Tropical Pineapple & Coconut Maca Bites

By Claire Georgiou, Reboot Naturopath, B.HSc ND

I find these healthy snacks ideal to have on hand for the whole family. They are great for a portion-controlled healthy snack that includes a multitude of nutrients including healthy fats, natural sugars and protein. One of the most fun things about these types of healthy snacks is you can add super nutrient dense powders such as maca powder that can easily be hidden in all the other flavors. Pineapples are high in an amazing nutrient called bromelain that helps fight inflammation and improves tissue healing. These balls are delicious and sweet. And don’t be afraid to add other fun ingredients such as seeds and any other dried fruit.

Ingredients

1 cup (125 g) macadamia nuts
12 rings (60 g) of dried pineapple
2 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup (60 g) coconut butter
½ cup (30 g) shredded coconut, plus extra for coating the bites
2 tbsp maca powder
2-3 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
6 tbsp protein powder (I use the Reboot with Joe Protein Powder)
sea salt, to taste
Note: If the mixture is too wet you can add extra chia seeds and/or shredded coconut.

Directions

Add macadamia nuts to a food processer and process, do not do this for too long. Then add the remaining ball ingredients and process until it is mixed well.
Roll 1 Tablespoon of the ball mixture up into a ball then roll in the shredded coconut, repeat until all the mixture is done then store in an airtight container in the fridge for softer balls or the freezer for harder balls.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour (in the fridge)

Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Servings: 18

Serving Size: 1 ball

Substitutions

Macadamia nuts – Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, hazelnuts
Pineapple – dates, dried figs, raisins, sultanas, goji berries, peaches, apricots
Chia seeds – flaxseeds
Coconut butter – coconut oil, cacao butter
Maple Syrup – honey, rice syrup

Calories: 100

Fat: 10g

Trans Fat: 2.5g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 35mg

Carbohydrates: 3g

Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 1g

Protein: 2g