Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites

~Amanda~

Fall is here and it’s officially pumpkin and baking season… it’s so easy to over-indulge and start eating unhealthy now that the summer is over and sweater weather is right around the corner, but there are also so many healthy options for snacks and treats that are still so satisfying and delicious and this is definitely one of them! This recipe quickly became one of my go-to’s when I first did the Whole30 about 4 years ago – the Whole30 is, in short, an eating plan to strip all the bad foods from your diet (all those that are unhealthy, hormone-unbalancing, gut-disrupting, and inflammatory) for a full 30 days. It is a program designed to help your body to heal and recover from the effects that all these foods have on it and really resetting your system. While on the Whole30, you eliminate any added/processed sugars, dairy, grains, alcohol, etc. I try and do it at least once a year, but even when I’m not on it these balls are a fall fave of mine! 

I first discovered this recipe on Paleo Grubs and love the short and simple list of ingredients; they are made with dates, pecans, pumpkin, coconut, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and really taste like pumpkin pie, I’m not joking, they’re so good! They are also completely Whole30 compliant and all the ingredients have such great health benefits, so you don’t even have to feel guilty eating them. The base of these bites is dates. Dates are so nutritionally good for you and a great ingredient to use to replenish energy and revitalize your body. They’re rich in fiber, which is great for colon health. They are filled with tannins which are antioxidants that have anti-infective and anti-inflammatory properties. And they’re great sources of Vitamin A, Iron, and Potassium. The other large component is pecans. Pecans are an excellent source of Vitamin E, they’re rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, and a great source of antioxidants. Pecans in the diet can also help decrease LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol).

One of the best parts of these little energy bites is how simple and quick they are to make; you begin by soaking the dates in some water. While they’re soaking, pulse the pecans in a food processor until finely ground and then add in the remaining ingredients, and finally the dates. You then pulse until the mixture is somewhat smooth and can be formed into balls. At this point it’s a good idea to refrigerate for about 30 minutes, just so that it’s easier to work with and form into the balls. After it has cooled, form the mixture into balls (or press into a pan to make bars) and that’s it, you’re done! Store them in the refrigerator and grab one anytime you need a little pick-me-up, boost of energy, or are just craving something sweet! You will absolutely love how sweet and delicious they are and how much they really do have that pumpkin pie flavor that will satisfy your biggest pumpkin cravings without any guilt!