With how busy life can sometimes get, it's helpful to have nutritious and energizing grab-and-go snacks on hand. Cue my Cardamon Cacao Energy Bites! These tasty, husband-approved energy bites are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein to keep you going on busy days. Grab one or two and you'll be good to go for a few hours! These energy bites also double as a better-for-you dessert. Whether you're looking a satiating snack or sweet treat, these energy bites have got you covered!
Food As Fuel
Before diving into the recipe for these Cardamon Cacao Energy Bites, I'd like to discuss the concept of "food as fuel." Diet culture often encourages people to eat less or low calorie foods in order to lose weight and be "healthy." There is some truth to that; if you eat in a calorie deficit you will lose weight. However, the message that comes across encourages people to choose foods solely based on calories rather than nutrient variety. Following this kind of eating pattern may result in weight loss, but may also result in nutrient deficiencies.
Like I said earlier, it's true that eating in a calorie deficit will result in weight loss; however, losing weight does not equate to getting "healthy." Most rapid weight loss is actually a result of lost muscle mass and/or water weight, not fat loss. Additionally, though there are many nutritious low calorie foods, choosing only low calorie and low fat options may inhibit your body from absorbing several key vitamins, namely vitamins A, D, K and E all of which are fat-soluble.
Embrace A New Way Of Thinking
Rather than focusing on eating a variety of foods that nourish and fuel us to live, we are taught to focus on numbers and eat as little as possible all for the sake of "health." If you find or have found yourself thinking this way, I want to challenge you to think about food in a new way: food is fuel.
Just like a car needs fuel to run, we as humans need to fuel to live. When you're on a long road trip, you'll likely have to make a couple stops to refuel on gas. Similarly, as we go about our days, we need to take breaks to refuel with energizing foods and water.
Nourish Your Body With Energizing Foods
Though many low calorie foods are rich in nutrition, they are not particularly energizing on their own. Why? Because calories = energy! Rather than choosing low calorie or low fat options solely because they're low in calories or fat, choose a variety of nutrient dense foods for meals and snacks with varying amounts lean protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals; choose to fuel and nourish your body.
These Cardamon Cacao Energy Bites are a great energizing snack option as they are rich in heart healthy fats from nut butter and flax, energizing carbohydrates and fiber from whole grain oats, and muscle-building protein from collagen powder and nut butter.
What’s in This Recipe?
Unsweetened peanut butter – contains vitamin E, healthy fats, fiber, and plant based protein
Tahini or unsweetened almond butter – both contain vitamin E, healthy fats, fiber, and plant based protein; tahini is made with tahini and is nut free
Honey – natural sweetener; contains antioxidants, prebiotics, and a variety of vitamins and minerals
Maple syrup – natural sweetener, rich in manganese
Shredded coconut – healthy fats, fiber
Flaxmeal – rich in omega 3 fatty acids
Collagen powder – contains amino acids (the building blocks of protein)
Seasonings – cinnamon, cardamom, and salt
Cacao nibs* – contains flavanols that may have heart protective and blood pressure-lowering qualities and iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and copper
Oats** – contains energizing carbohydrates, rich in fiber and B vitamins
Notes: If you don't have or don't like cacao nibs*, you can use mini chocolate chips for the chocolate flavor! **To make these energy bites gluten free, use certified gluten free oats.
Cardamom Cacao Energy Bites
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 10-15 energy bites
Ingredients:
1/4 cup unsweetened creamy peanut butter
2 tbsp. tahini or unsweetened almond butter
2 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp. maple syrup
2 tbsp. unsweetened shredded coconut
2 tbsp. flaxmeal
4 tbsp. collagen powder
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
Sprinkle of salt
2 tbsp. cacao nibs*
1/2 cup old fashioned oats**
Directions:
In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the nut/seed butters, honey, maple syrup, coconut, flaxmeal, collagen powder, spices, and salt. Mix until smooth.
Next, mix in the cacao nibs and oats until well dispersed.
Roll the mixture into balls. Store in the fridge in a glass container.
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Is there a store where I can find all these ingredients in one place?