Balance, Not Boredom

The holidays are a time of indulgence, but that doesn’t mean you must undo all your progress. The key? Balance. Enjoy the treats, savor the meals, and stay active with family and friends—whether it’s a scenic walk after lunch or a backyard game with the kids.

Life isn’t about saying no, it’s about making choices that feel good. This holiday season, embrace the moments, enjoy the flavors, and keep moving—because a healthy lifestyle should fit into your life, not the other way around.

Hot Cross Buns (Keto friendly, Low carb):

Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups almond flour​

• ½ cup coconut flour​

• 5 tablespoons whey protein isolate (unflavoured)​

• 3 tablespoons psyllium husk powder​

• ⅓ cup granulated sweetener (such as erythritol or monk fruit)​

• 2 teaspoons baking powder​

• ½ teaspoon salt​

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon​

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg​

• ¼ teaspoon allspice​

  
  

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs, room temperature​

• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar​

• 1–2 tablespoons orange zest​

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted​

  
  

Yeast Mixture:

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast​

• 1 tablespoon inulin or a sugar substitute to feed the yeast​

• ½ cup lukewarm water​

  
  

Optional Add-ins:

• Unsweetened dried fruits (such as cranberries) or toasted pecans​

  
  

Icing for Crosses:

• ½ cup powdered sweetener​

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract​

• Pinch of salt​

• 1–3 teaspoons water (adjust for desired consistency)​

  
  

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

   
   

   • In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water, inulin (or sugar substitute), and active dry yeast. Stir gently, cover, and let it sit in a warm place for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.​

     
     

2. Prepare the Dough:

   
   

   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: almond flour, coconut flour, whey protein isolate, psyllium husk powder, granulated sweetener, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.​

   • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the apple cider vinegar, orange zest, and melted butter, mixing well.​

   • Pour the activated yeast mixture and the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms. If using, fold in the unsweetened dried fruits or toasted pecans.​

     
     

3. Shape the Buns:

   
   

   • With oiled or wet hands, divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape them into buns. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are close but not touching.​

     
     

4. Proof the Dough:

   
   

   • Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for 2–3 hours, or until they have doubled in size.​

     
     

5. Bake:

   
   

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).​

   • Once the buns have risen, bake them for about 30 minutes, or until they have a deep brown color and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.​

     
     

6. Prepare the Icing:

   
   

   • In a small bowl, mix the powdered sweetener, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and water. Adjust the water quantity to achieve a thick but pipeable consistency.​

     
     

7. Decorate:

   
   

   • Once the buns have cooled, use a piping bag or a small plastic bag with the corner snipped off to pipe crosses onto the buns with the icing.​

     
     

8. Serve:

   
   

   • Enjoy the buns warm as they are, or slice and toast them. They pair wonderfully with a spread of butter.​

     
     

Storage:

• Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–10 minutes.​

  
  

Enjoy your homemade keto-friendly hot cross buns!