Last year, ONC readers wrote to us and noted how much you all appreciated hearing and learning about the 8 Areas of Wellness, a way to assess, explore and measure overall health and wellness. The 8 Areas of Wellness have become widely adopted in health education, workplace wellness programs, mental health initiatives, and community health planning. Organizations like universities, healthcare systems, social worker agencies, mental health counseling offices and wellness-focused nonprofits have adapted and refined the model to address specific populations and goals.
February is here, and we’ve had all the things: rain, snow, sunshine and bitter wind. We survive, thrive and endure through it all.
OCTOBER 2022 - 2
This month, we’re focusing on the 8 Areas of Wellness in our feature providing an easy-to-use, simple assessment. You can sit down and think through each area of wellness and give yourself a score, identifying areas you’re thriving in, enduring and simply surviving.
In this month’s Ask the Expert, Amy Natt answers a reader’s questions about traveling with his 72-yearold mother and making the most of their time visiting America’s national parks. Natt offers advice for planning a trip for everyone’s energy levels and physical capabilities as well as exploring the benefits of travel for the whole family.
In Mental Health Matters, Amy Phariss explores emotional resilience. What is it, and how can we develop and strengthen it? If you’ve ever found yourself feeling overwhelmed, irritable, and avoiding much of life, you’ll want to read these tips.
In Caregiver Corner, we tackle the issue of caregiver guilt. Many caregivers report and struggle with feelings of guilt. They feel they aren’t doing enough; they struggle with balancing personal time with caregiving responsibilities; they worry they’re not giving enough
Well, it’s official: fall is here. I had my first pumpkin-spiced latte just ture dipped low enough to merit a fleece.
Don’t worry. It was decaf.
attention to their kids or marriages while they care for parents; they feel guilty for feelings of anger, frustration and fatigue; they compare themselves to others and fear they aren’t measuring up, and much more. Guilt is so often a part of caregiving, and this month we talk about how caregivers can manage these feelings.
October is a gentle month. There are constant reminders of change. we are lucky, toward each other. We have lingering conversations over the flames flicker. Smoke dances around us in a circle. We zip our jackets
We've also included an indulgent and healthy Valentine's Day recipe. You can have your chocolate and eat it, too!
In this month’s feature, we’re starting an important conversation: care community for ourselves or a loved one? Fox Hollow Senior Robin Hutchings offers inside perspective for making this decision.
That’s it for us! We hope you all are bundled up, enjoying the last few months of hot, cozy beverages and are reading something fabulous.
In Ask the Expert, Amy Natt answers a reader’s question regarding away without any estate planning. Without a will or access to important
As we celebrate the month of love, let us not forget to love ourselves. In the words of famed writer Haruki Murakami:
Physical therapist Dr. Sara Morrison of Total Body Therapy and Wellness potential diagnostic tools used in physical therapy to help diagnose these tools differ from what other doctor’s offices may offer.
I’m going to agree with Nathaniel Hawthorne this month, who wrote:
I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine spent almost all the daylight hours in the open air.
A person learns how to love himself through the simple acts of loving and being loved by someone else.
Here’s to enjoying the October sunshine, falling leaves and daylight
Let us all appreciate and give thanks for the love we have, give and share.
My husband and I recently retired and are planning a trip to several of the state parks. We would like to take my 72-year-old mother with us. She still golfs and is able to walk 9 holes but does have to monitor her blood sugar levels. Is there anything specific we should be thinking about as we plan?
Answer:
It sounds like your mom is in for a great adventure! My first question would be: does your mom want to go on the trip with you? If yes, then excellent! It will be a fun experience you can plan together.
Senior tourism is on the rise. Adults aged 60 and up account for about 37% of all travelers. Many older adults are allocating travel as their number one priority for discretionary income. Increased longevity and more active agers, like your mom, creates the opportunity to enjoy travel later in life.
There are many reasons a person might travel as they get older, including family events, leisure activities, exploring new places, educational opportunities, retirement bucket lists, and sometimes for medical or support role purposes. In your situation, it sounds like a perfect combination of several of these things, in addition to sharing the experience together.
A recent study out of Edith Cowan University found that travel could be the best defense against aging. It is proposed that “travel therapy” can actually slow down the aging clock.
This particular study found that travel exposes people to new surroundings that can stimulate the stress response and elevate metabolic rate. This positively influences the body’s adaptive immune system response.
It can cause a person to become more resilient and actually regenerate tissue repair. Leisure travel can also help alleviate chronic stress, release tension and boost metabolism. Other benefits found included improved blood circulation, bone strength, maintenance of muscle, and expediting nutrient transport in the body. Essentially, it mentally and physically stimulates a person, with many benefits to the body and brain.
There are some travel considerations that you can plan for. You will want to talk to your mom’s
primary care physician to ask if there is anything they recommend you do or take with you to monitor her current healthcare needs. You should take all supplies and medications in the original bottles. If she is monitoring her blood sugar, you may need to plan for certain snacks or stops at certain times of day, so she can maintain her current routine. Once you have identified your exact plans, you can make notes of medical treatment facilities in those areas, just in case something happens while you are traveling.
It sounds like your mom is physically in good shape but do plan to go at her pace and offer rest periods. Ask how frequently she typically uses the restroom, so you can accommodate stops along the way. Make sure you all stay hydrated. In addition to the current medication list, also write down any allergies and bring insurance cards. If you do find you need any adaptive equipment, most places are very accommodating if you plan for these items ahead. For example, mobility scooters can be rented if she needs a day to rest or you are going longer distances.
If this is your first big trip together, keep expectations flexible and pick a realistic number of days for the trip. If you are going to many state parks, there may be one or two she prefers to visit with you, without committing to being gone for an extended period of time. If you find it is an experience she enjoys, there are several travel groups for older adults. These can vary from day trips to international travel.
Keep a travel journal with lots of pictures! This can be a memory you cherish for many years to come.
THE 8 AREAS OF Wellness
continued from cover
Individuals can also benefit from exploring these 8 areas in our own lives. What we often find is that one or two areas are out of balance with the rest of the areas. For example, we may give ourselves a score of 9/10 in our financial health, but our social scores may be at a 3/10. This is a pretty big gap and bridging that gap can help us feel more balanced.
Our goal is to have consistent, high scores in all areas of wellness. Often, this is challenging. We’re busy. Our physical health may be suffering due to chronic pain or a health condition. Our mental wellness may suffer alongside it. Or, as in the example above, one area of health may be affecting another. Our efforts to succeed professionally may be putting strain on our ability to connect with family or to attend to our spiritual lives.
Taking time to thoughtfully and openly explore all 8 areas allows us to view our lives holistically, rather than focusing on one or two aspects of life. It lets us look at the whole picture.
We will explore these 8 areas throughout the year. As we begin, we’re offering an assessment tool to begin the process. Set aside some time either alone or with your spouse, loved ones or a group of friends. Go through the questions and consider what each area looks like now, in the present.
Remember, this assessment isn’t a set-in-stone, unchangeable ranking. It’s a snapshot of where you’re at right now and a road map to how you can improve (if necessary) areas you may have neglected. It’s also a great tool for appreciating how well you’re doing in other areas and exploring the tools, habits and skills you’re using to sustain positive changes.
This assessment allows you to rank your wellness on a scale of 0-20 by adding scores for each of the 8 areas. The best way to approach this assessment is with curiosity, not judgement or expectation. You may be surprised with what you find.
8 AREAS OF WELLNESS – ASSESSMENT TOOL
Instructions: Use this tool to assess your overall health and wellness across the 8 areas of wellness. For each area, circle the number that best represents how you feel about your current state, with 1 being «Needs Improvement» and 5 being «Excellent.» Add up your scores to determine your wellness level and identify areas to focus on.
1. PHYSICAL WELLNESS
Definition: Physical wellness involves taking care of your body through exercise, nutrition, and sleep.
I eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated. (1 2 3 4 5)
I exercise regularly. (1 2 3 4 5)
I get enough sleep and rest. (1 2 3 4 5)
I attend regular medical checkups.
(1 2 3 4 5)
Total Score (out of 20): ____
2. EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
Definition: Emotional wellness involves understanding and managing your emotions.
I can identify and express my feelings. (1 2 3 4 5)
I manage stress effectively. (1 2 3 4 5)
I feel positive and satisfied most days. (1 2 3 4 5)
I have healthy coping mechanisms. (1 2 3 4 5)
Total Score (out of 20): ____
3. SOCIAL WELLNESS
Definition: Social wellness involves having supportive relationships and a strong social network.
I maintain meaningful relationships. (1 2 3 4 5)
I communicate effectively with others. (1 2 3 4 5)
I feel connected to my community. (1 2 3 4 5)
I balance social life with personal needs.
(1 2 3 4 5)
Total Score (out of 20):
4. INTELLECTUAL WELLNESS
Definition: Intellectual wellness involves engaging in lifelong learning and stimulating your mind.
I challenge myself to learn new things.
(1 2 3 4 5)
I engage in creative or stimulating activities. (1 2 3 4 5)
I stay informed about topics that interest me. (1 2 3 4 5)
I enjoy solving problems and thinking critically.
(1 2 3 4 5)
Total Score (out of 20):
5. SPIRITUAL WELLNESS
Definition: Spiritual wellness involves having a sense of purpose and values that guide you.
I feel connected to something bigger than myself. (1 2 3 4 5)
I take time to reflect on my values. (1 2 3 4 5)
I engage in practices that align with my beliefs. (1 2 3 4 5)
I feel at peace with my life. (1 2 3 4 5)
Total Score (out of 20):
6. ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESS
Definition: Environmental wellness involves living in harmony with your surroundings.
I keep my living space clean and safe. (1 2 3 4 5)
I practice sustainability (e.g., recycle, conserve energy). (1 2 3 4 5)
I feel comfortable in my environment. (1 2 3 4 5)
I spend time in nature. (1 2 3 4 5)
Total Score (out of 20):
7. FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Definition: Financial wellness involves managing your resources to meet current and future needs.
I live within my means and budget effectively. (1 2 3 4 5)
I save for future goals and emergencies. (1 2 3 4 5)
I feel confident about my financial situation. (1 2 3 4 5)
I avoid unnecessary debt. (1 2 3 4 5)
Total Score (out of 20):
8. OCCUPATIONAL WELLNESS
Definition: Occupational wellness involves finding satisfaction and enrichment in your work or studies.
I enjoy what I do professionally or academically. (1 2 3 4 5)
I balance work/study with personal life. (1 2 3 4 5)
I feel motivated and valued in my role. (1 2 3 4 5)
I seek opportunities to grow and develop.
(1 2 3 4 5)
Total Score (out of 20):
SCORING GUIDE
140-160: Excellent wellness! Keep up the great work.
120-139: Good wellness, but there are areas for improvement.
100-119: Moderate wellness. Focus on strengthening weaker areas.
Below 100: Needs improvement. Consider setting specific goals for each area.
S.M.A.R.T.
GOALS
S – SPECIFIC
Clearly define the goal, stating exactly what you want to accomplish.
Example: “I want to drink two fewer alcoholic beverages each week” is more specific than “I want to drink less.”
M- MEASURABLE
Ensure the goal has criteria for measuring progress and success.
Example: “I want to save $2,000 in six months” is measurable, unlike “I want to save more money.”
A – ACHIEVABLE
Set a goal that is realistic and attainable, considering your resources and constraints.
Example: “I will run a 5K in three months” is achievable, but “I will run a marathon next week” might not be.
R – RELEVANT
Align the goal with your values, needs, or long-term objectives.
Example: “I want to earn a professional certification to advance my career” is relevant if career growth is a priority.
T – TIME BOUND
Establish a deadline to create urgency and focus.
Example: “I will read one book every month for the next year” has a clear timeline.
NEXT STEPS:
Based on your scores and reflecting upon what you’ve learned through this assessment, here are 5 suggestions for taking action to better balance your overall wellness and create your best life.
1. Write down three areas you scored the highest in and how you will maintain these scores. Identify what you’re doing (specific habits) that have led to these high scores.
2. Journal about three areas you want to improve, reflecting on how your scores developed over time and what factors are influencing these scores. If, for example, you scored low in social wellness, you might reflect on how work responsibilities have overshadowed social time or on how friends may have moved out of the area.
3. Make a list of specific actions you can take in these three areas to improve your wellness. Try to create SMART (see sidebar) goals instead of vague goals or ideas that are difficult to tackle or sustain.
4. Identify habits you need to create or shift to meet your goals. A habit to become more social may be reaching out to one friend each week via text or email or setting aside one night each week for social events. If your goal is to improve your financial wellness, you may need to begin the habit of looking at your credit card balance each morning or meeting with your spouse each week to go over your budget.
5. Reflect on the people in your life and how they impact your wellness. Are there people who encourage healthy habits? Are there people or relationships that drain your energy or encourage unhealthy habits? Explore each of your key relationships and their impact on your wellness.
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS: HOW TO CULTIVATE EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE
Amy Phariss, LCMHCA, Clarity Counseling NC
Emotional resilience is a term we often hear in books, on news programs and through social media. It’s also one of those terms we can’t always clearly define and only have a vague idea of its meaning. As a therapist, I often have clients want to improve or strengthen parts of their emotional health that fall under the resilience umbrella. They want to communicate better in relationships, feel less anxiety, worry less about what they cannot control and respond better to stressful and challenging situations. They want to feel calmer, more flexible and more responsive instead of reactive. All these goals connect to what we consider emotional resilience.
What is Emotional Resilience?
Emotional resilience is the capacity to adapt to stressful situations, challenges, or adversity while maintaining emotional balance and a sense of wellbeing.
It’s the ability to regulate emotions, recover quickly from setbacks, and continue functioning effectively under stress or pressure. Emotional resilience allows us to navigate difficulties with flexibility and perseverance, transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth and learning. Rather than simply enduring hardship, resilience helps us become stronger.
What are the key characteristics of emotional resilience?
Key characteristics of emotional resilience include:
Emotional awareness: Recognizing and understanding our emotions.
Optimism: Maintaining a positive outlook and believing in the ability to overcome difficulties.
Self-regulation: Managing emotions constructively rather than reacting impulsively or failing to acknowledge emotions at all, which can lead to long-term emotional fragility.
Problem-solving skills: Effectively identifying adaptive, healthy solutions to challenges.
Support-seeking behavior: Building and relying on strong social connections for encouragement and assistance.
Adaptability: Adjusting to changing circumstances and staying focused on long-term goals.
Emotional resilience is not a fixed trait but a skill we can cultivate through intentional practices.
How do I develop and improve emotional resilience?
Key practices include:
Practice mindfulness, journaling, or self-reflection to become more in tune with your emotional responses. Try to view your responses neutrally rather than with judgement. Simply say: I am angry. I am frustrated. I am sad. You don’t have to judge yourself for your emotions; you can simply acknowledge and explore them. Curiosity is a helpful companion in this process, much friendlier than judgement.
Learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation. Practice responding calmly in stressful situations. You can even work on visualizing your preferred response before stressful situations. Your mind loves to come prepared.
Reframe negative thoughts into opportunities for growth and practice gratitude by focusing on what’s going well.
Practice analyzing problems logically, brainstorming solutions, and acting incrementally. Small steps add up and are often more enduring than big actions that are hard to sustain.
Build and nurture a network of trusted friends, family, or mentors, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Asking for help feels vulnerable, which is (ironically) very strong.
Embrace change as an opportunity to grow and remain open to new strategies or perspectives. We often cannot control a lot about change except how we respond to it, so try to focus on adapting to change rather than resisting it.
Prioritize sleep, regular exercise, and a nutritious diet, and avoid substances that can impair emotional balance, like excessive alcohol or caffeine.
Identify your core values, passions, and longterm goals. Engage in activities that align with them, such as volunteering or pursuing hobbies or relationships that reflect these values.
Practice positive self-talk, forgive yourself for mistakes, and focus on your efforts rather than only outcomes.
After going through a challenging time, take time to identify what you learned, how you grew, and what you can apply to future situations.
Remember, emotional resilience isn’t avoiding life’s storms but learning how to respond in a way that promotes growth and strength. It equips individuals with the tools to face adversity with courage, optimism, and purpose. By cultivating resilience, we empower ourselves to navigate challenges with grace, fostering a stronger, more adaptable version of ourselves. When we do this, we not only survive life’s challenges but thrive amidst them, emerging stronger, wiser and more…. resilient.
Many of us find ourselves not feeling resilient but, rather, fragile. We feel vulnerable not only to the outside world but to our inner experiences. Our emotions overwhelm us as much as the challenges we face. Here are some signs of emotional fragility, which can be addressed through focusing on resilience with the tips in this article.
Emotional fragility may include:
1. Difficulty managing emotions: Overreacting to situations or becoming easily overwhelmed by stress or negative feelings. You feel shame, guilt and frustration later, when you reflect on the situation, and you often wish you’d responded “better” or differently.
2. Low tolerance for stress: Struggling to cope with even minor challenges or disruptions. In counseling we call this the “window of tolerance.” Your window can be narrow or wide, depending on the situation and on your tolerance.
3. Avoidance of challenges: Avoiding difficult situations or responsibilities due to fear of failure or inability to handle them. We avoid conversations we fear will lead to arguments or speaking up when we think our voice will be dismissed. We avoid everything from phone calls to job searches and everything in between.
4. Negative self-talk: Engaging in persistent self-criticism or doubt, which can worsen feelings of helplessness. Negative self-talk is often a deeply ingrained habit that takes time and intentional focus to change.
5. Lack of coping strategies: Depending on unhealthy habits (e.g., substance use, denial) rather than constructive problem-solving or emotional regulation.
6. Dependence on external validation: Seeking constant reassurance or approval from others to feel secure. Seeking external validation can be exhausting and is often fickle. We find ourselves constantly on the lookout for something we cannot control.
CAREGIVER CORNER: COPING WITH CAREGIVER GUILT
Ashley Seace, AOS Care Manager | ashleys@aoscaremanagement.com
Many caregivers struggle with feelings of guilt. They worry they’re not doing enough for a loved one. They feel guilty about time they take away from their children or marriages to provide care for a parent or loved one. They worry they’re providing the wrong kind of care, not enough care, too much care. The list goes on. They feel guilty for feeling angry, frustrated and resentful. They worry they will live with regret, but they struggle to feel rested, happy and energized in the present.
What can you do, as a caregiver, to process and address feelings of guilt?
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
• Recognize that feeling guilty is normal and often a sign that you care deeply and value your role as a caregiver.
• Accept that no one can do everything perfectly, and self-compassion is essential. Imagine what you might say to a friend or even to your loved one who may be feeling the same way. Use the same compassion and empathy with yourself.
2. Seek Support
• Join a caregiver support group to connect with others who understand your challenges. Caregivers often feel more comfortable expressing feelings of guilt with others who understand the unique challenges of caregiving and who may be experiencing these feelings themselves.
• Consider therapy or counseling to process guilt and stress constructively. Often, speaking openly and without fear of recourse can be therapeutic. Counseling can provide a “safe place” to explore your feelings.
3. Focus on What You Can Control
• Accept that you cannot change everything about your loved ones’ circumstances. You cannot control many outcomes, but you can control your response, your role as a caregiver and even how you care for yourself (self-care is critical for caregivers). Allow what you cannot control to fall off your to-do list.
• Concentrate on providing care that aligns with your values and your loved one’s needs, rather than feeling responsible for their happiness or outcomes. When you live in alignment with your values, burdens often feel lighter and easier to carry.
Using these tips, you can explore your feelings and accept them without doing what many of us are tempted to do: ignore feelings of guilt, which can actually lead to feelings of shame. If you need support, reach out. You’ll never regret helping yourself so you can help the people you care most about.
ACROSS
1) Warning, south of the border
6) Burn caused by hot liquid
I I) Pas' mates
14) Championship fight reward
15) Crude transporter
16) Kind that's almost silk?
17) Call by the wrong name
19) Sauce type
20) Mischievous sprite
21) Gets ready to drive
23) Limb
26) Movie, according to Variety
27) Car thief's escapade
28) Mediterranean capital challenge
30) Bar
31) Foundation
32) Became dim
33) Gossip's gift
36) Around
37) Money saver to the extreme
38) Temporary spot for Napoleon
39) 1 /6 of an ounce (Abbr.)
40) Became ashen
41) Tuck of legend
42) Excited and thrilled
44) One choosing the aisle?
45) Pesto morsel, often
47) Abolish
48) Certain barnyard baby
49) Take to one's heart
50) Word with "space" or "limit"
52) Mai_ (drink)
53) Word in a spelling
58) Abby's advice sister
59) Lagoon's boundary
60) "Hast thou ____ the Jabberwock?"
61) Chicken serving
62) Bishops' council
63) Fr. females
DOWN
1) Place for bills
2) Seven, to some 3)" a miracle!"
4) Fall in the rankings
5) Sophocles title character
6) Seattle hoopster, once
7) Refer to as proof
8) Poetry-spouting pugilist
9) Lunch item, sometimes
10) Certainly not weeping
11) Elusive evolutionary claim
12) Away to pray
13) One choice for video chats
18) The way out
22) Make a mistake
23) Brother's keeper?
6) Burn caused by hot liquid
I I)Pas' mates
14)Championship fight reward
15)Crude transporter
24) Brings up, as children
16)Kind that's almost silk?
25) Improper use of funds
17)Call by the wrong name
27) Wearied by overuse
19)Sauce type
29) Brazilian port, for short
30) Stunned by a gun
20)Mischievous sprite
32) _mignon
21)Gets ready to drive
39)1/6 of an ounce (Abbr.)
40)Became ashen
41)Tuck of legend
42)Excited and thrilled
44)One choosing the aisle?
45)Pesto morsel, often
47)Abolish
48)Certain barnyard baby
49)Take to one's heart
23)Limb
34) Wooden counters of old
35) Exposed
37) Sign of adulthood
38) Important time in history
50)Word with "space" or
26)Movie, according to "limit" Variety
40) Certain straw hats
27)Car thief's escapade
41) Subtle handling
43) Director Spike
52)Mai_ (drink)
53)Word in a spelling
28)Mediterranean capital challenge
30)Bar
44) Mr. Domino
45) Flower part
31)Foundation
46) Incredibly silly
32)Became dim
47) Construct
50) Norway's capital
58)Abby's advice sister
59)Lagoon's boundary
60)"Hast thou _ the
33)Gossip's gift Jabberwock?"
51) Little brook
36)Around
54) "Favorite" sibling
37)Money saver to the extreme
55) Good buddy
56) Common dessert
57) Business connections
LITTLE MIS
61)Chicken serving
62)Bishops' council
63)Fr. females
Gray Matter
1)Warning, south of the 38)Temporary spot for border Napoleon
6)Burn caused by hot liquid
39)1/6 of an ounce (Abbr.)
I I)Pas' mates 40)Became ashen
14)Championship fight reward 41)Tuck of legend
15)Crude transporter 42)Excited and thrilled
16)Kind that's almost silk? 44)One choosing the aisle?
17)Call by the wrong name 45)Pesto morsel, often
19)Sauce type 47)Abolish
20)Mischievous sprite 48)Certain barnyard baby
21)Gets ready to drive
49)Take to one's heart
23)Limb 50)Word with "space" or
26)Movie, according to "limit" Variety 52)Mai_ (drink)
27)Car thief's escapade 53)Word in a spelling
28)Mediterranean capital challenge
30)Bar 58)Abby's advice sister
31)Foundation 59)Lagoon's boundary
32)Became dim 60)"Hast thou _ the
33)Gossip's gift Jabberwock?"
36)Around 61)Chicken serving
37)Money saver to the extreme 62)Bishops' council 63)Fr. females
24th January
1)Place for bills 2) Seven, to some 3)" amiracle!" 4)Fall in the rankings 5) Sophocles title character 6) Seattle hoopster, once 7)Refer to as proof 8) Poetry-spouting
Companion Pets Program
Healthy Dark Chocolate Almond Truffles
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate love—and what better way to do so than with decadent chocolate? This year, skip the store-bought sweets and make something special with these Healthy Dark Chocolate Almond Truffles. Rich, velvety, and naturally sweetened, these truffles offer all the indulgence of traditional chocolate treats without the guilt. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, these truffles are the perfect way to treat yourself and your loved ones while staying on track with your wellness goals. Whether shared with a partner or enjoyed solo (in the bath with a glass of bubbly), these delicious bites make Valentine’s Day even sweeter!
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup almond butter (or cashew butter for a milder flavor)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup (or honey)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup almond flour (or finely ground coconut flour)
• 2 oz 85% dark chocolate, melted
• 1/4 cup finely chopped almonds or unsweetened shredded coconut for rolling
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. In a bowl, mix almond butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and sea salt until smooth.
2. Stir in the almond flour until a thick dough forms. If too sticky, refrigerate for 10 minutes.
3. Roll into small truffle-sized balls and place on a parchment-lined plate.
4. Dip each truffle into the melted dark chocolate and roll in chopped almonds or coconut.
5. Refrigerate for 20 minutes until set.
Enjoy these guilt-free, rich chocolate truffles for Valentine’s Day!
You deserve classic charm, modern senior living, and the freedom to do what you love. With Assisted Living or Memory Care at Fox Hollow, our compassionate, long-standing team is here to help you make the most of each day. From our care to our activities calendar, dining menus, and lifestyle options, this is your home— where everything is customized just for you.
• Weekly housekeeping and linen service
• Lifestyle360 activity program for well-rounded days
• Award-winning Bridge to Rediscovery™ Memory Care
