Need something to satisfy that sweet tooth but is also filling and nutritious?! Boom, these little nuggets are so yummy and nourishing. And a great alternative to super sugary cookies. Remember that sugar stunts your immune system, so I think it's really important to have snacks handy that provide nutrients and protein and fuel your body well!
Honestly, I love the macrobar “sweet awakening”, and I wanted to recreate it -- so that is what I did. Sometimes momma needs a quick bar or quick snack, but I want to be able to love every single ingredient in what I’m eating. So I did some trialing one night and came up with this.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups almond butter
1/4 cup maca powder
1/2 cup cacoa powder
3/4 cup shredded coconut
2 scoops collagen powder
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup dark choco chips
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/4 cup cacao nibs
DIRECTIONS: Just mix it all up in a bowl, roll into balls and store in the fridge or freezer. I layer paraffin paper in between the layers in storage. You want the consistency the type that it’s easy to ball up and isn’t crackling. Add extra maple syrup if it feels dry! This made about 24 balls.
WHY MACA?
Maca is a Peruvian plant grown in the Andes. It’s a cruciferous veggie, related to broccoli and kale. It is a super food! Here are some potential benefits of it:
- boosts energy + performance
- lowers blood pressure, per a small study in 2015
- natural antioxidants to fight free radicals
- balances hormone levels
- improves learning and memory
- flavanoid dense: improve mood, reduce anxiety
Sometimes it’s hard to know concrete evidence of support of all natural options, but I mean— seems like maca offers some great potential benefits! Plus it has a strong taste, so a little goes a long way. Also, these have cacao in them, which is the strongest anti-oxidant in the world. Win win right there.
Have fun making these little protein and power balls. Of course, feel free to be creative with the ingredients and adapt to your tastes. Want it more chocolatey? Add more cacoa! I love the flexibility and creativity that comes with food like this. It’s maca-nificient.
Let me know how yours turn out!
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