Cocoa Cashew Energy Bites

Another recipe from our clinic’s dietician, Rachel Zibe. Made simply with dried fruit, nuts and no added sugar, these snacks are a delicious, chocolatey treat full of nutrients. So easy to make – pop them in your bag for work, training or an after-school snack.

A healthy way to get your sweet ‘fix’!  Instead of raiding the vending machine, try these nutrient-packed energy bites. Made with cashew nuts, dates, raisins and cocoa powder, they will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Nutritional Benefits

• Nuts are loaded with nutrients. As well as containing many vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, magnesium and selenium, they have anti-inflammatory properties and are high in fibre.  They are a source of antioxidants – these are compounds which help to prevent damage to our cells by free radicals, particles produced during chemical reactions. Nuts are rich in healthy fats, which may help to lower total cholesterol levels and raise the ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL) in our blood.
• Dates and raisins are packed with fibre and polyphenols – these are plant compounds, thought to have many health benefits. Dates are naturally sweet, but they have a low glycaemic index, meaning that they do not cause blood sugar spikes, but release their energy slowly.
• Cocoa powder contains large amounts of flavanols. These are a group of plant compounds particularly high in antioxidants. They also have prebiotic benefits, meaning they promote the growth of ‘friendly’ bacteria in the gut, providing a boost to digestive health and the immune system.

Cocoa Cashew Energy Bites Recipe

Ingredients (makes 13)

120g dates (choose ready-to-eat or Medjool dates, as these are softer and easier to process)
120g cashew nuts
42g raisins
20g cocoa powder
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

• Place the nuts in a food processor and blitz until they are chopped.
• Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until they are starting to bind together. Remove the lid and check if the mixture will stick together when pressed together with your fingers. If not, continue to process until it is more sticky.
• Take a piece of mixture and roll into a ball.
• Place on a baking tray, covered in greaseproof paper.
• When you have used up all of the mixture, place the balls in the fridge, where they will keep for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Information

Per Energy Bite

Energy:                   96 kcals
Protein:                 2.3g
Carbohydrate:   10.1g
Fibre:                       1.2g

Gluten free; dairy free

Come in for a chat about your nutrition today! https://www.newcastlephysioclinic.com/services/nutrition-health-and-lifestyle-consultation/