If you're like me, sometimes you just really want (and need) a cookie to get through a dark, cold day. But if you're trying to stick to a healthy diet or are trying to limit sugar given all the news about how detrimental the sweet stuff is to your health, I've got a great solution just for you. When I really, really want chocolate chip cookies or cookie dough I make a special homemade healthy concoction that I promise you is just as good but won't leave you craving more sugar. And it takes only minutes to make! Photography courtesy of FlickrCC/Megan My cookie/cookie dough substitute contains the following (and it won't give you salmonella):

• steel cut oats (They'll keep you full, they're full of fibre and they're low on the glycemic index. Try regular quick-cooking oatmeal if you want to save time and energy)
• cut up bananas and apples (or one or the other)
• cinnamon (which may help regulate your blood sugar)
• dark chocolate chunks or cocao nibs (Both dark chocolate and and cacao have loads of antioxidants. You can also add a few traditional chocolate chips depending on how much you need a sugar hit - at least you skip the refined cups of sugar in traditional cookies.)

  Throw in some flaxseeds for good measure or some hemp seeds for protein and you've got a delish snack you can whip up in seconds. This is great for hungry kids or families. Come a rainy Sunday, trust me, you'll thank me. For more oatmeal ideas, try this delicious soaked oats superfood breakfast.