
But healthy does not always mean low-fat and/or low sugar - you also have to watch the ingredients in food. I find manufacturers often compensate for lack of fat with extra sugar and vice versa. And I try to avoid artificial sweeteners, as they do not agree with me. So, I prefer to treat myself to desserts that are made with real, whole foods. And that's what these cookies are; made with spinach, pineapple and bananas, they are real food. And that's what I consider to be healthy. But be warned -they are not really low fat or sugar. It's all about moderation, as far as I'm concerned.
Ideas for Spinach Recipes
You may have some leftover fresh spinach, so here are a few ideas for spinach recipes:
Healthy Applesauce & Spinach Brownies
Healthy Homemade Jello Fruit & Veggie Snack
Potato, Spinach and Beef Casserole (Gluten-free)
Exercise is the magic pill!
It's even harder to motivate yourself to exercise in the winter, especially is you are a runner or like to walk outside. So, if you can't exercise outside, then using a treadmill INSIDE is a great alternative!
My Amazon Recommendations (affiliate links)
So... I try to exercise regularly and I've been really good about it that last couple of years and that has made a huge difference in my health. But I still need to watch what I eat, no matter how much I'm exercising. However, I know that I can't live without chocolate, so if I'm going to eat chocolate, I'm going to at least try to get some health benefits out of it. And that's why I love recipes like this Healthy Chocolate Chip Spinach Cookies! And if you're interested in additional healthy desserts, then check out my other healthy desserts with fruits and veggies (below the recipe card)!
Healthy Tropical Green Chocolate Chip Spinach Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
- ½ cup fresh pineapple, chopped into small pieces (can substitute canned- I use crushed)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 370 degress F and spray baking sheets with non- stick cooking spray.
- Cream butter and sugar. Blend in mashed banana, then add egg, vanilla and pineapple. Mix in spinach and chocolate chips.
- In a separate bowl mix flour, cinnamon baking soda, salt and baking powder together. Mix dry mixture into the wet mixture and mix until well blended.
- Drop by the heaping tablespoonful on cookie sheet and bake 12-15 minutes or until cooked in the centre. Cool for 5 minutes cookie sheet, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
Nutrition
More Healthy Desserts with Fruits & Veggies!
Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Healthy & Natural Red Velvet Cookie Recipe (no dye)
Healthy Applesauce & Spinach Brownies
Healthy & Light Blueberry Cornbread
Healthy Homemade Jello Fruit & Veggie Snack
Cosmic Caramel Apple Pie & Cheddar Bites
These cookies sound so intriguing and healthy. And, well, chocolate. How can you go wrong ? Thanks for sharing this great recipe.
Thanks, Denise! I know, hey? Chocolate just makes everything better!
Can't wait to try these!
I hope you like them Wendy!
I need my chocolate as well. But I agree that it is all about balance. For me, eating healthy and doing exercise keep me in good shape. I'd love to try these cookies, never thought of adding spinach to any of my baking. They look great! Pinned them!
Thanks, Nicoletta! Yes, the spinach makes me feel less guilty about the chocolate 🙂 I hope you enjoy them!
Sounds delicious! I always love to make treats healthier! I mean, why not? I also get you about running. haha I'm not fast and I don't go far either, but it is addictive! 🙂
Hi Gabrielle: thanks for your comments! I find chocolate and running equally addictive- I just hope they balance each other! lol
Looking forward to try out the recipe. The ingredient list calls for butter, but the instruction says shortening. I love butter!
Hi David - thanks for pointing that out. Butter is often used interchangeably with shortening, but I can see how it could be confusing so I will change it. I hope you enjoy the cookies! 🙂