This month for me is one that requires a lot of energy & when my body feels more exhausted.

Don’t get me wrong I do have fun running around doing all the wonderful Christmas things from parties, to cooking, planning and shopping; but I do feel like I run out of energy and my immune system get’s a little spent.
It is also a month where we tend to ingest a little more of the heavier foods causing the body to be just a bit more sluggish and bloated with not the best nutrition especially if you are eating out a lot. Unless you are watching what or how much you are eating you don’t generally realize the difference just a few here and there snack and meals for a whole month can do to the body.

I want something that really nourishes my body, fills me and gives me the energy that I need to workout, cook, attend parties, stay up later, work, shop and all the other housewife chores that still need to be done but that also keep me eating clean and healthy. These bliss balls do just that!

Here are some of ingredients that are in these little magic balls and their extraordinary benefits.

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) native to the Himalayan Mountains, Tibet & Mongolia are the most nutritionally dense fruit on Earth.
Amongst fruits they contain all the essential amino acids and also have the highest concentration of protein than any fruit. They are loaded with vitamin C, contain more carotenoids than any other food, have twenty-one trace minerals, and are high in fiber. Boasting 15 times the amount of iron found in spinach, as well as calcium, zinc, selenium and many other important trace minerals, there is no doubt that the humble goji berry is a nutritional powerhouse.

This amazing little super-fruit also contains natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds. Their powerful antioxidant properties and polysaccharides help to boost the immune system. It’s no wonder then, that in traditional Chinese medicine they are renowned for increasing strength and longevity.

Gojis are most commonly available in dried form, and make a great snack eaten as is, added to trail mix, muesli or oatmeal. They can also be soaked for a couple of hours in enough water to cover them. Then the soak water can be drained off and makes a delicious drink, or both water and berries added to smoothies.

Flax seeds (also called linseeds) are a rich source of micro-nutrients, dietary fiber, manganese, vitamin B1, and the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, also known as ALA or omega-3.

It is not only a source of healthy fat, antioxidants, and fiber; modern research has found evidence to suggest that flax seed can also help lower the risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Cocoa Powder unsweetened is rich in Minerals. Just 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder contains 3 to 9 percent of the recommended daily intake of iron, manganese, magnesium and zinc.

In addition to carrying oxygen, iron helps make red blood cells and is essential for your immune system. Manganese is a component of enzymes that form cartilage and bones, metabolize nutrients and function as antioxidants inside every cell in your body. Magnesium helps produce energy and maintain a normal heart rhythm. Zinc is vital for the production and development of new cells, including immune system cells. Without enough zinc, the number of bacteria-fighting cells goes down and you become more susceptible to illness.

Flavonoids are the plant-based substances responsible for many of cocoa’s health benefits. There are many different types of flavonoids, but cocoa is a good source of two: epicatechin and catechin. The flavonoids in cocoa function as antioxidants that help prevent systemic inflammation. Epicatechin relaxes the muscles in blood vessels, which improves blood flow and helps lower blood pressure, according to research published in the March 2012 issue of the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.”

Speaking of antioxidants did you know according to a study at Cornell university the antioxidant concentration in cocoa is almost twice as strong as red wine, 3x’s stronger than that of green tea & 4x’s stronger than black tea.

These are just a few of the ingredients that are in these Bliss balls. There are many more health benefits for the rest of the ingredients. But I think that I should stop talking and give you the recipe.

This is the 1st time that I’ve attempted to make a raw, vegan dessert. I was kinda worried that they would taste like cardboard or just not be good but to my surprise they turned out delicious and I really enjoyed them as did my husband. I think these would be great to serve as an additional holiday treat, or to eat when you get that mid afternoon or after dinner craving.
They are simple, fast, nutritious and delicious. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
Makes about 24 balls

1 cup Seeds, mixed (pumpkin, flax, sesame, sunflower)*

2 cups Shredded Coconut, Unsweetened

1 cup Goji Berries, soaked at least 4 hrs prior

3 tbsp. Cocoa Powder, unsweetened

1 tbsp. Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1 tbsp. Raw Honey

Place all ingredients in food processor and pulse until becomes incorporated and thick. Make truffle sized balls and put in fridge for 1 hour or eat them right away.

You can roll the balls in coconut or leave them like that your choice.
Store in fridge for up to 2 weeks in sealed container.