August 10, 2017

Adaptogens 101 + Cacao Energy Bites

Adaptogens 101 + Cacao Energy Bites
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Adaptogens seem to be the new craze in the health + wellness world but are they really worth it? What even is an adaptogen? Adaptogens are herbs and plants that assist our body’s response to stress. They support our adrenals and create a good balance of energy + relaxation in the body. They have also been around for years and are a practice in ancient Chinese medicine.

Some benefits of adaptogens:

  • Lower stress
  • Support adrenals
  • Increase energy
  • Reduce fatigue
  • Support Immunity
  • Lower cortisol levels
  • Decrease inflammation

My favorite adaptogens: ashwagandha, maca root, holy basil, medicinal mushrooms, schisandra, ginseng

Side note: Adaptogens are fun and can be beneficial, but they are not a necessity to being healthy. Adaptogens are not a quick-fix and should be used only as an addition to a healthy lifestyle. Eating vegetables, meditating, staying hydrated, and exercising will always be the best thing for creating a healthy body + mind.

I personally have been using adaptogens for about 6 months and I have noticed a tremendous difference in how my body responds to stress. Adaptogens have allowed me to feel more energized while still remaining grounded. I also have noticed that I am sleeping better and have less anxiety. I look forward to having them in my morning tonics, smoothies, or added in my matcha lattes.While they are amazing in drinks and lattes, but what about in snacks? I created this energizing snack with adaptogens  for a great mid-day boost.

As you probably know by now, I am a chocoholic and I always find ways to sneak it into my daily eats. These energy bites are chocolaty, nutty, and slightly sweet with an incredible amount of nutrition. Beyond the healthy fats, fiber, and protein, these bites are also packed with micronutrients and of course amazing adaptogen properties.

These are a great treat to have after a meal, for preworkout fuel, mid-day snack, or after dinner dessert. They are easy to modify + change, so feel free to use whatever you have in your own pantry!

 

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Adaptogen Energy Bites

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 1/4 cup cashew butter (no sugar, oil, or salt added)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 TBS coconut flour
  • 2 TBS raw cacao powder
  • 1 TBS chia seeds
  • 1 TBS cacao nibs
  • 1 TBS pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp ashwagandha
  • 1 pack Four Sigmatic's Lion's Mane Mushroom Elixir Mix
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1 TBS almond milk
  • 1 TBS cacao powder for coating

Instructions

  1. In a food processor or high speed blender, pulse cashews until they resemble a cumble-ly flour consistency. I like to leave some cashew chunks remaining in the mixture for a crunchy final texture.

  2. Add remaining ingredients and pulse until well combined. 

  3. Once your desired consistency is reached and all ingredients are well incorporated, roll the mixture into tablespoon sized balls. 

  4. Optional-roll balls in raw cacao for a nice coating.

  5. Keep the bites in the refrigerator and enjoy!

P.S. You can save 20% off Four Sigmatic medicinal mushrooms using the code “wild” at checkout.

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