Nutrition

Skip your afternoon coffee and try these Chocolate Energy Bites instead

By Shelley McKenzie

We all dread that 3pm energy slump. The solution? These nutritious Chocolate Energy Bites created by clinical nutritionist and naturopath Shelly McKenzie.

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McKenzie is a big fan of homemade chocolates and recommends these delicious little energy bites when you are craving a sweet pick me up.

The main two ingredients in these bites are cacao powder and cacao butter. Cacao is loaded with flavonoids, antioxidants, and certain vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, potassium and iron. Who would have thought chocolate could be healthy right?!

Plus she has added in the Wanderlust Energy Mushroom powder to really bump up the nutritional benefits. Not only does this powder have a variety of mushrooms, it also has spirulina which is a nutrient powerhouse and thanks to its iron count supports energy production.

It might sound strange having a mushroom powder in chocolate but thanks to the sweetness of the rice malt syrup and the strong cacao flavour, you honestly can’t even taste it. Enjoy!

Makes: 12 small bars

Cook Time: 10 minutes + 1-2 hours freeze time

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cacao powder
• 1/4 cup cacao butter
• 3 tbsp of rice malt syrup or pure maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Wanderlust Energy Mushroom powder
• Pinch sea salt
• Cacao nibs for added crunch factor

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Meanwhile bring a pot to boil, turn down to a simmer and place your ingredient bowl on top. Stir ingredients until melted and well combined. Stir through some cacao nibs for some extra crunch.
3. Remove the mixture bowl from the pot and pour the mixture into any silicon baking tray.
4. Freeze for 1 – 2 hours or until the bites are set.
5. Keep in the freezer and remove as you eat.

Enjoy!

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Shelley Mckenzie has been in the health industry for over 15 years. She is a Mumma to two boys and the founder of Freedom Wellness. A wellness hub specialising in Womens health where Shelley practises as a clinical Nutritionist and Naturopath.