Have you ever stumbled upon a treasure trove of energy in the form of a snack? These Energizing Seed Cycling Energy Bites are like little nuggets of sunshine you can hold in your hand. Packed with seeds, they remind me of those unexpected sunny days in October—unexpected but oh-so-welcome!
Steps
- Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until they are well combined. If the mixture appears too dry, add extra tablespoons of nut butter.
- Cover the bowl with the mixture and place it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to chill, which will make forming the bites easier.
- Use a medium cookie scoop or a spoon to take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Continue this process until all the mixture is used, forming around 28 balls.
- Store the energy bites in a sealed container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 2 weeks.
Ingredients
- For the Follicular Phase (days 1-14):
- Raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- Ground flaxseed
- For the Luteal Phase (days 15-28):
- Raw sunflower seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Common Ingredients for Both Phases:
- Shredded coconut (either sweetened or unsweetened, optionally toasted)
- Natural peanut butter (or substitute with almond or cashew butter)
- Old-fashioned oats
- Mini semisweet chocolate chips (or vegan chocolate chips)
- Honey (or substitute with maple syrup or another natural sweetener)
- Vanilla extract
FAQ
- What is seed cycling and how does it work?
- Seed cycling is a naturopathic practice where different types of seeds are consumed during the two phases of the menstrual cycle to help naturally balance hormones. In the follicular phase (days 1-14), flax and pumpkin seeds are recommended. In the luteal phase (days 15-28), sunflower and sesame seeds are suggested.
- Are seed cycling energy bites gluten-free?
- Yes, the seed cycling energy bites are naturally gluten-free. However, it’s important to check the labels of individual ingredients, especially oats, to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
- Can I make seed cycling energy bites vegan?
- Absolutely! To make these energy bites vegan, you can use vegan chocolate chips and replace honey with maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener.
- How should I store seed cycling energy bites and how long do they last?
- The energy bites should be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator and can last up to two weeks. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to three months, but be sure to thaw them before eating.
- Can I use different nut butters or sweeteners in the recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter. Likewise, you can replace honey with maple syrup or another natural sweetener, although this might result in a slightly more crumbly texture.
Tips
- Chill Before Rolling: To make the energy bites easier to shape, refrigerate the mixture for a few hours before rolling it into balls. This will help the ingredients bind together more effectively.
- Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to experiment with different nut butters, such as almond or cashew butter, in place of peanut butter. You can also swap out honey for maple syrup or another natural sweetener, keeping in mind that this might affect the binding of the mixture.
- Consider Using a Food Processor: For a smoother texture and easier rolling, use a food processor to combine all the ingredients. This can save time and ensure that everything is evenly mixed.
- Storage Tips: Store the energy bites in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to thaw the frozen bites before eating.
Equipment
- Food Processor – For blending ingredients to a smooth consistency if you prefer not to stir by hand.
- Medium Cookie Scoop – For measuring out and forming consistently sized energy bites.
- 8×8 or 9×9-Inch Baking Pan – If you choose to make energy bars instead of bites.
- Parchment Paper – For lining the baking pan if making energy bars.
