Superfood treat: Boost your mood and energy with these healthy cookie dough bites

Sugary snacks contain little to no nutrients at all. But if you want a sweet, mood-boosting treat that’s also healthy, make some delicious cookie dough superfood bites with cacao nibs, flaxseed, and hemp seeds.

This recipe for a healthy, energizing snack is from Danielle Duboise and Whitney Tingle, the founders of Sakara Life, a plant-based meal-delivery program. They are also the authors of the cookbook “Eat Clean, Play Dirty.”

Healthy snack on the go

This recipe for nutty cookie dough bites includes three superfoods: cacao nibs, flaxseed, and hemp seeds. When making the cooking dough bites, use raw, organic cacao.

Cacao is full of tryptophan, an amino acid that can boost your serotonin levels. Serotonin can reduce your anxiety and promote relaxation.

The perfect ingredient for chocoholics, cacao is also full of antioxidants, magnesium, and other vitamins that can boost your energy and promote weight loss. (Related: Sensual sweet seduction: Why chocolate is good for your heart, brain, and mood.)

Flaxseeds are full of omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation and prevent cardiovascular disease. Hemp seeds are full of protein that can also increase your energy levels.

The recipe below, which makes about 12 cookie dough bites, is easy to follow. Make a big batch so you have enough cookie dough bites for one week.

Superfood cookie dough bites

Ingredients:

• ½ cup almond butter
• ¼ cup cacao nibs
• ¼ cup coconut flour
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons (tbsp) ground flaxseed meal
• 2 tbsp hemp seeds
• 2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
• ½ teaspoon (tsp) pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp Himalayan salt

Steps:

1. Combine the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla in a large bowl. Stir until creamy.
2. Get a medium bowl, then combine the flour, flaxseed meal, and salt.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the bowl with wet ingredients. Mix well.
4. Use the back of your spoon to work in the cocoa nibs into the dough.
5. Use your hands to roll the dough into one-inch balls.
6. Get a small bowl or a plate, then mix the hemp seeds and shredded coconut. Roll each ball in the mixture until they are fully coated.
7. Refrigerate the cookie bites for at least 30 minutes before serving.
8. Store leftovers in the fridge for at least one week or in the freezer for about one month.

Fast facts about cacao nibs

Cacao nibs are small pieces of crushed cacao beans with a bitter, chocolate-y flavor. Cacao nibs are made from the beans of the cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao).

Cocoa beans are dried after harvesting, then they are fermented and cracked to produce cacao nibs. Cacao nibs are available raw or roasted.

Cacao nibs are full of nutrients and potent plant compounds with various health benefits. They are some of the least processed cocoa products on the market and they are significantly lower in sugar than other chocolate products.

Cacao nibs contain:

• Copper
• Fiber
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Phosphorus
• Zinc

Cacao nibs are naturally low in sugar and they contain fiber, protein, and healthy fats that can make you feel full.

Magnesium is an essential mineral that is used for more than 300 different enzyme reactions in the body. However, the mineral is often lacking in many people’s diets. You need magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus to keep your bones strong.

Copper and iron help produce red blood cells that supply oxygen throughout your body.

Cacao nibs are also rich in powerful plant compounds, including flavonoid antioxidants that are linked to many health benefits. Studies determined that individuals who follow diets full of flavonoids have lower risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and mental decline.

If you love chocolate but are worried about your health, switch to cacao nibs. Consumed moderately, cacao nibs can help boost your bone and heart health.

Sources include:

MindBodyGreen.com

Healthline.com