Periodically throughout the day I need a little boost! I will often grab a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts, but when I have little energy bites I feel like I’m getting a treat! With only 6 ingredients, this recipe is so easy! And to make it even better, no baking required!
If you’ve never used Hemp Hearts before it’s time to start! There are major health benefits and many of them target my specific dietary needs with MS. They have a delicious slight nutty taste and a soft, crunchy texture.
1. Energy Boost
Hemp Hearts are high in protein with 10g of protein in only 30g (2 Tablespoons). Protein is necessary for healthy muscle development and weight maintenance and when you are eat a vegan, or mostly-vegan (like me) diet, it can be difficult to get the recommended amount of daily protein! Why not add some in with a snack!
2. Reduces Muscle Cramps
Hemp Hearts are a very rich source of magnesium, which can help to reduce muscle cramps, which is a fairly common symptom of MS. I experienced a few of these severe muscle cramps in my legs back in the summer and they have been the most painful part of MS for me so far. They are like an incredibly intense Charlie Horse that last about 30-45 seconds causing muscles to seize up for hours or days after (that’s my experience anyway). Since I started taking a magnesium supplement I haven’t experienced these spasms again!
3. Fights Inflammation
Hemp Hearts are also high in Omega oils, containing 8g of Omega 6 and 2.5g of Omega 3 in 30g. Omegas are natural anti-inflammatories and are composed of healthy fats that our bodies need!
I buy my hemp hearts at Costco, but you should be able to find them at most grocery stores and you can order them online here. Manitoba Harvest is a great Canadian brand choice!
To make these little energy bites you simply need to process the dates, almond butter and coconut oil in a food processor until its a think creamy paste. Then mix in the coconut, hemp hearts and chocolate chips. Roll them in little balls and freeze until set!
These are easy to grab on the go and make for a great boost in the middle of the afternoon!
Enjoy! Let me know how your hemp heart energy bites turn out!
- 25 Whole Pitted Dates
- 1/2 Cup Almond Butter (or other nut butter)
- 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1 Cup Hemp Hearts
- 1/3 Cup Unsweetened Coconut
- 1/2 Cup Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips (optional)
- Process dates almond butter and coconut oil until it forms a blended paste.
- Mix in Hemp Hearts, coconut and chocolate chips. It will be very sticky so you may have to get right in there and use your hands!
- Roll into 2 inch balls. You may have to squeeze a little to get them to stick.
- Place on a baking sheet and let set in the freezer for 1 hour!
- Take out and enjoy as needed!
I can’t wait to make the energy bites. I’ll put them in the break room at work on a hard day. Thank you very much for sharing your recipe. I know it takes a lot of hard work.
That’s awesome! Thanks for the feedback!
What is the approximate measurement of 25 dates? Mine are pretty squished I can’t count them out.
I would also like to know please.
How long would these stay fresh for? Can you incorporate other seeds as well as hemp seeds?
I actually freeze mine, and they’ve lasted as long as a month before being eaten! 🙂 When I don’t freeze them I keep them in the fridge for a couple weeks! You can definitely add in other seeds. Just keep in mind they may not stay together as well if you add too many!