Why Fat is My Favorite Macronutrient + Almond Butter Coconut Cups Recipe

“Keto cups” and “fat bombs” are all the food blogger rage these days and for good reason.  By no means am I pro keto diet (unless of course it is recommended by a doctor manage a health condition) but I am pro FAT! Fat is my favorite macronutrient for so many reasons, but it wasn’t always.

In my younger days I fell into the fat-free trap and believed fat would…well…make me fat! I lived on Yoplait Light Fat Free Yogurts (Key Lime was my jam and I think I’d gag if you made me eat one today),  Lean Pockets, and SnackWells fat free cookies…I’m mortified typing this right now!  Even as a nutrition student in college and in my Dietetic Internship we were taught that dietary fat needed to be eaten in extreme moderation.

It wasn’t until my first Registered Dietitian position working in an inpatient behavioral health hospital and treating acute eating disorders patients did I witness what a healing nutrient fat was.  The human brain is nearly 60% FAT!! So what do you think it needs to function properly…dietary fat!

This job helped me better understand the function of dietary fat in the body.   I was able to teach my clients this information and help them face their fear of consuming high fat foods…and now I can share that information with you guys!

Fat intake will NOT lead to fat storage (weight gain) when it is eaten in normal amounts according to your hunger cues.  However, inadequate fat intake may lead to excess carbohydrate intake resulting in increased insulin production, which promotes fat storage, and decreased glucagons production.  Glucagons helps move fat from adipose stores (stored fat) to meet energy needs (burn fat for energy). There’s more…

Fats also stabilize blood sugar, aids in absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, and delays gastric emptying (keeps you fuller longer), spares protein so they can be used in cell repair, and much more!  You should be consuming 25 to 35% of each day’s total calories from fats! So guess what…I create a super simple recipe that packs a perfect fat and protein punch and makes a great snack.  Enjoy!

Almond Butter Coconut Cups
(makes 24 mini cups)
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
• 2 scoops Vital Proteins
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 small pinch pink Himalayan salt
• 1-2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

1. Line a mini muffin pan with liners.
2. In a small sauce pan melt almond butter and coconut oil together on medium-low heat. Mix together with a whisk.
3. Add in the coconut sugar, Vital Proteins, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Mix, mix, mix.
4. Pour the mixture into pre-lined pan. Fill each about 3/4 to the top.
5. Freeze for 30 minutes or until it’s completely hardened. Enjoy!
6. Storage: I like to peel them out of the liners and store in a glass airtight container in the freezer.

Disclaimer
All information on the The Champagne Theory blog, including but not limited to information about nutrition, health and fitness, is intended for general or background purposes only, and not as medical advice applicable to any individual. Please consult your medical provider or providers for instructions specific to your own medical concerns and condition.