These golden bites are both heavenly on the palate and for your gastrointestinal health.
As health practitioners, we are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of good microbiome health. This comprises of a balance of good, and not so good bacteria.
At any given time, there is approximately 3-4kg of bacteria living in our colon! They outnumber our own cells at a ratio of 10:1. So it makes sense that they play a huge role in how we feel.
If we eat the right foods, and they are broken down properly, our beneficial bacteria know what to do with it and produce certain vitamins, amino acids and short-chain-fatty acids.
So many factors play a role here, but fibre is particularly important, which is why as far as snacks go, this one is a goodie due to the use of psyllium husk.
Make sure you drink plenty of water too, to compliment the “bulking” and “elimination” effect of psyllium! Glutamine, an amino acid that repairs and maintains the gut barrier, is another power food in these bliss balls.
There’s also turmeric – a ridiculously good for you anti-inflammatory spice that can be difficult for some people to pallet. However in these, fussy eaters won’t mind it at all!
Bliss balls are an easy addition to any lunch-box for both adults or children (note, can always swap out almonds for sunflower seeds/sesame if going nut-free).
Ingredients
- 1 cups almonds
- 1 cup coconut, shredded
- 2 tbsp psyllium husk
- 2 tbsp glutamine
- 2 1⁄2 tbsp xylitol or
- natural sweetener of choice
- 1 1⁄2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1⁄2 tsp cinnamon
- 2–3 tbsp water
- pinch of sea salt
- pinch of black pepper (activates turmeric)
Method
Use a food processor to blend all dry ingredients until a powder forms (doesn’t need to be too fine).
Add in 2 tbsp water or almond milk and pulse. Continue adding another 2–3 tbsp water in, 1 tbsp at a time, until a sticky dough forms.
Roll into small balls and sprinkle with additional coconut. Store in fridge for the week.
