I love super energizing vegan snacks that taste so delicious that they feel devious just eating them. Raw, vegan foods are packed with enzymes, fiber, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and some even contain protein. (4) I enjoy making my own vegan snacks that contain protein to hold me over between meals and even serve as a healthy dessert. One of my favorite snacks uses three fabulous fats including: hemp, chia, and coconut, which are also good sources of plant protein. Hemp, chia, and coconut have also been linked to an improved mood, a lower waistline, and better mental focus. (4)
Raw, plant-based foods are incredibly nutrient dense so you’ll likely be satisfied much sooner. I know it’s easy to choose a highly processed protein bar out on the run, but ultimately, that’s not the best choice for your body. Try making a batch of these at home and keep them on hand for on the go emergencies. They’re perfect when you’re cravings something sweet and are looking for a boost of nutrition and energy all in one!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of soaked dried figs (I like Black Mission) and the soaking water
- 1/2 cup raw, organic hemp seeds
- 1/4 cup raw, organic shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons raw, organic chia seeds
- 3 drops vanilla stevia or a teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Juice from one lemon (enhances the flavor and adds an alkaline touch – trust me!)
- 1/4 cup organic raw cacao powder (regular cocoa powder may also be used)
- 1/4 cup raw hemp protein powder or raw vegan chocolate protein
- Toppings: coconut shreds and cinnamon
Instructions:
- Put the figs in a bowl and cover with filtered water. Let them soak for one hour.
- Remove the figs, strain in a colander, and reserve the soaking water.
- Place the figs in a food processor and add half the soaking water. Store the rest for later use or use it in a smoothie (the fig water is rich in nutrients and has a sweet flavor.)
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the food processor.
- Process on high at least 30 seconds. Stop and stir.
- Process again about 15 seconds until you have a thick dough.
- Scoop the dough out into a glass-baking pan (9×9 inch pan).
- Press down and flatten out all the way to the edges. You can use the back of a spoon to aid in the flattening process if needed.
- Top with shredded coconut and cinnamon.
- Place the pan into the fridge and let them firm up for at least 30 minutes.
- Cut into 9 squares and wrap individually in paper wrap for a nontoxic option. Store in the fridge for the week or put them in a glass container in the freezer for longer storage.
Note: If you choose to freeze them, they won’t be completely hard and are great to eat right out of the freezer!
Nutritional Benefits of this recipe:
Hemp: full of omega 3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, B vitamins, and potassium. Hemp seeds and hemp protein powder are also complete sources of protein, containing all the essential amino acids. Hemp seeds’ green color also indicates their high levels of chlorophyll so they’re awesome for promoting alkalinity. (1)
Chia: full of omega 3 fats, magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, B vitamins, and calcium. Chia has a nice gelling effect and also aids in keeping you full, beating bloat, and reducing irregularity. (2)
Coconut: especially energizing and full of healthy fats that stabilize your blood sugar and promote a healthy food. Coconut is a unique fruit containing almost no sugar but high amounts of fiber. (3,4)
Cocoa and Cacao: both offer excellent sources of antioxidants, iron, fiber, and have very little sugar. All forms have chocolate have been shown to improve mental health along with aid in lowering blood pressure. (5)
Sources for this article include:
(1) www.care2.com
(2) authoritynutrition.com
(3) healthyeating.sfgate.com
(4) www.mindbodygreen.com
(5) www.onegreenplanet.org
Originally posted on Therawfoodworld.com republished with permission.
