Dates are one of my go-to foods for indulging without the added sugar. They’re naturally sweet and loaded with fiber to help slow digestion and prevent a major spike in blood sugar. With just five ingredients these vegan date balls are simple to make and perfect for your sweet tooth.
Aside from the occasional treat, I do my best to avoid sugar on a regular basis. Most of us generally eat too much and regular consumption can contribute to an addictive cycle similar to cocaine. If that’s not enough to convince you to ditch the sugar, it also contributes to unstable blood sugar levels, disrupts hormone balance, contributes to weight gain and impacts the diversity and health of your microbiome.
Overcoming sugar cravings can be difficult if you indulge regularly. Naturally sweet alternatives can help you slowly cut back your intake, as can a sugar detox.
If you do try a sugar detox, it’s important to focus your diet around blood sugar balancing foods. The more balanced your blood sugar levels remain, the fewer cravings you’ll experience.
Snack healthy with sugar free vegan date balls
These vegan date balls provide natural sweetness, plenty of fiber and the added benefit of healthy fats and protein from the pecans. Together fiber, protein and fat will slow the release of the natural sugar found in the dates giving you a healthy snack that provides longer lasting energy.
Chocolate Date Pecan Truffles
Ingredients
- 10 Medjool dates
- 1 cup raw pecans (115 g)
- 1/2 cup cacao nibs (50 g)
- 1 tsp pink himalayan salt
- 1 tbsp almond milk, as needed
Instructions
- Remove the pits from the dates.
- Put the dates in your food processor with the rest of the ingredients. Process until the mixture is finely ground and holds together when pressed. If the dates are a little dry, you may need to add a small amount of nut milk.
- Using a 1 tbsp measure, form the truffles into balls. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment, waxed paper, or a silicone sheet.
- Sprinkle with a little bit of sea salt flakes if desired.
- Refrigerate until firm.
Chew on this
Finding healthy alternatives to sweet indulgences is the perfect way to strike a balance and avoid feeling deprived. Fiber-rich options like fruit and dates providing a refreshing natural sweetness without all the negative effects of refined sugar.
Stevia is another sugar free option that can be used to add sweetness to recipes without spiking your blood sugar.
How do you satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way? Tell us in the comments below.
