Picture this, Beauty: you’re stuck in traffic or out shopping only to realize your hunger is slowly starting to creep up. With no healthy food on hand, you’re getting hangry and your energy levels are starting to plummet. We’ve all been there! I’ve got a quick and healthy snack idea that will keep you fueled for hours with powerful plant energy: my Raw Energy Seed Bites.
Filled with delicious fuel and fat from raw seeds, these energy bites are the perfect thing to whip up and toss in your purse for convenient snacking! They’re also perfectly-sized to throw in your kiddo’s lunchbox for an afternoon munchie, or toss in your carry-on luggage for a portable travel snack.
Seed Me, Please!
Seeds are Mother Nature’s magic energy food and the main stars of my Raw Energy Seed Bites. Chia, flax, hemp, pumpkin — all of these seeds contain significant amounts of all nine essential amino acids. They are also one of the best vegan sources of omega-3s and other essential fatty acids. They’re full of important minerals like selenium, iron and magnesium, along with other beneficial plant-based compounds.
Chia Seeds
I love using chia seeds in my recipes! Some indigenous tribes in central and southern Mexico and Guatemala have consumed chia seeds for their energizing properties for centuries.
Chia seeds are a fantastic Beauty Food with tons of skin-plumping omega fats, as well as fiber, antioxidants, minerals and protein.
Chia seeds provide complete protein, as well as antioxidants, vitamins, and a variety of minerals such as calcium. They’re also a rich, plant-based source of omega-3 vs omega 6 fatty acids (ALA). Chia seeds have a high level of soluble and insoluble fiber, and provide long-burning fuel as they cleanse your digestive system. Because they are so nutrient-dense and filling, chia seeds can help reduce cravings and keep you on track with your diet. I enjoy them pretty much daily!
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds feature a staggering 10 grams of protein in just 2 tablespoons! Pretty impressive for such a small serving. These seeds digest well and I find them pretty light, so while I try to avoid eating large amounts of dense nuts in the middle of the day, hemp seeds make the perfect component of a mid-afternoon snack.
Another amazing feature of these tiny little guys: Hemp seeds contain over 30% fat. Like chia seeds, hemp seeds are rich in omega-3s and omega-6s, which are essential fatty acids, as well as gamma-linolenic acid.
Why does this matter? Consuming these fatty acids has linked to the reduction of heart disease risk and menopause symptoms, and improvement of skin conditions. Hemp seeds have also been shown to boost digestion, aid weight loss, and contribute to hair, skin and nail health!
Pumpkin Seeds
Last but not least, pumpkin seeds are another important part of my Raw Energy Seed Bites. They’re a fantastic beauty food because they contain so many beauty mineral, like zinc, sulfur, potassium, magnesium and calcium. For example, their high levels of the calming nutrient magnesium help contribute to better, more consistent sleep.
You can also get a portion of your precious, beautifying B, C, E, and K vitamins, plus protein and omega-3 fatty acids from pumpkin seeds! If you want gorgeous hair and skin, pumpkin seeds will be your best friend.
Cacao: A Natural Energy Booster
Cacao nibs are the secret superhero in my Raw Energy Seed Bites. One powerful superfood, cacao has been known to help protect from cellular damage, shed fat, and boost immunity. In addition, it helps to create loads of energy, improve your memory, and increase your bliss. Since true beauty is really about our overall energy and vitality, it truly is a beauty food in that way!
Cacao boosts your mood because it contains the neurotransmitter anandamide known as the “bliss chemical.” In yoga, ananda means bliss. Cacao also contains anandamide inhibitors—keeping the compound from breaking down quickly and the feeling of cacao anadamide lasting longer. That leaves us feeling great for longer!
When you’re in a pinch, these Raw Energy Seed Bites will keep you satisfied and energized! Keep an extra batch handy in your freezer for an easy grab-and-go snack that you can take with you anywhere.
- ½ cup hemp seeds
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup chia seeds (soaked overnight in 1½ cups of water)
- ½ cup sunflower seed butter
- ¼ cup cacao nibs
- 4 Tbs. coconut nectar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Pulse hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds together in a food processor.
- Pour mixture into a large mixing bowl and stir in sunflower butter, cacao nibs, coconut nectar and vanilla extract until mixture is evenly combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls and place into the freezer for 30 minutes before serving.
Happy snacking, Beauties!
Hi Kimberly, these look wonderful and I can’t wait to try them. The article preceding the recipe mentions chia seeds, yet I don’t see chia seeds listed in this recipe. I’m wondering if that was an oversight?
3rd ingredient on the list is chia! Take another look ;-)
Hi Kimberly
These sounds yummy but in this case aren’t we eating the chia without soaking? Will it affect our digestion and make us constipated?
Thanks!
Hi Beauty! Soaking the chia seeds overnight is recommended to help with digestion!
Hi beauty!
Can you use ground chia instead as a replacement?
Hi Beauty! Yes you can! I would still recommend pre-soaking the ground chia seeds to make them easier to digest :) Sending you lots of love!
Hi Kimberly, these sound perfect for me to make for my daughter in college! Do the seeds need to be soaked first? And do you know about how long these could be refrigerated?Thank you!
Hi Beauty! Yes, soaking chia seeds overnight is encouraged to make them easier on digestion. You can refrigerate these for a few days! Sending you lots of love.
Hi Kimberly,
I would like to make these.
Would you mind sharing how you soak the chia seeds before you put everything in the food processor? How much liquid and what kind of liquid do you use?
Hi Sue! I like to soak my chia seeds overnight in a bowl to give them plenty of time to expand and absorb the water. For this recipe, I use 1.5 cups of water. If you’re short on time, 2-3 hours of soaking should do the trick!
Hi Kimberly, how much water is needed to soak the 1/2c of chia seeds?
Hi Beauty! You can soak the chia seeds in 1.5 cups of water :)
How much water to gel the Chia in?
Hi Eleanor! You can soak the chia seeds in 1.5 cups of water :)
Mine look nothing like the picture, more like consistency of mayonnaise… normal?
Hi. Can you use a vita mix for this if you don’t have a food processor?
Hi Beauty! A Vitamix will work in place of a food processor for this recipe, and I recommend quickly pulsing the seeds to make sure they don’t get overly blended in your Vitamix. Let me know how the recipe turns out for you! xx