It's that time of the day when you feel like you gotta have something sweet...
But wait! Last night, you promised yourself that starting tomorrow, you will make intelligent, healthy lifestyle choices like getting in shape, losing weight, avoiding the candy jar at the HR office...
Well then... This recipe of energy treats is delicious, healthy, and will keep you feeling great about yourself.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of unsalted, lightly roasted almonds (roasted almonds are easier to digest).
- 1 Tbsp of almond butter/tahini (tahini is more nutritious).
- 1.5 Tbsp 100% raw cacao powder
- 5 Large Medjool dates
- 1 Tbsp oats
- 2 Tsp chia seeds
- 1 Tsp vanilla extract
- Unsweetened shredded coconuts for topping (optional).
Almonds
From a Chinese medical point of view, almonds are warm in nature and sweet in flavor and go in the large intestine, small intestine, and lung channels.
They moisten the lungs and thus are suitable for those experiencing lung dryness symptoms such as dry cough, asthma, dry skin, and anti-aging.
They moisten the intestines and assist with constipation (which is excellent for pregnancy).
From a western point of view: almonds contain protein, iron, vitamin E, B1, B2, B3, biotin, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, manganese, copper, potassium, riboflavin, antioxidants, and fiber.
They reduce cholesterol and protect the heart by preventing heart disease.
Because of their abundance of vitamin E and antioxidants, they help beautify the skin and make it smoother.
Since almonds are so filling, they can help us when we wish to keep a healthy weight.
Almonds can be a good source of "brain food" snacks as all nuts and prevent the deterioration of degenerative brain diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, and others.
Dates
According to the Chinese medicine view: dates are sweet in flavor, neutral in temperature, and non-toxic; goes in the stomach and spleen channels.
Dates support our digestive system and keep us satiated.
Dates nourish the blood, which is excellent for those who suffer from a deficiency (anemia).
Dates support our energy and are great for tiredness.
They assist with dryness and cough.
They assist in building the muscles.
From a Western point of view, dates are abundant with many vitamins and minerals; some people may call them superfoods.
Dates support the health of our digestive system, assist with constipation, and reduce intestinal inflammation.
Dates are abundant with iron which makes them great for anemia.
Boost energy - dates are high in natural sugars that help us feel energized when we are tired and exhausted.
Dates are abundant with calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which makes them great for supporting our bones, treating osteoporosis, they support heart health, and brain functions.
Dates are abundant with vitamins C and B and antioxidants, with is why they have a good anti-aging effect and skin rejuvenation.
Relief hangovers.
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are high in fiber, essential in maintaining our digestive system's health.
Chia seeds are abundant with magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which makes them beneficial for the bones and teeth.
They are abundant with omega-3 fatty acids that support our brain functions, keep us energized and help clean our blood.
Oats
From a Chinese medical point of view, oats are sweet and salty in flavor, neutral in nature, and go in the Lung channel.
They benefit our skin.
Help moisten the lungs - for cough and asthma.
Help better our digestive system - diarrhea.
Assist and improve sleep - for those who experience insomnia.
Lower blood sugar - great for diabetic patients.
From a western point of view, oats are rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamins such as B6 and folate.
Oats benefit our heart's health and help lower cholesterol.
Assist itchy skin and are anti-inflammatory.
Benefits digestion.
Lower blood sugar.
Assist with asthma, perhaps because of its anti-inflammatory effects.
Preparation:
1. Blend all ingredients to a paste-like consistency.
2. Create balls out of the mixture and roll them on a plate covered with shredded coconut.
3. Let it cool in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, and enjoy!
Storage:
It's best to keep your chocolate almond snack stored in your refrigerator.
Citations:
Pitchford, P. (2009). Healing with whole foods: Asian traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books.
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