Healthy Energy Bites With Cacao & Pecans
Healthy energy bites are something that I make all the time. This cacao & pecan recipe is naturally sweetened only with dates. As dates also contain fibre you can't go wrong, unless you consume too many.
This is tempting because they are so yummy. But do remember that while dates are free from refined sugar, too many can spike your blood sugar levels. Something you definitely don't want to do when you're trying to eat healthy and manage your weight.
These healthy energy bites make for the perfect treat after a meal, or as a snack between meals. What's also great about them is that you can use them to power up your productivity levels or work-out. They will give you a little injection of natural sugar and a huge nutritional punch to boost energy.
Healthy energy bites also tick a lot of dietary boxes, being raw, vegan, paleo, dairy, refined sugar and gluten free.
PLUS, and this is a big plus, they are super easy and quick to make.
Healthy Energy Bites - ingredient swaps
I also love the versatility of these healthy energy bites. If you don't like or have pecans at home, use almonds or hazelnuts, or whatever nut you do have. If you have a nut allergy, use sunflower seeds. If you can't find dried dates, try figs.
The healthy energy bites in this image are quite large, but you can make them about half this size. Something you might want to do if you are trying to make your food go further, or if you're feeding a large group of people.
Healthy Energy Bites with Cacao & Pecans
Makes 13 Energy Bites
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 cup dessicated coconut
- 3 tablespoons raw cacao powder or nibs
- 1.5 tablespoons coconut oil
- 12 medjool dates (pitted and roughly chopped)
METHOD:
- Pulse the pecans in a food processor until they are the consistency of a coarse meal.
- Put half of the dessicated coconut on a plate.
- Add the rest of the ingredients (except the coconut on the plate) to the food processor and process until everything comes together. If the consistency is a bit dry, add some more coconut oil.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop out equal portions of the mixture, roll into balls and then in the separate plate of coconut to coat them.
- Place on a plate, or in a container if you don't plan to eat them that day. Then put them in the fridge to harden for a couple of hours.
- Serve and enjoy
Note: The key to making successful healthy energy bites is easy, you just need to get the right consistency. You want the energy bite mixture to stick together so that bites form easily and don't break apart.
Storage: Make sure you store your healthy energy bites in an airtight container in the fridge. If you do this they should last at least a week. You can also make them in larger quantities and freeze.
If you like these healthy energy bites, you might want to try an energy ball variation - Chocolate & Goji Berry Energy Balls
Meet Nicola
Hello, I'm a Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Breathwork Instructor and Pain & Stress Management Therapist with heaps of experience of helping others tweak and transform their health and life.
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