Zoom Balls

I’ve made Energy Bites for years, but it was in herbal school that I heard the term Zoom Balls. These power packed morals are more that meets the eye and can be altered to whatever herb your body is needing.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is an adaptogenic herb used in Chinese medicine to boost energy and strengthen immunity. It has antibacterial and anti-viral properties. It can help to restore the weakened body.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a nervine and adrenal tonic that helps with anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and poor muscle tone. It’s also an adaptogen and reduces the effects of stress while promoting energy and vitality. It has been useful as an anti-inflammatory to aid in the relief of arthritis pain.

Ginger (Zingiber officinal) is a pungent aromatic used to relieve nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. Research has indicated that ginger root enhances immune function, increased blood circulation, and promotes the secretions of gastric fluids.

Cardamom (Eletteria cadamomum) is another aromatic spice and digestive aid. It has the reputation as an aphrodisiac and has been used in India for respiratory and kidney ailments.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is a spicy aromatic herb used in Chinese medicine as a warming stimulant. It’s useful as a digestive aid and circulatory stimulant. Recent research has shown cinnamon to increase the capability of beta cells in the pancreas to produce insulin, reducing blood glucose levels in diabetics. Cinnamon is a strong antimicrobial and helpful for certain types of dysbiosis.

Zoom Balls

ingredients:

• 1/3 cup astragalus powder

• 1/3 cup ashwagandha powder

• 1 tablespoon ginger powder

• 1 tablespoon ground cardamom

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon pink salt

• 1/2 cup cocoa nibs

• 3/4 cup nut butter of choice (I used peanut butter)

• 1/2 cup raw honey

Directions:

1. Over VERY low heat, gently warm the nut better and honey mixture. Just warm enough to make it soft and easy to mix.

2. In a second bowl, stir together the powdered herbs and spices.

3. Slowly add the powdered ingredients into the nut/honey mixture until it forms a thick paste.

4. Allow the mixture to cool.

5. Add the cocoa nibs and combine.

6. Form 1-inch balls and enjoy

Store in an airtight container .

Pumpkin Energy Bites

Sugar is sugar is sugar. However, there are some sugars that are a bit more nutritive that others. Those from a natural source or from plants that have not been highly processed. Maple syrup, honey, and coconut sugar are some that have nutritive values. Xylitol is a wonder substitute in baking/cooking, with a glycemic index of 7. In the Paleo diet, both honey and maple sugar are allowed, while white sugar is a definite no, no. In these energy bites, maple sugar is used for the sweetener, but honey could be substituted. What I like about these energy bites, is they hold together well without being super sticky. I used a flax/chia seed mixture, since that’s what I had on hand. Double the batch and freeze a portion to enjoy on those occasions when you want a little something extra. Remember it’s important to have three elements in each snack: a good protein, a good fat, and a good carbohydrate. These energy bites provide all three. Enjoy.

Pumpkin Energy Bites

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups old fashioned or rolled quick oats

• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

• 1/4 cup chia seeds

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4 cup organic peanut butter

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Directions:

1. Add all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well combined.

2. Scoop out 1 tablespoon at a time and roll into a ball.

3. Place on parchment paper to dry, then in a sealed container.

4. Keep in the refrigerator or freezer for freshness.

No Bake Energy Bites

Here is a great snack when you need an extra boost!  I first made these when I was trying to quit my sugar addiction. The original recipe calls for chocolate chips, but this version omits that ingredient. Honestly, I don't miss them. They seem sweet enough with the honey.

I have the luxury of purchasing local honey.  Mud-E-Acres is only a mile from my house and the honey is wonderful!   If you have the opportunity to acquire local honey at your farmer's market, consider doing so.  Benefits of local honey include:

• allergy protection
• vitamins and minerals
• antioxidents

Flax seeds are packed full of nutrition.  A good source of protein and fiber, it's best to use ground flax seed. It's easier for the body to digest. The whole seed will pass through the body without all the nutritional benefits.  Chia seeds is a strange little beast that has been gaining popularity in diet circles. It's also packed with protein and fiber, as well as selenium, which may help to prevent heart disease and cancer.

No Baked Energy Bites

• 1 cup dry oatmeal
• 2/3 cup flaked unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/2 cup ground flax seed
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 TBLS chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla

Stir all ingredients together and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Roll into 1- inch balls and store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.