Healthy Food

Liz’s date and dark chocolate beauty bombs

8-10

These date and dark chocolate energy bombs get their subtle sweetness from dried dates, which offset the bitterness of delicious dark chocolate. Perfect for a pick me up and a blast of beauty-boosting nutrients.

Dark chocolate is a staple here at the Wellbeing Studios – and for good reason. A little of the good stuff – with a minimum of 70% cocoa solids – is actually really good for you. It’s delciously rich in natural antioxidants and vital minerals including potassium, iron, magnesium and copper.

You may not be surprised to learn that there’s a science behind our love for chocolate, too. It contains a chemical called phenylethylamine (PEA). This is the same chemical your brain creates when you fall head-over-heels in love.

PEA causes the release of endorphins, so eating dark chocolate may make you feel happier. Some research suggests that this may be why dark chocolate can help those suffering from depression feel less anxious and irritable.

Walnuts are a star ingredient here and contain a number of beauty benefits for our skin, including vitamin E. This helpful vitamin works to strengthen the skin barrier and keep our complexion feeling soft.

Once made, our beauty bombs keep in an airtight containter for up to a week. Enjoy!

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Ingredients

  • 100g ready-to-eat dried dates
  • 30g jumbo oats
  • 20g dark chocolate (over 80% cocoa solids or cocoa nibs)
  • 30g walnut halves
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp linseeds
  • 2 tsp cold water

Method

  1. Put the dates, oats, chocolate and walnut halves into a food processor. (If you’re using cocoa nibs, leave them out of the processor at this stage.)
  2. Add the cinnamon, linseeds and water. Turn the processor onto high and whizz the mixture until smooth. Scrape the mixture down halfway through so that all the ingredients are chopped up evenly.
  3. Tip the combined mixture into a bowl or onto a board and divide it into eight to ten evenly sized pieces. (If you are using cocoa nibs, add them at this stage and knead the mixture together thoroughly before dividing.) Roll each piece into a ball, then transfer to a small airtight container to store.