Coconut Almond Bliss Balls
Most people think of certain foods as either “good” or “bad” for you. Same with habits—either it’s a good habit or a bad habit. Well, I’m here to tell you that’s not exactly true.
With my clients we work on incorporating more energizing foods into their diet—foods that make you feel good and satisfied but don’t leave you feeling sluggish and crashing in an hour or two. These kinds of foods can vary for each person. And there can be a time and a place for more “indulgent” foods (the so-called “bad” ones), but if you balance that with lots of nutritious and energizing foods in the rest of your diet then it’s not so bad anymore.
Not only is choosing energy-giving foods important for your main meals, but it’s also good to have healthy and satisfying snacks ready to go. That way you’re less likely to reach for something that’s tasty in the moment but not so great later (ie that greasy bag of potato chips), and it keeps your blood sugar from riding the rollercoaster (you know, that 3pm slump where you desperately crave sugar and/or a coffee in order to feel alive again?).
But sometimes you may want a little something sweet—and that’s ok. I’m all about that 80/20 lifestyle when it comes to food so that it’s sustainable. Which means a big fat NO to the traditional “weight-loss diet” that has been drilled into people’s minds.
Typical weight-loss diets are based on deprivation. And the longer you go completely depriving yourself, the more likely you are to feel unhappy and unsatisfied. The longer you feel unhappy and unsatisfied, the less likely you are to stick with those new habits. Before you know it you’ve thrown the whole diet out the window and eaten an entire bag of chips, half the tub of ice cream, and you’re feeling sick—sick to your stomach for what you ate and sick to your stomach for “failing.”
Instead of that horrible deprivation cycle, instead think of all the foods you GET to have. There are so many colorful, delicious, interesting foods out there that are packed with nutrients and give you the energy you need for your day. My philosophy when it comes to food is all about swapping out some ingredients for better-for-you options: more nutrient-dense ingredients and all-around more natural, rather than processed and full of harmful additives.
So here’s one of my favorite easy recipes that doubles as an afternoon snack and a dessert—my Coconut Almond Bliss Balls. These will satisfy your craving for something sweet and chewy, but instead of processed sugar all the sweetness comes from the natural sugar in the dates. They’re also full of fiber and healthy fats, which help stabilize your blood sugar and keep you full longer.
Coconut Almond Bliss Balls
2 cups soft Medjool dates (about 18-20)
1 cup dry rolled oats
1/4 cup almond butter (or whatever nut/seed butter you like)
2 Tbsp chia seeds
2 Tbsp coconut milk
1/2 tsp coconut extract
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Blend all ingredients except the shredded coconut in a food processor until it starts to form a ball. The texture should be like a slightly wet dough - pliable but not too sticky. If it's too wet and sticky, then just add more rolled oats a tablespoon at a time. If it's too dry, then add an additional teaspoon of coconut milk at a time.
With slightly wet hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and set on a plate. Pour the shredded coconut in a small bowl and roll each of the balls in it, making sure it sticks on all sides. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated so they stay nice and chewy. Or freeze a portion if you want to make in batches and save some for later.
This recipe is also vegan/dairy-free & gluten free.