This snack is a family favourite. They hold up well in coat pockets for outdoor activities and keep everyone moving forward on hikes.

I used pumpkin seed butter for this batch. Pumpkin seeds are anti-parasitic, high in zinc, magnesium, fiber and help to lower blood sugar levels.

Spring is the time of the Liver in Chinese medicine. Clients often ask if and when to do a cleanse. If there is a time to cleanse and support the liver, spring is the time to do it. If we take nature's lead, some of the first plants to show up in our garden are cleansing: dandelions. Dandelion greens have long been used as a herb to release toxins from the body, clear heat and reduce swelling. Like pumpkin seeds, they are high in magnesium, lower blood sugar levels and are antioxidants.

Though maybe leave them out of the energy balls. 😉

Raw pumpkin seeds are another spring food to consider. They contain tetracyclic triterpenes which can help remove parasites from the body. The cucurbitins in pumpkin seeds can paralyze worms, making it difficult for them to hide within the intestinal walls. while the high zinc content is a bonus for strengthening the immune system.

Just like the urge to open your windows and spring clean your home in March, consider offering the same internal support for your body. This is a great time to load your plate with greens and consider doing a food challenge. Taking foods like gluten, dairy, eggs and corn out of your diet for 30 days and sticking to whole foods found on the outer isle of the grocery store. Then when you add foods back in after 30 days, do it slowly. One food every 3-4 days so you have a chance to notice if or how they bother you. Whole 30 does a good job of laying out an elimination and re-introduction schedule. As always, reach out if you want one-on-one support and a more customized approach.

Your liver will thank you.

Power Balls

2 C Gluten Free Oats
1.5 C Coconut unsweetened
1 C Ground Flaxseed (keep in the freezer)
3 TBSP Ground Chia seed (keep in freezer)
3/4 C semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 C Pumpkin seed butter (Almond Butter & Sunflower seed butter work well too)
2/3 C Honey (I sometimes use half honey & half maple syrup)
2-3 tsp Vanilla
1 TBS Hemp seeds (optional)

Mix the first 5 dry ingredients together
Warm the nut butter, honey and vanilla together until soft.
Mix all together and form into balls.
Keep refrigerated.