Espresso Brownie Bites

Something even better than coffee or chocolate is both of them together. Neither are touted as health foods but in the right package they can be pretty nutrient dense. A non-traditional brownie like this based off of dates and nuts is full of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. I do not believe in intense restrictions or avoiding beloved foods but I think that choosing ingredients as close to their natural state as possible combines the best of both worlds- health and pleasure. Something like this allows for a chocolate fix but does not have ingredients that are really draining for the body like refined (white) flour and sugar.The best dates for something like this are medjool, they are meaty but soft and the plumper and juicier they are, the better. Walnuts are one of the best plant sources of omega fats but any nuts preferred or available can replace them for the crunch and substance they provide.When you hear about dark chocolate being healthy it’s a bit of a stretch, but the root ingredient, raw cacao, is actually pretty nutritious. It has long been revered in South and Central America, and it has been used in ceremonies from the time of the Olmecs, Aztecs and Mayans right up until today by shamans. Some of its aliases are “food of the gods” and “truth serum” since its primary purpose in spiritual quests is to change the consumers perspective and guide them to a more open heart and sense of connection. Perhaps it is a placebo effect but the cacao does contain some elements that cause our bodies to release endorphins and dopamine- imparting feelings of vigour and pleasure. Perhaps when deep in the Amazon, with the rhythmic beating of shaman drums and the excitement and potential danger of the thick rainforest, these effects are heightened. Beyond all that, more tangibly, raw cacao is a great source of antioxidants, in fact it is one of the best sources in nature and helps support our body’s natural detoxification and ongoing function.