I have always loved gingerbread cookies growing up and have so many fond memories of dipping them into milk (one of the few times I actually drank milk as a child) at holiday times.
Now as a big foodie, wellness and gut guru, I love making energy balls with whole foods that both satisfy my sweet tooth while still nourishing my body. So this holiday season I decided to marry an old flame from the past with a new one, and they became a match made in heaven (or should I say “on my palate”?).
These energy balls can also be enjoyed pre- or post-workout, or as a nice energy boost if you notice your blood sugar levels taking a nose dive–or even as a clean treat to satisfy that sweet tooth all year long.
I have swapped out the typical processed sugars and fats used in cookies with clean whole food ones like unsulfured dates, raw unsalted nuts and seeds rich in omega 3’s. You can pop in 1 or 2 to enjoy without the guilt or the blood sugar rollercoaster ride you might experience from cookies loaded with empty calories from white sugar and white flour. And your gut will thank you too!
So here’s to creating cleaner traditions!
P.S.
For more ideas on cleaner traditions for the holidays, try my Cacao Peppermint Balls. They are to die for!!
Gingerbread Energy Balls
Equipment
- food processor
- Measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried dates Soft and pitted, Medjool are my favourite
- 1/4 cup Rolled oats Gluten free, sprouted (optional)
- 3 tbsp Almond Butter Natural, or 1/2 cups raw almonds
- 1/4 cup Hemp hearts organic preferably
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon ground
- 1 tsp Fresh Ginger minced or 1/4 tsp of ground
- 1/4 tsp All spice ground
- 1/4 tsp Cardamon ground freshly, preferably (optional)
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg ground freshly, preferably
- 1/4 tsp Cloves ground freshly, preferably
- 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract pure
Instructions
- If using fresh almonds, add them into a food processor and blend until a nice smooth nut butter texture. Skip this step if using nut butter!
- Add the rest (all if using nut butter) of the ingredients into the processor. Blend well until all ingredients are combined into a nice sticky consistency.
- Transfer ingredients to a glass bowl or just remove the lid and blade of the processer. Using a spoon to scoop up and roll into balls evenly with your hands.
- Store into the fridge or freezer until ready to enjoy!