Vegan Samoa Energy Balls
Do you remember your favorite Girl Scout cookie growing up? I know I sure do!! And they were Samoa cookies ALL the way. These Samoa energy balls are the perfect taste-alike to bring you down memory lane!
These Samoa energy balls are just like the cookies but minus the gluten, dairy, refined sugar free and grains! They’re full of healthy fats, wholesome ingredients and, of course, a good dose of chocolate.
When it comes to snacking I typically crave SWEET and I used to fight that. I used to tell myself snacking on sweet foods was “bad” and would force myself to snack on things like eggs or veggies. But then I realized food rules are SO silly and honoring my body is all that matters.
If my body is craving sweets I honor it. But I still make sure I still feel good after honoring it by reaching for snacks like these Samoa energy balls that have ingredients that agree with my stomach.
Even with food intolerances and gut-health issues, you can still find ways to honor your body and cravings.
All it takes is making some switches and swaps and next thing you know you’re honoring your cravings AND your health-related needs. Some of my favorite swaps I’ve found?
Swapping chocolate milkshakes for thick chocolate smoothies.
Swapping Girl Scout cookies for taste-alike energy balls.
Swapping burritos for paleo burrito bowls.
Swapping oatmeal bowls for cauliflower rice oatmeal.
And so much more!!! Truly, the options are endless if you get a little creative. :)
If you’re new to finding swaps that make you feel better, just know - soon enough it’ll become second nature! I remember being faced with my food intolerances and ulcerative colitis for the first time and thinking “what the heck do I eat!?” but now I have a hard time every choosing because the options are needless!
What are YOUR favorite gut-friendly swaps?
XO nat
Paleo + Vegan Samoa Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup toasted coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 3 Tbsp melted coconut oil
- 6 dates
- 1 cup macadamia nuts
- 1 bar chocolate of choice (I love using Eating Evolved’s midnight chocolate)
Instructions
- Start by flash soaking your dates in boiling water for about 5-6 minutes (just long enough to get softer but not take all of the sweetness out).
- Place the dates, only 3/4ths cup of the toasted coconut flakes, coconut oil and 3/4ths cup of the macadamia nuts in a food processor and blend until no large chunks are present.
- Chop the remaining 1/4ths cup of macadamia nuts into small pieces.
- Also chop 1/4th of the chocolate bar into small pieces.
- In a ball mix the chopped macadamia nuts, chopped chocolate and remaining toasted coconut flakes with the blended mixture.
- Roll into balls and place in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Melt the rest of the chocolate bar and drizzle over the frozen energy balls.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or in the freezer for however long you would like!