Chocolate Coconut Snowballs

Chocolate Coconut Snowballs

Anyone else like no-bake recipes as much as I do?

I am such a fan I decided I am going to do a full series of ‘no-bake’ recipes, starting with these Chocolate Coconut Snow Balls!

One of the many things I love about these snowballs (besides the whole no-bake thing) is that they are jam-packed with lots of nutrients! If you take a look at the ingredient list it’s pretty obvious that these little balls are a GREAT choice when you’re looking for an easy healthy snack!

INGREDIENTS AND BENEFITS

Healthy Fats:

Coconut Flakes: There are multiple benefits of eating coconut, not only is it super filling because of its fat content, but it is also packed with lots of minerals and antioxidants. One of the minerals is a large amount of manganese, which helps with the breakdown of carbs and proteins, well also contributing to bone health!

Flax Seed: one of the main reasons I try and add flaxseeds to as many things as possible is because they are an Omega 3 fat, which everyone could use a little more off! In addition to omega 3’s flax also contains a large amount of other nutrients in just a small serving like fiber, protein, and magnesium.

Milled Chia: Another great choice for an omega 3 boost that also adds in some more protein, fiber, iron, and calcium. Chia also contains a lot of antioxidants!

Walnut: Walnuts are the nut with the highest amount of antioxidants! It’s also another great Omega 3 source which is great for our brain! There also polyphenols in walnuts that help fight inflammation!

Sunflower seeds: The final fat is sunflower seeds. These little seeds are packed with a crazy amount of stuff in them! Along with the healthy fast and proteins these seeds have a lot of vitamin E and selenium, as well as phenolic acids and flavonoids all of which function as antioxidants.

OTHER HEALTHY INGREDIENTS:

Dates: Although dates are a carbohydrate they have very little impact on the glycemic index which means they are good for diabetics still and they don’t cause inflammation! They are also an

antioxidant! All dates are high in antioxidants but studies say Khalas ( sometimes referred t as Madina) are the highest!

Cacao: Cacao is an amazing food with so many benefits from high iron and antioxidant levels, to great energy-boosting minerals! Anyone who reads my blog a lot know I love and cook with a lot of cacao! I actually wrote a full article on it so if you want to know more about this great food check out my post here!

Maple Syrup: There a many things I love about using maple syrup in my recipes! The number one reason is it local to my area! I can go right so some farms and grab it, or check out any local farmers market and I have fresh syrup! It also has a lot of benefits! ¼ has just under 50% of your daily zinc and 100% of your daily manganese! Along with those, there’s also calcium in maple syrup and riboflavin which is good for your metabolism!

Sea Salt: Salt got a bad rep for a while but it is a huge regulator in the body! It helps the body alkalize, it also helps regulate digestion, reduce inflammation of the respiratory system, and even help with depression due to its ability to preserve serotonin and melatonin! Sea salt also contains potassium and aids the absorption which is an electrolyte meaning salt in proper amount can help up stay hydrated, and reduce muscle aches and cramping! This being said the next time someone tells you salt is bad for you remember this!

I think that says enough about why this chocolaty treat is a great and healthy choice for a snack! Just one ball is packed with filling protein and omega 3 fats, antioxidants, a wide variety of minerals, and a high percentage of your daily vitamins!

There’s a reason I sometimes refer to them as my ENERGY BALLS!

NOW LET'S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS!

THE RECIPE:

Ingredients:

· 1 ½ c Pitted dates

· ¼ c sunflower seeds

· 1 tbsp. chia

· ¼ c cacao powder

· ¼ c maple syrup

STEP ONE: Add one cup of pitted dates, ¼ cup of sunflower seeds, ¼ cup of walnuts, and a splash of water to your food processor and mix. This is just the first blend so it can be hunky at the end.

STEP TWO: Add your 2 tbsp. of flax, 1 tbsp of chia, ¼ c of cacao powder (shop the brand I used here), a ¼ c of maple syrup, and a tbsp. of water. Blend on high until it is a paste.

STEP THREE: Add the rest of your dates (1/2 c). OPTIONAL: Add 2 tablespoons of baobab (shop the brand I use here) Blend on high until it is a pasty texture again!

STEP FOUR: Roll your mixture into balls. Then roll the balls in shredded coconut.

STEP FIVE: Allow to set in the fridge for at least an hour. Store in the fridge for the best consistency.

STEP SIX: EAT THEM!

(Get 10% off the chia and cacao I used by entering barb10 at the checkout)

If you want to request a recipe comment the recipe below!

To stay up to date on post subscribe at the top of the page or follow me on Instagram, Twitter, or my Facebook page.

If you give this recipe a try be sure to give me a tag and use the hashtag #bakingwithbarbaralorraine so I can see all your delicious creations!