Matcha-Almond Energy Balls

Fat Burning | Nutrient Dense | Heart 'Friendly' | Healthy Snack

Matcha

• Matcha (powdered green tea leaves) contains very high levels of antioxidants, especially catechins, which help protect the body from damage by free radicals (help prevent cancer).

• Matcha has a lowering effect on Total Cholesterol, while raising HDL (Good) Cholesterol, which helps prevent heart disease.

• The catechins in matcha boost the metabolism, and (in combination with exercise) increase the body’s fat burning rate.

• The amino acid L-Theanine found in matcha helps us to stay calm and focused. It might prevent age-related cognitive impairment.

Almonds

• Almonds are seeds (not nuts), coming from the almond tree. Even though they are considered a “high fat food”, the fat is mostly monounsaturated, which has a positive impact on HDL (Good) Cholesterol level, which helps prevent heart disease.

• Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, unsaturated fatty acids, and L-carnitine are all found in almonds. They help maintain healthy brain function and might boost memory ability.

• Due to the high fibre content, almond consumption has a positive impact on the gut microbiome.

Recipe

(makes 12-15)

• 100 g Pitted Dates

• 100 g Oats

• 1.5 TBSP Coconut or Almond Butter (or a mix of both)

• 1 TBSP Chia Seeds

• 1 TBSP Oil (Rapeseed or Olive, or Virgin Coconut for taste)

• 1 TBSP Matcha Green Tea Powder dissolved in about 50 ml water

• 100 g Desiccated Coconut (unsweetened)

• 50 g Ground Almonds

• 1 TSPN Almond Essence

Mix the dates with the coconut-almond butter (I used “Meridian’s” pre-mixed one) in a food processor until you have a smooth-ish sticky paste.

Then add oats, chia seeds, almonds, desiccated coconut and oil.

Last, pour in the dissolved matcha and the almond essence. The consistency should be the one of sticky dough.

Roll out small balls (about 2 cm diameter), put them in an airtight container, and let them set for a few hours in the fridge.

They keep up to 5 days in the fridge or can be frozen.