At our HealthOne Wellness Clinic, we often hear our patients saying that the afternoon is a problem time when it comes to nutrition. 3PM hits and we find ourselves reaching for convenience items that throw us off track of our healthy eating goals.
Bringing healthy afternoon snack options to work can be a key habit in overcoming this challenge!
Today’s recipe comes from our Health Advocate and Holistic Nutritionist, Emily Dawson.
These energy bites live up to their name. They are packed with plant-based protein and will certainly give you a satiating energy boost as a mid-afternoon snack!
Dates add a subtle sweetness to battle cravings, yet have a low glycemic profile and are high in healthy fibre.
This recipe also includes hemp hearts, which are one of the few complete proteins of the plant-based world. Raw cacao is considered a superfood as it is rich in antioxidants, magnesium, and iron.
Here is our new recipe for chocolate-walnut energy bites!
Ingredients
2 tbsp raw cacao
2 tbsp hemp hearts
3 tbsp natural, unsalted peanut butter
1 cup Medjool dates (about 8 dates)
1 cup walnuts
½ tbsp maple syrup (optional)
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut (optional)
Instructions
Add dates and walnuts to your blender or food processor and blend until they form a sticky texture.
Add cacao, hemp hearts, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and coconut oil. Blend again until a smooth texture is achieved.
Remove mixture and roll into 1-inch balls, using your hands. Roll in coconut, if desired.
Place balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 10 minutes before eating. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Enjoy!
If you have any questions about transitioning to a healthier diet or living a healthy lifestyle, make an appointment at our Wellness Clinic here.
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