Sugar-Free Summer Carrot Cake Bliss Balls

August 21, 2015

Carrot cake for breakfast or a snack.. sounds crazy right? As you know by now, I am all about making and eating yummy and healthy food that my body knows how to use. But here’s the thing… I don’t want to feel like I have to eat “rabbit food” to stay lean and fit.

Speaking of “rabbit food” this recipe is my version of one of my “old” favorite desserts, carrot cake. The recipe is below the health benefits associated with this free recipe!

HERE IS WHY CARROTS ARE GREAT FOR YOUR HEALTH:

  • Eating more deep-orange-colored fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
  • Antioxidants in carrots, including beta-carotene, may play a role in cancer prevention. Research has shown that smokers who eat carrots more than once a week have a lower risk of lung cancer, while a beta-carotene-rich diet may also protect against prostate cancer.
  • Carrot extract has been found to be useful for the management of cognitive dysfunctions and may offer memory improvement and cholesterol-lowering benefits.
  • Carrot extract also has anti-inflammatory properties and provided anti-inflammatory benefits that were significant even when compared to anti-inflammatory drugs like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Celebrex.

Ready to make this sweet, sugar-free treat? Here’s what you need:

1 cup almonds

¼ cup walnuts

¼ cup pecans

3 Tbsp. of Hemp Seed

6 Medjool dates, pitted

¼ cup raisins or cranberries

1 tsp. coconut oil

¼ cup coconut, shredded and unsweetened

2 large carrots, chopped or shredded

1 Tbsp. flaxseed, ground

1 tsp. cinnamon

Pinch of nutmeg

How To Make:

✴ Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until combined; mixture can still be chunky. DO NOT over-process nuts as these releases too much of the oil.

✴ Shape into balls and roll in coconut or cinnamon.

✴ Refrigerate for 1 hour.

✴ Will stay fresh for up to 5 days but they won’t last that long in your fridge!

✴ NOTE: If your mixture is too moist, add some additional ground flaxseed. Also, for an extra kick add some grated ginger …yum!!

Love it? Please share your thoughts and photos with me on Facebook!

Roseann Zaft, CHC, CPT, RYT

Posted in Blog