Colleen Woods, MS, RDNGingerbread Snowballs (GF/V)
Eat Healthy During the Holiday Season
In December, it can be tough to eat "healthy." Co-workers bring cookies to the office, holiday parties offer up a buffet of rich hors d'oeuvres, and peppermint mocha Frappuccinos are appealing even to the non-coffee drinker in the cold.
However, focusing on nutrients like fiber, healthy fats, and protein provide comfort and satisfaction without sacrificing health. Meals and snacks can incorporate many flavors with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, spices, and lean meat.
No Added Sugar Snack
Here's a gingerbread recipe for low-calorie, nutrient-dense Gingerbread Snowballs. You can bring this gingerbread recipe to a party or snack on them at home snuggled up to a good Christmas movie. This no-sugar treat has spices that contribute to additional health benefits like lowering blood sugar and boosting your energy. Gingerbread Snowballs are naturally gluten-free and vegan.
Gingerbread Snowballs
Yield: About 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes Chill Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins.
Ingredients
1 cup pitted medjool dates
1/8 tsp cloves
1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work best)
3 Tbsp hemp seeds
1.5 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 cup coconut flakes
Directions
Use a food processor to puree dates and cloves.
Add nuts and process again.
Scrape into a bowl and add remaining ingredients.
Mix with a rubber spatula.
Using your hands, roll into small bite-sized balls. Roll balls in coconut flakes to cover.
Refrigerate at least an hour. (Stays good in the refrigerator about 10 days.)
Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 snowball
Calories: 100
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 1mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Total Sugar: 9g
Added Sugar: 0g
Protein: 2g
Vit D: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 3%
Potassium: 3%
For more recipes & nutrition services, visit ZESTNutritionService.com.
#gingerbreadrecipe #healthysnackideas #healthyholidays #highproteinsnacks