3-Ingredient Energy Bites

This 3-ingredient recipe is the perfect bite sized snack to relieve your sweet tooth. There’s no baking and all the ingredients you need are cinnamon, walnuts, and dates. These bites are a great pick-me-up snack, and each component contains nutritional value.

Walnuts

Walnuts look like brains, and coincidentally, are beneficial for brain health. This is attributed to the high levels of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids which studies have shown contribute to overall brain function. Walnuts

• Are a great source of vitamins and minerals
• Help regulate your circadian rhythm
• May help prevent heart disease and cancer

Walnuts are high in healthy fats and calories which make it an energy-packed food. Still, because it’s high in both, it should be consumed in moderation. Walnuts also contain large levels of phytic acid, which is a plant substance that interferes with the body’s absorption of minerals. To help remove or reduce phytic acid, you’ll want to soak your nuts in water anywhere between 7-24 hours.

Dates

Now on to the sweet stuff! Dates are fruits that originate from the palm tree, and are a great alternative to processed sugar. Although they are low on the glycemic index (ideal for persons with diabetes), they are high in sugar and calories. They are however beneficial to eat in moderation, and provide immediate and lasting energy. Date are filled with:

• Antioxidants
• Fiber
• Vitamins and minerals

And help to:

• Relieve constipation
• Lower cholesterol
• Strengthen hair and nails

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a very common spice, yet few people know that there are two types. Cinnamon cassia is the cinnamon you typically see sold in either sticks or powdered form. It contains significant levels of coumarin, which can be toxic to the liver if taken in large amounts or over a long period of time. Ceylon cinnamon on the other hand contains very low amounts of it, which makes it safer to ingest. Cinnamon has also been found to aid in Alzheimer’s prevention, diabetes treatment, and managing blood pressure.

Recipe

Yields: 9 bites

What you’ll need

• ½ cup of soaked walnuts
• 5 dates
• 1 tsp of cinnamon powder
• A food processor or blender
• 1 Zip-top bag
• 1 Glass storage container

What to do

1. Rinse the soaked walnuts
2. Draw the moisture out of the nuts by roasting them in a skillet
3. Let the walnuts cool and add to food processor (or blender)
4. Chop each date into about 3 pieces and add to food processor
5. Add 2 pinches of cinnamon powder
6. Pulse for about 1 min at 10 second intervals or until the consistency of the mix is a tad coarser than graham cracker crust.
7. Take a tablespoon’s worth of mix and roll between your hands until it forms a ball. Do this with the remainder of the mixture.
8. Place the remainder of the cinnamon powder inside the zip-top bag. One at a time, place each bite inside of the bag and coat it with the cinnamon. Shake off any excess.
9. Place all the bites in the glass storage container and refrigerate for at least an hour. Keep stored in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!