CHOCOLATE ENERGY BALLS
During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (the last half before bleeding) is very common to experience sweet cravings. This is because of the hormonal fluctuations, particularly around oestrogen and progesterone. During this phase, if you are suffering from PMS, is best to limit the consumption of high sugar foods, so instead of reaching for a pastry or a candy bar, let me share a healthier recipe that will nonetheless hit that sweet spot.
Each chocolate energy ball provides 2gr of fibre that promote optimal gut health, 3gr of protein, 10gr of healthy fats from the walnuts, hemp seeds and almond butter, and 8gr of carbohydrates. There is no sugar, instead I used dates, which are naturally sweet.
Serve: 20
Difficulty: easy
Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
-1 cup (175g) pitted dates
-2 cups (240g) walnuts
-6 tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetened
-3 tbsp hemp seeds
-¼ tsp sea salt
-3 tbsp almond butter
-1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
Method
- Add the dates to a food processor and pulse until a ball forms. Scoop out and set aside.
- Now add the walnuts to the food processor and pulse into a fine meal. Add the cocoa powder, hemp seeds and sea salt and blitz a few more times to combine.
- Add the dates back into the food processor, along with the almond butter and melted coconut oil, pulse to combine. Scoop out the mixture and form into 20 balls.
Note: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
