Lemon Chia Coconut & Protein Energy Bites

In Minnesota we’re lucky to get Spring!  I believe it’s my least favorite season!  Mostly because Spring in Minnesota is usually COOL and Damp and I am so ready for Summer…or at least nicer weather!  More often than not, Spring is forgotten!

Don’t get me wrong, some things about Spring are lovely, like the air smelling so fresh and sleeping with the windows open at night.  The first thunderstorm always makes me smile.  Spring…oh how I need Spring.  Oh how I want Spring…so soothing to the Soul.  So maybe it’s not so bad after all….especially this year!

This year was very different….could it be as soon as April turned the corner, shortly there after, I left the country and didn’t return till April was almost in my rear view mirror.  Yep…..Spring in Italy is truly fantastic!  It was warm, we had sunshine, and not much wind!  So this year, I kind of liked Spring.   Sunrises and Sunsets were breathtaking in Italy.  We even had our private garden above our room in Cinque Terre where we relaxed after long days of hiking before we headed to dinner.  Ahhhh…the sweet life!

We came home and the air smelled fresher, the grass looked greener, and we could just feel the new life and freshness of Spring.

For some (and me too), Spring also is about diving head first into Spring Cleaning.  Cleaning the house, the yard, and even the garage is “almost fun” in the Spring, especially using when using these environmentally safe products!  Always Safe, Always Green, Always Works!

Last week my friend and I hosted our first Protein Ball Workshop.  What a blast!  Besides going home with a bakers dozen of healthy energy balls, they received tips for choosing super foods that help fuel our bodies and taste good all while sipping on a delicious Liquid Snickers Smoothie.  Don’t worry, I’ll share the smoothie recipe sometime soon but don’t forget to join my mailing list so you don’t miss out!

But if you’re feeling like me, and want a new fresh take on eating cleaner snacks, check out our workshop.  I love making my own protein balls, especially this recipe, but I also love experimenting with new ones and you’re going to love this one!  Thanks Sarah for sharing!  It screams Spring because of the fresh Lemon Taste!  Perfect for a pick me up before a run or mid afternoon snack.  Dessert?  Why not!  After a run or yoga session?  Of course.  They’re just perfect anytime!

I promise, if you’re feeling you need a pick me up and this phrase is staring you right in the face…….“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade…“ don’t make lemonade, make these.  Besides I highly doubt you’ll want to park in your driveway and sell lemonade for 50¢ a cup.   Nah….not an option right since we’re not kids anymore!  But I am positive you’ll want to make these!   They’ll definitely make you smile and you’ll ditch those winter blues without making lemonade.  

Seriously, I love lemons and I love making things with lemon, like this smoothie.  But how about making protein balls!  You’re right…it’s not smart to drown your sorrows with food, but whenever I head into my kitchen (my happy place) I get a smile on my face.  And trust me on this one….these Lemon Chia Energy Bites with Protein will make you feel instantly better too!  Good food puts you in a better mood.  And these are not only GOOD, but healthy too!  

These little guys are just too easy to make.  You basically put everything in a food processor, mix for a little, roll them into a ball shape and they are ready to eat in a matter of minutes.
Plus they’re raw, grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, refined sugar free, and even paleo-friendly?  But what matters most is that they are phenomenally delicious.  A burst of spring in your mouth!  If you like coconut and lemon you need to make ‘em: you have no excuses!   NONE!  Lets put a smile on our faces soon and get in our kitchens.

Don’t you just love SPRING!  I need Spring just to make these every year!  How about you…..say yes!  Please!

LEMON COCONUT CHIA & PROTEIN ENERGY BALLS

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup pitted dates soaked in hot water if needed to soften (see directions)
• 1 cup cashews
• 1 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut (divided in half)
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• zest of 1 lemon
• juice of a lemon
• 1/4 cup Shaklee Energizing Life Shaklee Vanilla
• pink Himalayan sea salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add dates to food processor and process until broken up into pea-sized bits.  If your dates are not sticky, be sure to soak them in hot water for 15 minutes to soften and than drain.  I added a little more warm water to my food processor to in step three.
2. Add cashews, 1/2 cup of coconut and chia seeds and process until well combined.
3. Add lemon zest, juice and sea salt and process for 1 more minute until dough comes together into a large ball. (add a tablespoon or two of warm water if neeed)
4. Roll into 18 balls and than roll balls in remaining 1/2 cup coconut.
5. Place in freezer for 15 minutes and than store in fridge for up to 1 month.