Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle Through Nutrition
In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can feel overwhelming. However, focusing on proper nutrition is a powerful way to make a significant difference in our health. News 9 recently spoke with Oklahoma chef and health and wellness coach, Ahki Taylor, who shared invaluable insights on cutting unhealthy foods from our diets while still enjoying delicious meals.
The Importance of Health and Wellness in Oklahoma
Oklahoma leads the nation in obesity rates, ranking 12th overall, with an alarming 42% of the population classified as obese. Chef Ahki acknowledges this pressing issue, noting, “I haven’t done enough to give back to this community in this way… we’ve got to find a way to deal with this.” Through innovative recipes, Ahki aims to inspire Oklahomans to adopt a healthier approach to nutrition.
The Delicious No-Bake Peach Cobbler
Creating a healthier alternative to traditional recipes is essential for enjoying comfort foods without guilt. Chef Ahki introduces a remarkable no-bake peach cobbler that significantly reduces unhealthy fats and sugars while preserving its delightful taste.
Ingredients and Preparation
To get started, Ahki invites participants to join in the cooking process. She highlights a few key ingredients needed for the crust: dates, nuts, and agave nectar. This combination serves as a wholesome foundation, replacing the typical flour and sugar found in traditional cobbler recipes.
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Preparation of the Crust: Begin by tossing the dates and nuts into a food processor. Once blended, add agave nectar, a touch of sea salt for richness, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla extract. Blend until you achieve a sticky texture. If you lack a food processor, Ahki recommends investing in one to simplify the preparation of veggies and other healthy foods.
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Marinating Peaches: The next step is preparing the peaches, which can be fresh or frozen. Ahki suggests marinating them with spices to enhance their flavor.
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Creating a Creamy Layer: With the crust complete, Ahki encourages layering it with a creamy component made from almond yogurt and coconut yogurt. Mixing each type with a little agave nectar allows for personal customization—offering options for coconut lovers and those who prefer almond.
Chef Ahki’s Philosophy on Eating Well
When it comes to nutrition, Chef Ahki emphasizes the importance of eliminating what’s known as the “Dirty 5”: flour, sugar, saturated oils, excessive dairy, and a high amount of lean meats. “If you can go mostly plants, please do that as well,” she advises. While she personally adheres to a vegan lifestyle, she believes incorporating more fruits and vegetables is crucial for everyone, regardless of their dietary preferences.
Layering the Peach Cobbler
With the crust, marinated peaches, and creamy layers prepped, it’s time to assemble the no-bake peach cobbler:
- Assembly: Start with a layer of the crust in a dish, followed by a generous portion of the marinated peaches.
- Add Cream: Add a layer of almond or coconut yogurt for creaminess, then repeat the process as desired, ending with a flourish of peaches on top.
This delightful creation not only serves as a guilt-free dessert but also exemplifies how nutritious ingredients can come together to create something indulgent and satisfying.
Upcoming Health and Wellness Class
Chef Ahki is committed to her community and will be hosting an informative class that promotes healthier living. Participants can expect to learn about nutritious, natural foods and the preparation of delicious, wholesome recipes. This class will occur at Wheeze the Juice in Oklahoma City’s Deep Deuce on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Her approach combines education, personal experience, and practical cooking skills, empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being through delicious, healthy foods.