The Time You're Most Likely to Binge

When you're probably jonesing for junk food—and how to curb the urge

When you're tempted to dive face-first into a bag of chips could be tied to your body’s circadian rhythm: Cravings for sweet, salty, and starchy foods peak in the evening, when hunger levels are also at their highest, according to a new study in the journal Obesity.

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston kept 12 healthy people in a controlled lab environment to track how circadian rhythms impact food behaviors. What they found? Regardless of what time the subjects woke up or when they’d had their last meal, their desire for sweet, salty, and starchy foods peaked around 8 p.m., as did their feelings of hunger. The takeaway? Our body’s internal clock has a pre-scheduled effect on our appetite, and it wants us to eat more in the evening.

While it’s not clear why this happens, the researchers have a theory. “From an evolutionary perspective, it sort of makes sense,” says senior study author Steven Shea, PhD, director of the Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology at Oregon Health & Science University. When evolving humans faced periods of famine, those who could easily store their food as fat had a better chance of survival. As it turns out, our bodies are more likely to store food as fat when we stuff our faces in the p.m. instead of the a.m. In fact, previous research has shown that people who eat their largest meal in the morning lose more weight than people who save it for the end of the day—even if their overall calorie intake is the same, says Shea.

These days, binging late at night is no longer a handy survival mechanism–it’s just unhealthy. Luckily, your circadian rhythms don’t have to have the last word on when you’re tempted to eat. Pam Peeke, MD, author of The Hunger Fix, suggests ways to beat back a powerful craving—or prevent it from happening at all.

Go to bed earlier The study indicates that people are staying up later, when your hunger levels are at their peak. You may not be able to help being a night owl, depending on your work schedule, but whenever you can, try nipping this problem in the bud by going to bed earlier. That way you’ll be asleep when your food cravings are at their strongest. Plus, research shows that just getting enough shuteye also helps you make healthier food choices throughout the day and lowers your risk of obesity.

Don’t eat in front of the tube When you plop yourself in front of the latest episode of Game of Thrones, don’t let a bag of chips keep you company. You’ll be so focused on what’s happening on the screen, you may lose track of how much you’re shoveling into your mouth. “Put yourself on red alert that this is the time when major overeating takes place,” says Peeke. Instead of snacking while you watch, save TV for after dinner. Let it be your reward for polishing off a healthy meal.

Pop a stick of mint gum This trick does triple-duty to curb cravings: Chewing gum keeps your mouth busy, it tastes good, and it signals to your brain that you’re content. Just the act of chewing sends blood rushing to your hypothalamus, says Peeke, which causes your brain to release the feel-good chemical serotonin. Suddenly, demolishing a candy bar doesn’t feel quite as necessary for your mental health. Sugar-free peppermint gum is best: According to research out of Wheeling Jesuit University, just the smell of peppermint can make you feel less hungry and consume fewer calories.

If you have to indulge, eat a small portion of a high-quality snack You’re not a robot. It’s okay to give into the occasional craving now and then, says Peeke. Just limit your snack to 150 calories, and make it count. Instead of opting for the crappy chocolate bar at the checkout counter, try nibbling on a small piece of organic chocolate. It’s more likely to contain high-powered antioxidants, and the strong chocolate-y taste will satisfy your sweet tooth, says Peeke. The same rule applies to any of your no-go foods: When you have to indulge, go ahead and treat yourself. Just go for high-quality and stick to small serving sizes.

Comment below what you think, if you found it helpful or not. Let me know :)


Source

Binge eating: Avoid weekend overeating with these 6 tips

Yes, you can enjoy yourself - but keep these rules in mind

Weekends are for relaxing and taking it easy and for most of us that philosophy also makes its way to our diets. So how can you still enjoy yourself without completing going over the top? Try these tips

1. Have a healthy breakfast

Breakfast sets you up for the rest of the day so if you start by having the right type of breakfast you're less likely to want to reach for unhealthy treats later on. Having a nutritious breakfast that includes a protein such as eggs, complex carbs such as wholegrain bread and good fats such as slices of avocado along with plenty of fresh fruit and veg will keep your blood sugar levels steady which will keep you full for longer and also keep cravings at bay.

2. Out of sight, out of mind

If you're the kind of person who finds it hard to resist when treats like chips, biscuits and lollies are right in front of you then make it easier for yourself and just remove the temptation altogether. If it's not there, you're less likely to want to eat it. 

3. Pick a designated time to treat yourself

The weekend can become one big blur of breakfasts, lunches and dinners which can really add up calorie-wise. So to avoid a major calorie blow out pick one particular meal to treat yourself and then choose healthy options for all other meals. Also, be sure to eat mindfully - that means savouring each mouthful and really appreciating the experience. If you just wolf down a meal without even thinking you're less likely to feel satisfied.

4. Share your meals

If you're heading out for a meal, why not split entrees or desserts with someone else? You'll still be able to enjoy a nice meal out but you won't be consuming so many calories by having a rich dessert or entree on your own. Often restaurant portions can be larger than what we would serve ourselves at home so this is a good way to keep portion sizes in check.

5. Have healthy snacks at home

When faced with quiet moments during the weekend where you're binge-watching a TV show or settling in for a movie, the temptation is there to want to reach for the nearest snack. To help combat this have healthy snacks ready to go so you don't feel tempted to reach for the a bag of chips instead.

6. Watch your alcohol intake

It's easy to go overboard with alcohol during the weekend because you're feeling relaxed, but remember that a cocktail is essentially just calories in liquid form. Give yourself an alcohol quota (one drink a day is the optimum amount), savour each drink and then switch to soda water once you've reached your quota.

Source
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/weight+loss/lose+weight/binge+eating+avoid+weekend+overeating+with+these+6+tips+,38961

Healthy snacks in a hurry

Rather than reaching for the chocolate when hunger strikes, be ready with these simple and nutritious bites


1

1 apple + 1 serve low-fat cheese

2

Hard-boiled egg, sliced, 1/2 cup chopped veg (cucumbers, capsicum, red onion) + 1 tbs light mayonnaise dressing

3

Rye cracker + 2 slices tomato + 2 pieces low-fat fetta

4

1/2 cup of berries + 1 cup of low-fat yoghurt

5

1 slice wholegrain toast + 1 can sardines + 1 sliced tomato

6

3 cooked egg whites mashed, mixed with 1 chopped tomato + 1 tsp Dijon mustard

7

1 small tub low-fat natural yoghurt + 1 tbs raisins

8

1 large carrot, grated, mixed with 55g (1/2 can) tuna in spring water + 2 tbs low-fat dressing

Comment what you think, love hearing your feedback! xx



Source
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/nutrition/nutrition+tips/healthy+snacks+in+a+hurry,30947

Want to lose weight? Stop eating on-the-go!

A study reveals how munching on-the-go can lead to unwanted weight gain

Many of us are guilty of living an eat-and-run life. You see, when you’re strapped for time and forever on the move, it’s almost impossible to find the time to sit down and have a healthy, hour-long meal — it just doesn’t happen.

While snacking on-the-go might be the only way to ensure you’re eating anything at all, it can also make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle and real tough if you’re trying to shed a few kilos.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Health Psychology, researchers found that people who eat on-the-go may increase their food intake later in the day, resulting in extra weight gain and obesity — yikes! For the study, 60 females who were either dieters or non-dieters were examined.

They were all given a cereal bar to eat under three different conditions — during a five-minute clip of the TV show  'Friends', walking around the corridor and the other while chatting with a friend. They were then asked to complete a follow-up questionnaire and a taste test involving four different bowls of snacks, including chocolate, carrot sticks, grapes and chips.

Interestingly, the results found that dieters who ate while walking around or moving were more likely to eat more snacks at the taste test, some eating up to five times more chocolate than others. Even more so than the people who ate while chatting or watching TV, things we usually associate with mindless eating.  

"Eating on the go may make dieters overeat later on in the day," said lead author Professor Jane Ogden. "This may be because walking is a powerful form of distraction which disrupts our ability to process the impact eating has on our hunger. Or it may be because walking, even just around a corridor, can be regarded as a form of exercise which justifies overeating later on as a form of reward." 

"Even though walking had the most impact, any form of distraction, including eating at our desks can lead to weight gain. When we don't fully concentrate on our meals and the process of taking in food, we fall into a trap of mindless eating where we don't track or recognise the food that has just been consumed." 

With our forever busy schedules, sitting down to eat is often out of the question. So, in order to keep yourself on-track, try following these simple tips;

• Plan ahead. Pack a healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks the night before and store it in the fridge. That way all you have to do is grab and go!
• Know your options. If you don’t have enough time to pack a lunch, become familiar with your area and lunchtime options. Pass on the fast food and make a beeline straight for the local salad bar or sandwich shop.
• Keep track of calories. While we know calories aren’t the be all and end all to weight loss, knowing what’s going in versus calories burned can really help. When you’re on-the-go it can be hard to keep up with what you’re consuming. Apps like My Fitness Pal can be a great tool to help you keep track of all your meals, snacks and sweat-induced activities. 

Comment below what you think! I love hearing your thoughts!


Source
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/weight+loss/lose+weight/want+to+lose+weightr+stop+eating+on+the+go+,38589

10 smart snacking swaps

Reduce your sugar and fat intake with these simple snack switches


Nutritionally balanced snacks are as equally important when it comes to weight loss. Selecting snacks containing not only fewer calories but also less sugar is the key to a shrinking waistline. Here's how to make better snacking choices and cut back on unnecessary calories.

1

Swap a cappuccino (150 calories) for white tea (3 calories)

Enjoying a good cup of coffee each day has its health benefits. It's the added sugar, flavourings and milk that interferes with your weight loss goals. Keep in mind that one medium sized, full-cream milk cappuccino contains approximately 150 calories. This is equivalent to snacking on a muesli bar, a 200 gram tub of yogurt or 30 grams of nuts. Instead, swap your morning pick-me-up for a white tea. It offers all the health benefits of antioxidant-rich green tea, acts as an appetite suppressant and is virtually calorie free.

2

Swap crisps (250 calories) for roasted chickpeas (95 calories)

If you're craving something savory, steer clear of chips and try roasted chickpeas. Compared to fatty crisps, a 25 gram serve of chickpeas is only 95 calories. Chickpeas are also high in fibre and contain 5 grams of protein per serve. Foods combining both dietary protein and fibre are a smart choice, since they promote satiety, meaning you'll feel full for longer. You can buy roasted chickpeas ready-to-go single serves or try roasting them yourself with Himalayan salt, cayenne pepper and turmeric.

3

Swap a chocolate bar (255 calories) for a protein bar (150 calories)

If the 3pm energy slump leads you towards the vending machine, consider this: a standard 50 gram chocolate bar contains 255 calories, 15 grams of fat and 7 teaspoons of sugar. Instead, satisfy your chocolate craving with a protein-rich bar. Many of which are flavoured with chocolate to satisfy sweet cravings. Protein is vital in any weight loss plan to regulate blood sugar levels and burn fat. As a guide: choose a bar which has around 15 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat and less than 10 grams of carbohydrates.

4

Swap dried fruit (150 calories) for berries and tamari almonds (100 calories)

Dried fruit alone is not the best snacking option since its highly concentrated in sugar. A 50 gram serve of dehydrated fruit contains more calories and sugar than 150 grams of fresh fruit. Try to avoid eating dried dates, mango and raisins since they contain the highest amounts of sugar.

Instead, make your own healthy mix of blueberries, goji berries and tamari almonds. Eating goji berries stimulates the production of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), which helps the body break down fat, enhance muscle tone and guard against ageing. Tamari almonds contain essential fatty acids and protein. Combine 10 grams of goji berries, 50 grams of blueberries and 10 grams of tamari almonds for a balanced low-GI snack.

5

Swap lite yogurt (200 calories) for natural yogurt (160 calories)

Diet yogurts may seem like a healthy option but not when it comes to weight loss. A typical tub of diet yogurt contains 1.8 grams of fat yet a massive 8 teaspoons of sugar.

For a healthy sweet fix choose a high quality natural yogurt with a sprinkling of cinnamon. A 2010 study by the United States Department of Agriculture found that those who consumed 3 to 6 grams of cinnamon per day exhibited positive effects on weight loss and lean body mass. Aim for one teaspoon of cinnamon per serve.

6

Swap chocolate chip cookie (140 calories) for cacao ball (100 calories)

The ingredients of most processed cookies or biscuits include sugar and refined flour, both of which contribute to visceral fat around your waistline. Visceral fat is a type of 'dangerous' fat associated with heart disease and diabetes.

A healthier alterative is to make your own cacao balls. Raw cacao powder is packed with antioxidants, contains zero sugar and is high in chromium which stabilises blood sugar levels, aiding weight loss. To make the bliss balls: add 1 cup mixed nuts, ½ cup mixed seeds, 2 tablesppons of tahini, small handful of goji berries and 1 heaped dessert spoon of cacao in a food processor and blitz until combines. Roll 1 tablespoon of the mixture into balls, cover with cacao or coconut, refrigerate in an air tight container and enjoy.

7

Swap crackers and dip (300 calories) for raw vegetables and dip (150 calories)

They're quick and easy but your average cracker, with its high salt and refined carbohydrate content, is not a smart snacking choice. Combine these low fibre biscuits with fatty dips, and this addictive snack can lead to mindless munching since the body cannot recognise that you've had enough.

By replacing crackers with raw vegetables you will be cutting the calories and upping your fibre content. To add interest, choose raw vegetables with a variety of colours such as red and yellow capsicum, broccoli and carrots. Add a few tablespoons of low-fat dips such as hummus or tzatziki for flavour and protein.

8

Swap frozen yogurt (300 calories) for a frozen banana (150 calories)

The differences between frozen yogurt and ice cream are minimal.

Equally they can provide up to 12 teaspoons of added sugar and 300 calories in per 250 gram serve.

For a healthy after-dinner treat try a frozen banana. It's a natural alternative to ice cream with only 150 calories and no added sugars. Try mashing a semi-frozen banana with 2 tablespoons of natural yogurt and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg.

9

Swap honey (100 calories) for bee pollen (75 calories)

There is no doubt that honey has many health benefits, however some blended commercial varieties contain the same amount of calories and sugar as cane sugar.

Bee pollen is affectionately referred to as 'nature's perfect superfood'. It is rich in protein, contains 18 vitamins including B, C, D and E, which help boost energy levels and support a healthy immune system. Many athletes use bee pollen for enhanced energy and increased endurance. Every 30 gram serve of bee pollen contains 25 times more protein and half the sugar content, than the same amount of honey. Mix it into a smoothie, on muesli or add it to your trail mix as an on-the-go snack. Look for bee pollen in most health food shops.

10

Swap diet snack bars (150 calories) for fruit-free muesli bars (120 calories)

Any snack bar that boasts to be 99 per cent fat-free should ring alarm bells. Once fat is removed from a product chances are its high in added sugar. Some fat-free bars can contain up to 3 teaspoons of added sugar.

Instead, opt for a fruit free or wholegrain muesli bar, one that contains no more than 5 grams of sugar per bar. Keep in mind 4 grams of sugar is equivalent to one teaspoon of sugar. Low sugar oat-based bars contain beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Comment below what other snacking tips you have learnt since beginning your weight loss journey! I'd love to hear!!


Source
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/weight+loss/diets/10+smart+snacking+swaps,17249

Smart Snacking: How To Keep Your Metabolism Burning All Day

Apples

Apples are a 'good carb,' and they're packed with fiber. Eating two apples is enough to fill your fruit intake for the day, and you're not adding a lot of calories. Apples also have vitamin C, and satisfy your sweet tooth. They make your stomach feel fuller, so you'll eat less during the day, without having to worry about working off a lot of fat.

Almonds

Many kinds of nuts, when eaten in moderation, can provide a number of health benefits. First among equals are almonds, especially raw almonds that have no salt. Technically, almonds are high in fat, but a handful a day are very good for you. The fats in almonds are monounsaturated, the same as in olive oil, and these fats help reduce heart disease. Studies have also shown that almonds, eaten in moderation, helps keep your weight down, which combined with an active exercise program, can keep you healthy for a long time.

Broccoli

The greener the vegetables, the better for your body. Broccoli is a great snack you can eat raw, or steamed. It lowers cholesterol, gets rid of toxins and is packed with vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin K. If you're busy, you're better off packing raw broccoli florets in a bag, and eating them on the go. Avoid dipping sauces, as they are often loaded with fat and sugar.

Low Fat Plain Yogurt

Low-fat plain yogurt has many benefits. It's probiotic, which means that it's filled with 'good' bacteria, also known as 'live cultures' that can help relieve digestive problems. Yogurt is also a high-protein, low fat food, perfect for maintaining a healthy diet. In addition, yogurt is low in calories, but be careful about the sugar content of some flavored yogurts. You're better off buying non-sweet yogurt and using honey or brown sugar to make it sweet.

Canned Tuna

Tuna is packed with vitamin B3, vitamin B12 and protein. It's a lean, delicious food that is also low in fat. Tuna is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that have huge antioxidant benefits. The best kind of tuna is albacore tuna, which is pure white tuna with no mixture of other tuna species. For snacking, you can eat tuna straight out of a can, mix with brown rice or sprinkle over a healthy salad.

Edamame

Edamame is a fancy name for soybeans that are boiled. They are a delicious, low-fat and low-calorie snack that's full of protein and fiber. You'll also find vitamin C and vitamin A and iron. You can pack edamame in a bag to down them by the handful, but don't add too much salt, or you'll negate the health benefits.

Cottage Cheese

Although, you don't want 'cottage cheese' thighs when you work out, you do want to eat cottage cheese to stay healthy. It's high in protein, calcium (for bone strength), magnesium, potassium and zinc. Cottage cheese is also a low-carb food that helps regulate blood sugar, improves digestion and is rich in antioxidants. You can eat cottage cheese by itself as a snack, or add it to a salad or egg-white omelette.

Beef Jerky

Yep, they're good for you and filled with protein. But you have to make sure you buy a brand that's low in sugar and sodium. You should also avoid 'smoked' or 'barbecue' flavored jerky as these tend to have a lot of additives. You can also buy turkey jerky if you want even less fat. Jerky is just dried meat, so you're getting all that protein on the go.

Blueberries

Blueberries are a superfood that you can enjoy anytime. They are one of the highest antioxidant-containing fruits in the world, and you can eat them raw, in smoothies or in yogurt. Studies have shown that eating blueberries after a workout can help your muscles recover much quicker because antioxidants help promote healing. Blueberries are also packed with vitamin K, vitamin C and fiber.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a negative calorie food item. It takes more energy to chew and consume the food than what's in the nutritional value of the item itself. This is great for boosting your metabolism and is also giving of rich nutrients and antioxidants.

Cheese

Studies have shown cheese contains butyric acid. This compound is linked to reduced obesity, reduced hunger and higher metabolism. It is shown that consuming natural cheese with whole-grain bread has boosted metabolism nearly 50% than processed cheese and white bread. 

Avocado

Much like almonds, avocado contains monounsaturated fats which plump cell membranes enabling them to to work better with fat-burning hormones. Avocados boost your metabolism by protecting the energy-producing parts of your cells from free radical damage. 

Egg Whites

Egg Whites are a great source of Leucine, an amino acid used for weight loss. This amino acid kick starts your metabolism as it raises your base metabolic rate and boosts your weight loss. Be careful when consuming egg whites and avoid eating it raw. There are serious health risks associated to raw egg whites - take the time to cook it and see the health benefits kick in. 

Water

While water isn't necessarily a "snack," it is a required part of your everyday eating habits. Studies found that drinking water increases your metabolic rate by 30% in healthy men and women. It also fills you up naturally which lowers your cravings for other foods.

Spinach Salad

By eating spinach, you protect yourself against osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer, arthritis and other diseases. Spinach has a delicate texture and jade green color that provides more nutrients than any other food. This is a great food to help get your metabolism to a speedy rate.

Whey Protein

Whey is an ideal snack for boosting metabolism. It is quickly digested and can help boost enough t burn an extra 150 to 200 calories per day. Add some whey into a protein smoothie or make your own version of ice cream with it added in. This is guaranteed to boost your metabolism fast!

Oatmeal

To jumpstart your metabolism, eat oatmeal for breakfast. Oatmeal is rich in fat soluble fiber which requires a lot of energy to break down. This helps boost your metabolism as it also decreases your cholesterol levels and reduces your risk of heart disease. 

Lean Meat

Metabolism is affected by multiple factors out of your control - however, increasing your muscle mass allows you to burn more calories (increases your metabolic rate). Muscle tissue requires protein and exercise - by eating more protein, you can build muscle mass therefor enhancing your metabolism.



Source
http://www.strengthmeetsstyle.com/smart-snacking-how-to-keep-your-metabolism-burning-all-day/89/236/?utm_source=Taboola&utm_medium=BriH&utm_campaign=1

Chickpea cookies! Chickpea cookies with no flour, no oil, no white sugar.These are just full of chickpeas. And they’re my very favorite healthy cookie so far! I don’t know if they really classify as cookies so I’ll go with cookie dough bites.

And as a bonus, they’re grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan. Just in case that matters to anyone out there! And if you’re worried about the chickpeas, don’t be. I don’t like chickpeas and won’t eat them but that didn’t prevent me from inhaling these.

These need the chocolate. Don’t go making them without the chocolate and then tell me that they weren’t sweet or gooey enough! These would be incredibly boring without the chocolate. And for some weird reason, these cookie dough bites do not taste yummy in dough form. Baking them somehow brings out the sweetness and peanut butter flavor. Or maybe it’s just all that melted chocolate.

One thing I’ve learned since starting this blog is that people really love closeups of melted stuff. So there you go. :)

These aren’t the most beautiful cookie dough bites, but fresh out of the oven, with all that gooey chocolate, I bet you can’t tell that these are made with chickpeas. Or are grain-free. But cold? Yuck. These need to be warm! You can either freeze the balls and pop a few in the oven whenever it’s on, or simply put them in the microwave until they’re warm and gooey again.

Please read the following before asking a question! It will probably answer it. :)

• Tons of people have posted the nutritional analysis for these. They’re supposedly anywhere between 80-130 calories, which seems like a huge range to me. Please use a recipe analyzer like on CalorieCount if you need more information.
• You can use almond butter, sun butter, or whatever nut butter like you.
• The peanut butter should be the kind with only peanuts and salt. No added fat or sugar. Be careful because there are some “natural” brands out there which aren’t really natural. I find that this peanut butter is usually expensive so I make my own. You can make your own in only 5 minutes with a food processor. Check that out here.
• Chickpea flour won’t work. I don’t think plain hummus will either.
• I haven’t tried anything other than chickpeas but others have used butter beans, navy beans, red kidney beans, great northern beans, and lentilswith success. I generally don’t like goodies made with those types of beans but I love these cookies made with chickpeas. Please use chickpeas unless you have an allergy!
• Doing this in a blender (unless it’s a Blendtec blender or something equally powerful) won’t work and might kill the blender.
• Adding random stuff like eggs… probably won’t work either. ;) Experimenting is great but I think this is a bad recipe to experiment with. But thanks to the experimenters who left feedback, I’ve been able to update the recipe with alternatives to honey and peanut butter. Thanks everyone!
• For a totally sugar free version, use 30 drops of Stevia and cacao nibs.
• Do not double the recipe! It might be too much for your machine and could damage it.
• For a vegan version, you can’t use honey. Use agave.
• For a dairy-free version, use Enjoy Life chocolate chips. They’re just as delicious as regular chocolate chips. SO good!

And thanks for everyone who has pinned and left feedback. I really appreciate it. :)

Grain-free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites

• Prep Time: 8 min
• Cook Time: 10 min
• Ready in: 18 min
• Yield: 14 1" cookies

Ingredients

• 1¼ cups canned chickpeas, well-rinsed and patted dry with a paper towel¹
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons (165 grams) natural peanut butter, SunButter Natural or almond butter - room temperature ²
• ¼ cup (80 grams) honey (commenters have usedagave and maple syrup with success!)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder³
• a pinch of salt if your peanut butter doesn't have salt in it
• ½ cup (90 grams) chocolate chips (use vegan and dairy-free chocolate chips, if needed)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C. Combine all the ingredients, except for the chocolate chips, in a food processor and process until very smooth. Make sure to scrape the sides and the top to get the little chunks of chickpeas and process again until they're combined.
2. Put in the chocolate chips and stir it if you can, or pulse it once or twice. The mixture will be very thick and sticky.
3. With wet hands, form into 1½" balls. Place onto a Silpat or a piece of parchment paper. If you want them to look more like normal cookies, press down slightly on the balls. They don't do much rising.
4. Bake for about 10 minutes. The dough balls will still be very soft when you take them out of the oven. They will not set like normal cookies.
5. Store in an airtight container at room temperature (or in the fridge) for up to 1 week.

Notes

1. My can of chickpeas was 400 grams, 240 grams without the water, and I used all but a few tablespoons.
2. Don't even try with regular peanut butter! They'll come out oily. You MUST use natural peanut butter. :)
3. If you need grain-free baking powder, you can use 1 part cream of tartar + 1 part baking soda + 2 parts arrowroot.

Hope you guys enjoy these delicious snacks. Just DON'T over-indulge on them. Having one every now and then won't hurt or affect your weight loss journeys.

Source
http://www.texanerin.com/2012/04/grain-free-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-bites.html