Coco-Nut Energy Bites
Once I jumped into the deep end of a healthier, plant-based diet, I started seeing healthy energy balls all over Instagram and Pinterest. I was skeptical at first, not sure if these would A. really taste good, and B. really be a fulfilling snack that would power me through an afternoon slump. But the only way to know is to try, and I'm so glad I did!
I started off with a recipe that seemed uber-healthy. Full of healthy fats and low in sugar - just a few dates to sweeten them up. And you know what? I was utterly enamored by these little guys immediately. I added Collagen Peptides, which adds some protein without any flavor, and a little protein in your snack is never a bad thing.
Now a little nerdy info for you: coconut oil boasts lauric acid, a medium-chain saturated fat that converts into energy with more dexterity than most other fats, meaning it's less likely to be stored as fat. So the answer is YES, these give me energy and get me through any mid morning or late afternoon slump. I even had one during a recent road trip and was amazed at how much one little bite satisfied me for the next 4 hours.
There is no baking required, only a food processor and some freezer time. So with that said, let's get to mixing!
INGREDIENTS
1 cup coconut shreds (unsweetened)
1/4 c. coconut oil, AFTER it's melted (so if it's solid to start, you'll measure close to 1/2 cup before you heat it up)
1/4 cup coconut butter (yes, butter. I found this in Whole Foods after a long hunt in various sections. You want the butter because it has some of the yummy pulp in there. You can also buy it online and spare yourself the hunt!)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup pepitas
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup raw almonds
1/4 cup walnuts
2 tbsp cacao nibs
1 tsp cinnamon
3 medjool dates (pitted) or 2 tbsp maple syrup
1/3 c. almond milk or coconut milk
* 3 scoops collagen peptides or marine collagen (optional) OR
* 3 scoops protein powder (optional)
Feel free to omit one of the nut varieties and double up on another. Also you can omit the dates or maple syrup to make it sugar-free.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until a wet dough is achieved.
Use your hands (or a melon ball scoop) and roll into bite sized balls. Line them up in single rows in an air-tight container and freeze. You can also store a few in the refrigerator in an air-tight container if you know you'll be indulging sooner rather than later.
Let frozen bites thaw for 8 minutes before eating; refrigerated bites only need a few minutes at room temperature. It's kind of like Halo ice cream ... it's worth the wait!
I usually eat 1-2 per serving, but it depends on how small or large you roll your bites, and also on how hungry you are! Let me know if you try this recipe. I'd love to see it and share it! Tag me on Instagram: @tiffanynapper or #whitespaceandwellness.
