This healthy treat is made entirely from only three whole foods (plus spices) and is vegan, gluten-free, grain-free and raw. My secret ingredients are cardamom and pomegranate molasses which give it a Mediterranean vibe. With my nutrition clients, I tend to steer clear of prescribing any pre-packaged diet (e.g. Paleo, Thrive, etc) and instead tailor healthy lifestyle strategies to where they are and where they want to be with their overall well-being. The Mediterranean diet, however, is something I can get behind with clear conscious and confidence. Less of a diet and more of a lifestyle, it has been scientifically linked to reducing inflammation, decreasing the risk of diabetes and lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure. It’s all about eating tons of fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains instead of refined, cooking with heart healthy fats like olive oil, eating less meat and more fish and legumes, seasoning with spices rather than tons of salt, cutting back on sweets and drinking some red wine here and there–sounds like a life I’d like to lead!
I’ve posted several Mediterranean diet-friendly recipes on MOARfit over the years–like my Pesce alla Puttanesca, Quinoa Black Bean Zucchini Burgers and Farro and Leek Risotto–but I’ve yet to provide a healthy snack option. This one happens to be sweet thanks to pomegranate molasses and dates, and is perfect a few hours before a workout or immediately after because of its carb: protein ratio.
Here’s a quick summary of the health benefits of Pomegranate Molasses:
This sweet and tangy elixir is made of pomegranate juice, sugar and lemon (p.s. you can make your own, though I didn’t for this recipe). The main ingredient, pomegranate juice, may prevent or slow the accumulation of cholesterol in your arteries. Pomegranate molasses contains tons of the powerful antioxidant, vitamin C, which as you likely know thanks to products like Emergen-C seriously boosts your immune system. It also delivers several B vitamins including B1, B3, B5 and B6. Vitamin B1, or thiamin helps your body produce energy and is key to healthy muscle, cardiovascular system and nervous system function; vitamin B3, or niacin, benefits your skin, nervous system and digestive system; vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is important for healthy growth (eat up kiddos!); and vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, helps your body digest and use proteins and transport oxygen via red blood cells throughout your body.
POMEGRANATE POWER BITES
{makes 20 1″ bites, or 10 servings}
- 2 cups raw organic almonds and/or cashews (mixed or not)
- 8 Medjool dates, pitted
- 3 Tbs pomegranate molasses
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (optional: for rolling)
How to Make Them:
- Soak almonds and/or cashews in water for 2-3 hours. Drain.
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor (not a blender!) and pulse until it comes together in a dough-y consistency. (You may want to add a few splashes of water depending on your food processor).
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Shape into 1″ balls and roll in unsweetened coconut.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remove 10-20 minutes before serving to avoid brain freeze.
