Chocolate Cherry Energy Bites and Ch-ch-ch-chia Pets

Ch-ch-ch-chia.

Ch-ch-ch-chia.

I’m singing the chia song as I eat these delicious energy bites… that contain ch-ch-chia seeds. Sorry to disappoint, but I don’t have a cute turtle chia pet or chia head… yet.

I’ve been running more and more prepping for a summer full of road races. I’ve been working later and later because the hospital has been busy. In conclusion, I’ve been on my feet way more than I’ve been off my feet. All this time on my feet is making me tired with a capital ‘T.’

Amidst the increasing workload and workout-load, I (for some inconceivable reason) decided it was a good time to go cold-turkey on my caffeine addiction. No more caffeinated tea. No more caffeinated coffee. No. No. No.

Terrible timing?

I think yes. It makes me cry a little bit, but it’s one of my life goals to never become completely enslaved to coffee (and my addiction was getting awfully close). I’ll return to my caffeinated ways in a few weeks, but for now I shall be caffeine-free.

Caffeine free is the way to be. Caffeine free is the way to be? Yes. Caffeine free is the way to be.

I’ve been working hard to drink more water, eat more veggies, and search out more ‘energizing’ foods – without turning back to my old friend, señor coffee.  These date/nut treats are packed with ch-ch-ch-chia seeds for extra energy. Curious about the benefits of ch-ch-ch-chia seeds? Allow Dr. Oz to explain.

No, I didn’t run a marathon after eating these, and my gut tells me that a non-fat soy vanilla latte would be just as (if not more) energizing, but these certainly gave me a little pep in my step. Thank you, ch-ch-ch-chia.

Here is to hoping that I will start sprouting some green mossy hair on my head in a day or two. Ch-ch-ch-chia. I’m off to go water myself…

I think these look like birdseed or those nut/seed treats I used to give my childhood hamster. Looks like Harry the hamster and I had more in common than I thought...

Chocolate Cherry Energy Bites
Source: Dramatic Pancake
Printable Recipe

1 1/2C pitted dates (medjool dates preferably)
1/3C cocoa powder
1/3C chia seeds
1/2tsp cinnamon
1/2tsp vanilla
3/4C slivered, unsalted animals
1/4C unsalted pecans
1/2C dried cherries
dash of salt

In a food processor, process pitted dates and cocoa powder until smooth. Make sure you pit the dates! Add chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla, nuts, cherries and salt. Pulse a few times until combined. Taste. Adjust seasoning/extract. Transfer mixture to a piece of parchment paper. Press to form a rectangle – about 1/2inch thick. Transfer to the fridge to chill (minimum of 3 hours). Cut into 1 inch pieces. Enjoy. Store leftovers in the fridge (recommend keeping them wrapped in wax paper or parchment).