Ginger Citrus Immunity Bites

Fueling before your workout can affect your training. Depending on the kind of workout and length, men can fast before a workout but women need to eat something beforehand. Dr. Stacy Sims, a research scientist on human performance and leader of the "women are not small men movement", states that women participating in "fasted exercise over the longer-term causes dysfunction of the endocrine system, specifically sex hormones. Let that sink in. Every once in awhile, it's ok to workout out if you're doing light to moderate movement in a fasted state since it has been proven to increase fat burning slightly in women (again, men are different), but try not to make it a habit.

For too many years, I exercised in a fasted state and it tanked my endocrine system and hormones, along with chronic stress and undereating. I am STILL recovering. Ladies, get out of your head if you think you'll gain weight by fueling before your workout. It's much more in-depth than this but simply put– your body needs glucose to burn. So, fuel first. Now on to these bites...

I've made my fair share of energy bites but I wanted to try something new and Dr. Stacy Sims delivered. These bites are easy to make and the perfect pre-workout snack or anytime time of the day snack!

Ginger Citrus Immunity Bites

-adapted from Dr. Stacy Sims-

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw cashews

• 1 cup packed pitted dates- soaked in warm filtered water if dry (I used 6 dates)

• 2/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

• 2 tbsp fresh lime, lemon, or orange juice (I used fresh lime juice)

• 1 tsp fresh grated lemon zest

• 1 tsp turmeric (optional) and a couple shakes of ground pepper (pepper enhances absorption of curcumin from the turmeric)

  *turmeric with pepper adds anti-inflammatory properties :)

Instructions:

1. Place cashews in food processor or high speed blender and blend until mostly broken down. Don’t blend for too long or it will start to turn into nut butter as the oils are released from the cashews.

2. Add dates and process until dough forms.

3. Add the unsweetened coconut and citrus and process until mixed well.

4. Roll into balls (I use a cookie scoop) and store in the fridge or freezer (makes ~15 balls)

5. 5. Enjoy!