KETO BROWNIES
Fertility Success Story…
“Maria Emmerich began helping me in my health journey before she even knew my name. About a year ago I stumbled upon her blog (http://www.mariahealth.
COCONUT OIL
One thing I had Kate add was coconut oil. The amazing properties of coconuts have been celebrated for their fertility and pregnancy boosting abilities. In tropical areas where coconuts are plentiful, pregnant women drink coconut water to increase the fetus’ health; babies in Thailand eat 3 spoonfuls of coconut puree as their first baby food from the priest; and women in India get a special coconut from the priest for a blessing when trying to conceive. Not only were the women correct with the traditions of enhancing the babies health, but we now have scientific proof of the numerous health benefits of coconuts.
1. DECREASE MISCARRIAGES: Fat is essential to make hormones. Some miscarriages are caused by a lack of progesterone to sustain the pregnancy. Eating coconut oil in addition to progesterone supplementation will provide a healthy fat that can be used to attain a healthy body weight and balance hormones.
2. HORMONE BALANCE: Overweight women may have problems conceiving due to too much estrogen (we have 3 types of estrogen: I’m talking about the one stored in our fat cells); this will inhibit ovulation from happening, and decrease the lining of the uterus for implantation, along with many other imbalances. Coconut oil is a medium-chained triglyceride, which aids in thyroid health and helps women lose weight while also balancing hormones.
3. MORNING SICKNESS: Coconut water is a natural remedy for nausea and has been traditionally used to calm malaria, typhoid, and other illness that include nausea as a side effect.
4. DECREASES GAS: It naturally calms and heals the stomach lining, which eventually decreases gas.
5. HYDRATION: Coconut water is nature’s true “sports drink.” It has all the elecrolytes and minerals that we need and lose during extreme activity (such as marathon running) and also supports the nutritional needs of pregnant women with the extra blood volume.
6. NUMBER 2: Most pregnant women struggle with going #2 in the third trimester. This is due to the intestines slowing down to absorb extra nutrients for the fetus. Coconut is a mild laxative. Coconut milk, water or eating coconut oil can assist to keep our intestinal system moving properly.
7. GESTATIONAL DIABETES: Coconut assists with proper blood sugar balance. When our blood sugar goes too high (if you eat too many crackers or processed carbs with morning sickness:))), you blood sugar drops too low and this will not only lead to insulin issues, it also induces nausea! Coconut will help due to the high amounts healthy fats keep our insulin levels from rising too much.
8. URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS: No need for antibiotics that decrease the mother’s and baby’s probiotics (and cause food allergies). Coconut decreases UTI’s because it cleans the kidneys.
9. IMMUNE SYSTEM: Coconut oil is 50% lauric acid (LA). LA has natural antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Pregnant women have a weakened immune system and LA boosts immunity and protects her from harmful infections.
10. BODY TEMPERATURE: Coconut cools the body, which can be an issue with the high levels of progesterone and weight.
11. STRETCH MARKS: Coconut oil is AMAZING for the skin! It moisturizes itchy and dry skin. It also reduces the appearance of stretch marks. When applied to the perineum in the weeks leading up to labor, it can help reduce tearing during birth.
12. ACNE: When applied to the skin and face, coconut water clears up acne and blackheads caused by the high levels of hormones during pregnancy.
13. LACTATION: Lauric Acid (LA) is found in two sources: coconut and breast milk! It has been proven that breast feeding women who eat coconut products have higher levels of LA in their milk. This is important because as listed above, it boosts the immune system. Other awesome properties of LA is that it increases the baby’s brain and bone development. Our bodies can store LA so start consuming coconut early on in pregnancy helps with milk production.
So let’s try this recipe that will satisfy those sweet, carb, chocolate cravings without the detrimental effects of a blood sugar spike from high-sugar white-flour chemically-filled packaged brownies.
5 oz cream cheese OR coconut cream, softened
3/4 cup coconut oil or butter, softened
1 TBS vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1/2 cup coconut flour
3/4 cup Swerve confectioners
1/2 tsp Celtic sea salt
1/4 tsp aluminum free baking powder
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush both sides of an 8″ by 8″ pan with coconut oil, or spray with olive oil cooking spray. Place a cut square of parchment paper in the bottom of the pan.
Beat softened cream cheese with electric mixer until smooth. Beat in butter, vanilla, and sweetener. Whisk together dry ingredients. Add eggs one at a time to cream cheese mixture, and beat until smooth. Add dry ingredients and almond milk, mix well. Pour mixture into prepared pan, and smooth top with a spatula. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, and top feels firm to the touch. When done, place pan on wire rack and cool completely or place in fridge overnight. Slice and serve. Makes 12 servings.
NUTRITIONAL COMAPARISON (per serving)
Traditional Brownie = 224 calories, 17.7g fat, 4.6g protein, 19g carbs, 0.9g fiber
“Healthified” Brownie = 204 calories, 18.4g fat, 4.6g protein, 4.6g carbs, 2.5g g fiber (81% fat, 9% protein, 9% carbs)
I just love your blog. I’ve subscribed and will be trying many of your recipes and buying your books.
Thanks soooo much for your kind words and support!!!
I wish I could have these. I get migraines from cocoa or dark chocolate. We miss you on Facebook. It’s hopping over there.
Bummer! You can omit the chocolate and have “blondies”;)))
no replacing the cocoa powder in this case?
None that I know of.
Maria – thank you for all your knowledge. I found your blog a couple of weeks ago and have been making many changes in my life, since then. I was already gluten free, but have learned so much in a couple of week. To top it off, I feel AMAZING, already! Even my husband enjoys your recipes. We’re working on him switching to eating this way too. He has struggled and has overcome being an alcholic and is working on quiting his tobacco addiction. I see him struggle, it’s tough. I didn’t know if you had any advise for addicts? Also, we are trying to have a baby, so the information of coconut couldn’t have come at a better time! Thank you so much. You have changed my life.
Sara- I write a lot about l-glutamine and helping alcoholics in my book: Secrets to Controlling Your Weight Cravings and Mood: http://astore.amazon.com/marisnutran05-20/detail/1456424548
Find glutamine here: http://astore.amazon.com/marisnutran05-20/detail/B002LJ90ZY
This is from my book:
Glutamine is also beneficial for a variety of other health issues.
1. Glutamine can help prevent both depression and fatigue and can also help us create neurotransmitters in the brain, which help relax us while elevating our mood. In the brain, it is transformed to glutamic acid and boosts the amount of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Both glutamic acid and GABA are considered “brain fuel,” because they are necessary for everyday mental function.
2. Glutamine reduces cravings for high-glycemic carbohydrates and can make your weight-loss plan a lot easier.
3. Many studies have also found that therapeutic amounts of glutamine helps prevent the harmful effects of alcohol on the brain and may also decrease alcohol (as well as sugar) cravings.
4. It is also essential to our immune system, because it is utilized by white blood cells. Glutamine is now used in some hospitals intravenously to speed up recovery of patients. The better you develop your muscles through exercise, the more glutamine they produce which is one of the reasons fit people get sick less often.
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
A recent study published by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that oral supplementation with as little as 2 grams of glutamine significantly enhanced patients overall health!
Glutamine is a safe substance found in protein. Dosages of up to 21 grams a day have been demonstrated to have no negative side effects. High glutamine levels also support brain function, including better alertness. Taking 2mg before bed increases human growth hormone. Recommended dosage is 5-20 grams a day for optimal health.
Maria, what brand of coconut water do you recommend? I loved reading this! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! You have helped me so much already.
Thanks Maria! I’m planning on buying your books. I’ll definitely have my husband start taking the glutamine. 🙂
I like this coconut milk: http://astore.amazon.com/marisnutran05-20/detail/B001HTJ2BQ
I only recommend coconut water for people low on electrolytes. But I like this one: http://astore.amazon.com/marisnutran05-20/detail/B000LL0R8I
Hi Maria I LOVE your information! Thank you for all your research.
I would like to know how you feel about Coconut Sugar? Should I use this or is there something you like to use that is better for you?
Thank you for your kind words!
Coconut sugar raises insulin too much… Sorry
hi Maria! just wanted to point out a small typo…urinary tract not track…not a big deal but I want to forward your blog to my friend who is an RN, she will already be resistant to the info so i don’t want her to have any other reason to gripe and question your credibility. even tho it’s just a typo. i wish everyone would read your blog!! thank you for all you do!
Thanks! Spelling was always my weakest link:)
Made these today for my daughters birthday. I forgot the almond milk & used Just Like Sugar.
Very nice:)
Thank you for writing! I appreciate your kind words;)))
nice opinion.. thanks for sharing...
Hi Maria, A friend just introduced me to your blog. I have been eating coconut oil daily for about a year now. I have tried to get my dad with CLL to take it in order to boost his immune system. I take it for overall health benefits. What would the recommended dose, per day, be?
Thank you! Karen
Thanks Karen! I would have your dad take 1 TBS at each meal; up to 4 times/day.
So delicious! Mine are a bit crumbly…should they be? Doesn’t really matter though because they are so good I would happily eat them with a spoon. I added the frosting from the zucchini brownie recipe. Going to be hard not to eat the whole pan myself. 🙂
Thanks Carissa!
No… They shouldn’t be crumbly… Hmmm, I do under bake mine, but I like all my desserts like that 😉 lol
Hi Maria why do you say to put the pan of brownies in the refrigerator over night I am just curious because usually they cool on a wire wrack as per part of your instructions ? Is it okay to cool them on the wrack only or is the refrigerator an important step ?
Nope. I updated to say on a rack or in the fridge. I guess it just depends on how fast you want to eat them! 🙂
I make these often and omit the almond milk.
I was wondering if “Just Like Sugar” is an option too? And if so, do I add the stevia glycerite?
Thank you Maria for an awesome book and website.
Stevie
Thank you! Just like sugar would work, but I would probably still do the Stevia to get the right sweetness. 🙂
Awesome information!!! I do get a little confused about coconut oil though – I’ve heard that expeller-pressed is bad and you should only by organic. Is there any truth to this?
I use this brand. It is organic and a good price. 🙂 http://astore.amazon.com/marisnutran05-20/detail/B001EQ5I9M
This is a big hit in our house! We all agree though that it tastes more like a decadent cheese cake than brownies, but no matter what we call it it’s delicious (the girls opted for “that healthy cheesecake”… and that makes me happy!)
Yay! Glad they liked it. 🙂
Hi Maria, Love your blog. Does eating coconuts (flesh)have the same nutritional benefits as cooking with the oil? I love snacking on the fruit itself, and i am doing a fertility cleanse at the moment, so wondering it if helps. Thanks.
That is a good question. I’m not sure. 🙂
can you give me thos recipe with alomond flour/is that possible?
Sorry, coconut flour is a different ratio. Typically it is 1/4 the amount for coconut flour and more liquid (like eggs). 🙂
Wow,, made these for my family tonight!! SO SO SO SO SO GOOD!! I am in love..lol…we ate them warm right out of the pan with a glass of Almond milk.. I did put some away to take to work to show them off…lol.. I might share..:)
Thanks for the kind words! I’m glad you liked them. 🙂
Hello, I can’t seem to get Erythritol in Canada through your store. Can i just replace this in the recipes with Swerve or the Zsweet you have in your store?
Yes, in. Most recipes you can replace the erythritol and stevia with swerve (in parentheses above). I have sweetener conversion charts in my cookbooks. 🙂
Holy cow, these are great! I just found your blog a few days ago, and I haven’t been able to tear myself away since. I’m planning on making your calzones and “Hamburger Helper” this week. I’m so, so thankful that I found your site. I’ve been low carb for a while, off and on, and always caved to my cravings. I’ve been so inspired by you that this weekend I was able to make it through work without caving for the first time ever (I’m a night shift nurse in a high-stress environment AND a stress eater… it’s a bad combination). I can’t wait to get all of your books!! And can I just add that these brownies were phenomenal?! I’ve tried plenty of low-carb or paleo desserts, and they’re either terrible, are made with artificial sweeteners (yuck), or are sky high in carbs. These were absolutely perfect. Moist, chocolatey, and sweet. Thank you sooo much!!
Thanks for the kind words! 🙂
By the way, my fertility specialist and all his nurses just started on low carb this week. First thing I said was, “you HAVE to check out this woman Maria’s website!” 🙂
Awe, you are so sweet! Thank you! 🙂
Oops, it looks like my main question didn’t post. I just wanted to know if erythritol is a good choice during pregnancy? THANKS!
Maria, i am concerned about taking some of the Amino Acids. I have low thyroid and take Levoxyl and Armour thyroid each morning, but your books say that I should take some amino acids on an empty stomach. can you explain to me how I can take these so they won’t interfere with my medicine? Or is it okay to take them since they are natural? Thanks…love your books and blog!
Thank you! Here is some info I give to clients. Many endocrinologists say it is fine to take with medications but I suggest to take 1 hour after medications.
“Tyrosine is an amino acid found in red meat and other animal products. Tyrosine can also be made by another amino acid, phenylalanine, but it needs iron for conversion. Many women lack iron because of heavy periods or uterine fibroids. They can’t make tyrosine and may end up with low thyroid function. People who have stress use more tyrosine to deal with stressors, which also leads to low thyroid. Low thyroid leads to low blood pressure, cold hands and feet, and restless leg syndrome. Take 500-1000mg twice daily. http://astore.amazon.com/marisnutran05-20/detail/B000ELTDAS
These are in the oven. Batter is delicious 🙂 Thanks for what I believe will be another great recipe with healthy ingredients.
Thank you! 🙂
I have been using heavy cream as a substitute for the milks in your recipes. Is heavy cream acceptable?
Yes, that is a good option. Thanks! 🙂
Thank you for your quick reply. I cannot wait til I can afford to have you do a health assessment. We have given up all starches, fruits, starchy veggies, and of course sugar in all its known forms. We are losing weight and hope this way of eating will help us have another child.
Good luck! 🙂
These turned out brilliant – like a milk chocolate brownie which is light while still dense – yummo!
Thanks again Maria for all the brilliant information and recipes, i really need to buy some of your books!
Thank you Sina! 🙂
I have a quick questions, how can each serving only be 2 carbs? Just with the amount of erythritol itself you would be having around 12grams not including any other ingredients per serving? Do you use a different one that doesn’t have 3grams of carbs per teaspoon & 3 sugar alcohols? http://www.nowfoods.com/Foods/Real-Food/Products/M042518.htm
jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com
The sugar alcohol in Erythritol is not digestible so it doesn’t count in the total. 🙂
Hi Maria,
quick question – if using swerve, do you still you the stevia? or is stevia only if you use erythrytol?
Hi, I updated it above. You omit it if using Swerve. Thanks! 🙂
I know you will often omit the fat content in totals. I am trying for high fat (good fats) in my diet and like to see the amount – would you reconsider listing the fat count??? These are so yummy – made them with a friend yesterday along with your Healthified Cereal and Basic Scones – love your books too!!!
Marcia
Thanks! I have started including it on all the new recipes I post (and in my cookbooks). 🙂
maria,
Is it good to bottle feed the store-bought unsweetened almond milk? If so, how much per day should be given?
Also, should coconut milk only be given if they are experiencing diarrhea or is it good to be given every day anyway if they are healthy, and if so, how much and is it better to give the canned or the refrigerated in the carton?
I would check with your doctor about almond milk. I think coconut milk is a better option (it is closer to mothers milk in saturated fat content). I would follow a normal bottle feeding guideline for their age and use the coconut milk in a can. 🙂
Hi Maria,
I was reading your book the Art of Healthy Eating for Kids, which is beautifully illustrated by the way and very informative. I was intrigued about the benefits of coconut oil so I started adding some to my morning smoothie (3 tbsp). Soon after consuming the smoothie I feel, lethargic, mental fatigue, nausea and tired. I follow the Wheat Belly diet (3 months living low carb and wheat free) and been having these smoothie every morning since I began with no problems. Am I overdoing the coconut oil? I would appreciate your thoughts on what is going on.
Lesley
Thanks!
What else are you adding to the smoothie? Fruit?
1 c. coconut milk, 2 tbsp ground flax meal, 1/2 c. frozen raspberries/blueberries, 1c. fresh spinach, plus 30gms protein powder.
I would cut out the fruit and use 1/4 cup of swerve (or stevia equivalent). Also maybe do 2 TBS coconut oil. 🙂
I am making these tonight for a dinner party this weekend. They look so good!
These brownies are delicious! I am always amazed at how flavorful your gluten free desserts turned out. I thought when I switched to gluten free I was also switching to flavor free, but that is not the case. I am a full believer in gluten free lifestyle now. I feel better than ever!
Thank you Megan! Way to go! 🙂
Hi Maria, I’ve made these brownies a number of times now and they are amazing! I just had a question as to the content, I have done calculations myself and have not been able to get a figure of less than 2.3 NET carbs. I was wondering if it was possibly the coconut flour, what kind with counts do you use?
Hi, I am using a more accurate calculator now. I updated the info above. Thanks! 🙂
I just got a new package of Swerve in. This recipe is first up on my list to make!
I’m wondering – does coconut milk have all the same benefits as coconut oil? Coconut oil seems to come up most in your article.
BTW – I love, love, love your website / blog! You are an amzing writer and person. Thank you so much for sharing so much with us!
Awe, thank you so much! Coconut oil has many additional benefits, but unsweetened coconut milk is great too. 🙂
Maria, I want to make these but have a question. Is the coconut cream you mention as a sub for the cream cheese the Tropical Traditions coconut cream concentrate or is it something else?
I use the cream off the top of a can of coconut milk. You can put it in the fridge to help it separate
I made this recipe last night for my bridal shower this weekend. They taste delicious. I accidentally ate one for breakfast this morning when I was cutting them up. I can’t wait to share with my friends and family. My fiance family is making all gluten free foods for my shower.
Thanks!
Somewhere on your blog I read that coconut oil is used instead of mouthwash, I can not find that article, the search -bar does not help. I have a friend (she has no money) with terrible inflammation of her gums, she is in pain and has no money to go to the dentist., so I suggested using Coconut oil. I wanted to print out the article for her since she has no computer. I am really worried that this inflammation might have a negative effect on her heart.
I would appreciate if you could direct me to that interesting piece you wrote. Thank so much! Barbara.
Here you go. 🙂
http://mariamindbodyhealth.com/flourless-torte-with-brown-butter-glaze/
thank you Maria! Barbara,
Hi, Maria, I notice so many of your recipes use coconut products, but I haven’t seen anything about coconut nectar. We discovered this gooey sweetener at our local Clark’s Nutrition store, and have tried it both in syrup and granulated form. What are your thoughts are on coconut nectar as a sweetener?
Sorry, it is still just sugar. I don’t use it. 🙂
Hi Maria, I prepared these brownies twice and have decided that it will be a staple in my freezer. The most amazing quality of these baked goodies is, that after indulging in a little piece of it, one is totally satisfied and totally full. So my questions is:” could this be a meal replacement? “The ingredients, except for the cream cheese, are quite nutritious ! I had this with my coffee this morning and was stuffed! They are best eaten cold, right out of the fridge, in my humble opinion.
Thank you for posting this wonderful recipe! Barbara.
I think that would be an ok option. 🙂
Maria, one more thing! I just have to tell you that I like this uncooked , it is like a chocolate mousse! I am just worried about the eggs being raw, otherwise I would eat it unbaked! What do you think? Too dangerous?
Thank you, Barbara.
If you trust your source of eggs, it shouldn’t be an issue. 🙂
Of course I would omit the baking powder LOL!
Hi Maria, I’m wondering if you’ve made this recipe with the subs for dairy (coconut cream & coconut oil) or if anyone else has. The oil separated in mine when I made them and they didn’t turn out at all. My son has an egg intolerance as well, so I used flax gel for the eggs. I’m wondering if this is the main problem or if others have had success with the non-dairy version. Thanks for all your great information and recipes! 🙂
Just made those with the chocolate topping from the cream de mint brownies. They are amazing
I only have truvia could I sub that somehow?
That is ok. Just use 3/4 cup and omit stevia.
Would rice milk work as a replacement for the almond milk or is it too runny? My son has a nut allergy and that’s the only thing in your delicious-sounding recipe that would need to be changed for him. Or do you have another suggestion?
These look great!!
I would try coconut milk (the full fat ones in the cans). 🙂
Do you think these would come out the same if I use xylitol instead of erythritol? And would I still need the stevia?
That should work. I would just sweeten to taste. 🙂
I’m making these now, so far the batter tasted delicious!
Thanks!
They came out perfectly! Best thing is that my kids love them and think they taste exactly like the brownies they are used to. Thank you!
Awesome! Thanks!
These are amazing! Best sugar-free, grain free dessert I have made so far. And the best part is that I can eat one, enjoy it, savor it, and not go back for a second, or third, or fourth. 😉
I know this recipe has been up for a while, but I just wanted to leave a note and say how fantastic these brownies are. I’ve been having a hard time finding a low-carb brownie that actually tastes decent, and someone posted a link to this on reddit’s ketorecipes sub. I’ve had my fair share of trouble baking with coconut flour, but this was the simplest recipe with the least “weird” ingredients that I’ve seen in my searching. And these turned out so totally awesome on the first try. Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful recipe!
Thanks!
Awesome brownies…….they were easy to make and came out perfect! I added walnuts because my husband loves Walnut Brownies. He says these are so good that he’s drawn to them like a moth to a flame! Lol. Thanks for reposting, I’m so glad to have this one in my file!!
Thanks!
This is a staple in my diet. This recipe is so easy to make and always turn out great. I make a big batch and put in freezer so I can take one out a day. I want to try the zucchini brownies next.
Thanks Megan!
Hi Maria, thank you for these facts about coconut oil- this is great to know! What are some ways you would recommend someone to regularly include coconut oil in their diet?
Many of my recipes like my Keto-Fudge, etc. 🙂
Mine turned out lumpy and is still very doughy, not smooth like the picture. What did I do wrong?
What brand coconut flour? I know bobs red mill doesn’t absorb moisture like others.
“Lets do Organic” was the brand…I got it from Fresh and Natural. I also used coconut oil, maybe I will try again with butter instead.
Hi!
Just curious– about how much coconut oil per day is recommended to aid in fertility? Thanks so much! 🙂
I don’t think you can have too much. 🙂 But try to get at least a couple tablespoons a day. 🙂
I was wondering if you’ve heard of “whey low” sweetener? The bag says it doesn’t spike insulin, but I don’t know if it would be a good sugar substitute. Could you give your opinion on this?
I avoid it. It has ingredients I don’t approve of. 🙂
The recipe book says for fudgy brownies .3g carbs for 1 serving. I really enjoy these brownies made dairy-free and have been eating them like fat bombs thinking the carbs were so low….no wonder I’m not losing weight!