Prune Almond Energy Bites

From the Kitchen of Dr. Bonnie Brock, NMD, RD, MPH

After menopause, women tend to lose bone density quickly and are far more likely than men to develop bone-weakening osteoporosis. A study, published in the October 2022 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that eating five or six prunes a day helped women past menopause to preserve bone mineral density in their hips, which could translate to fewer bone breaks. The researchers, who tracked 235 older women for a year, speculated that the daily handful of prunes lowered inflammatory chemicals that contribute to bone breakdown.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cups almonds (slivered)
• 3/4 cups thick rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (divided)
• 1/2 cup prunes
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup cocoa nibs
• 2 tablespoons flaxseeds
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

1. Place almonds in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the almonds are coarsely chopped. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add oats, 1/4 cup of shredded coconut, cacoa nibs, flax seeds, cinnamon and salt. Mix together.
2. Add the prunes and 1-2 tablespoons of warm water to the bowl of a food processor. Mix until smooth. If the prunes aren’t breaking down, add more warm water, 1 teaspoon at a time and mix until smooth.
3. Add cocoa powder, almond butter and honey. Pulse until fully blended together into a thick and sticky paste.
4. Transfer the prune mixture to the mixing bowl with dry ingredients. Use a spatula or your hands to mix in until the ingredients are fully blended together.
5. Use a 2 tablespoon sized cookie scoop to form ping pong sized energy balls. Roll the balls in remaining coconut to coat. Enjoy anytime you need an energy boost!