In Ayurveda, fat is seen as an important nurtient because of it's role in keeping the body lubricated and hydrated. All the doshas can benefit from adding fat to their diet. You don’t want too much, but you don’t want too little either. Fat helps to fuel your brain, aids in keeping your internal organs functioning optimally, and it also helps to keep your hormones in balance.
Did you know that the human brain is made up of 60 percent fat?
A recent study from the National Library of Medicine, found that fatty acids are among the most crucial molecules that determine your brain's integrity and ability to perform. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20329590)
As always, we love getting our nutrients through whole food sources. So, when it comes to fat we are looking at things like: avocados, avocado oil, olive oil, coconut oil, organic pasture-raised egg yolks, raw nuts and seeds, and even dark chocolate. Certain fats you want to avoid are things like: highly processed vegetable oils, butter and other meat products that aren’t organic and grass fed, non-organic nut/seed butters, and any other processed trans fats from foods like packaged baked goods, margarine, and fried foods.
In addition to fueling your brain, boosting your mood, and keeping your organs lubricated, fat is also an incredible source of energy and will keep you full for longer. That’s why these “fatty balls” are my favorite go-to snack when I’m in a hurry and need an extra boost. (if kept cool, they're a great snack for hiking/physical activity because they're filling and give you energy 😉
These are SO easy to make, contain only the healthiest ingredients, have no sugar, and are stupid good.
Fatty Balls Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut shreds
- 1/3 c. coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup coconut butter
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup pepitas
- 1/2 cup walnuts (brazil nuts or macadamia nuts work great too)
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 2 tbsp cacao nibs
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 1/3 c. almond milk (optional)
*optional add ins: chia seeds, marine (or grass fed beef) collagen powder
Directions
This recipe is super simple to make. All you need is a food processor or a high powered blender.
* Place all ingredients in your food processor. Pulse or blend on high until they reach your desired consistency. We like ours to be pretty well blended with maybe a few crunchy chunks here and there.
* After making the batter, you may need to let it firm up just a bit in the fridge in order to form your balls (usually takes about 10 min). After that you are ready to form the balls into any size you like. Keep in mind the size you want and where you'll be consuming them.
* This is our favorite part of the process: toppings! It’s easiest if you put the toppings in small bowls in order to fully cover the balls. (Don’t you love how many times we've used the word balls?) We use either cocoa nibs, hemps seeds, or cinnamon (sometimes all three). But, feel free to get creative. Crushed rose petals or shredded coconut works well too.
* After you’ve topped your balls, place them in the fridge (or freezer) again and let them get a little firm — now they should be ready to eat! For best consistency store them in the fridge or your cooler bag when on the go.
