My favortie nourishing way to beat a sweet tooth
When my sweet tooth strikes - I pull out this recipe. Nourishing nuts and dates give the sweetness I want while offering my body some hormone balancing, anti-inflammatory and bonebuilding support. A great dessert, if you ask me!
Here's a little sneak peak into what these ingredients are doing to help your body:
Dates: These sweet fruits are high in fiber, which supports your gut and a healthy microbiome. They also contain important minerals like potassium (important for heart health), magnesium (muscle and nerve function), and copper (helps the body form red blood cells). The natural sugars in dates provide a quick source of energy.
Cashews: Cashews are a good source of healthy fats, proteins, and essential minerals. They contain magnesium, which is important for bone health, and has been shown to help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. They also contain iron, which is essential for the production of red blood cells.
Walnuts: Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and have anti-inflammatory effects. They are also rich in antioxidants, and regular consumption has been linked to improved brain health. Nuts also offer a nice balance of fat, fiber, and protein. This helps keep your blood sugar balanced. Avoiding blood sugar spikes helps your hormones stay balanced as well.
Cacao powder: Raw cacao powder is high in antioxidants (varies based on brand), which help to reduce oxidative stress in the body. It is also a good source of magnesium and contains small amounts of protein and fiber. Plus, cacao can boost your mood, as it promotes the release of neurotransmitters that induce feelings of well-being.
Sea salt: Sea salt contains trace minerals like potassium, iron, and zinc. These can help balance your body's electrolytes and maintain hydration.
Brownie Bites
servings: about 16 Prep time: 15 mins
ingredients: 3/4 c raw walnuts
1/4 c raw cashews
1 c pitted medjool dates (about 8)
2 Tbsp cacao powder
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 Tbsp dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs, dairy-free if needed
directions:
Process: Add walnuts, cashews, dates, cacao powder, vanilla, and salt in a food processor and process until well combined and sticking together.
Add chocolate chips and pulse once more to disperse.
Form: use your hands to form the dough into bite sized pieces. They can be 1 Tbsp balls, or press them into a loaf pan and cut them into squares.
Enjoy right away or transfer into a sealed container and store in the fridge for 1-2 weeks or freezer for up to 3 months.
approximate nutrition facts per "bite":
calories: 86
total fat: 4.5 g
carbs: 11 g
fiber: 1.7 g
sodium: 37 mg
sugar: 8 g
protein: 1.5 g
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