Carrot Cake Energy Bites and Refined Sugar Headaches
Last week I met up with Evie Claire Photography and took a couple of fitness photos with Gianna to celebrate her 6-month birthday. Afterwards, I went and got a slice of carrot cake from a local bakery. I was relieved that the photos were over, and I was happy with how my weight loss was progressing over these past 6 months, with only 4 pounds to go to reach my pre-baby weight of 132. While I do not often celebrate with food, I did feel like having a treat.
So I got home and put my sweatpants on, and I dove into this white flour, white sugar triangle slice of carbs and fat. I ate half of a large slice…and waited…and then it hit me. The sugar rush, followed closely by the sugar crash, and the headache.
It had been a while since I’d had it, since I really do not eat typical baked goods that often, and now I had remembered why. They really make me FEEL like crap!
I follow a flexible dieting plan called IIFYM, so I can eat whatever I want as long as it fits my macros. I just choose foods that are usually free of refined sugar because of the way they make me feel.
I do love the flavors of carrot cake, so that inspired me to create these little bites of goodness. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. They are excellent pre and post workout, since they have less than 5g of fat and fiber per bite and are 60 calories each.
Carrot Cake Energy Bites
recipe modified from A Sunshine Mission
Makes 17 bites. Macros per bite: 60 calories, 1g fat, 13g carbs, 1g protein, 2g fiber, 8g natural sugar
Ingredients
1 cup pitted dates (150g)
1+1/2 cup shredded carrots (150g)
1 cup oatmeal (quick or old-fashioned)
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut
pinch of sea salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fresh or ground ginger
Directions
- Process all ingredients in a food processor until a ball of dough forms.
- Remove dough from food processor and roll into bite-sized balls with your hands.
- Place in the fridge for 1 hour to harden, and store them there between enjoyment.