Cacao & coconut power balls

~Ingredients~

12 Medjool dates

 1 cup almond meal

 1/2 cup shredded coconut, plus 1/3 cup extra for rolling

 1/3 cup coconut oil

 1/3 cup cacao powder

 1 tablespoon chia seeds

~Method~

Step 1

Place dates in a medium bowl and cover with water. Stand for 1 hour. Drain and discard seeds.

Step 2

Process dates, almond meal, shredded coconut, coconut oil, cacao powder and chia seeds until mixture comes together. Transfer to a bowl and stand for 20 minutes for chia seeds to soften.

Step 3

Place remaining coconut in a shallow dish.

Step 4

Roll level tablespoons of mixture into balls. Roll in shredded coconut or whatever toppings you prefer! I also crushed up some pistachio nuts and also used some sesame seeds, for that extra crunch 🌸

    These cacao power balls are the perfect example of how quick and easy healthy food can be! Instead of reaching for that bar of chocolate calling your name in the fridge, try these amazing, chocolatey/coconutty balls of goodness instead! 

    They're packed full of essential vitamins & minerals that our bodies need to function on a daily basis, and they're so so good, you'd nearly forget that they're incredibly good for your health too! 

    I love to make these the night before and let them set overnight in the fridge! To top it off, I've added some of my favourite topping included desiccated coconut, crushed pistachio, and some flaked & baked almonds 😍 mmmm perfection! Enjoy 😊

Autumnal inspired smoothie bowl.

This delicious, fresh, wholesome smoothie bowl was inspired by the crisp October weather! I think smoothie bowls are such a great way to pack yourself full of the essential vitamins and minerals needed to keep your body running smoothly, ranging from disease-fighting antioxidants to bone-building heavy metals! The good news is, nearly all of them can be found in the foods we eat (should be eating) every day!

Ingredients

• 1 Green Apple
• 2 Ripe Bananas
• Blackberries (Roughly 2 cups, add more if desired)
• 1/2 cup of Blueberries
• 1/2 cup of pitted, chopped Dates
• 2 Kiwis
• 1 cup of Mango Yoghurt
• 200ml of Mango Juice

Toppings

• Whatever you like! Here I have shredded coconut, sunflower  seeds, toasted almonds and blackberries! Yummy :-)

Vitamins & Minerals found in this bowl of goodness:

                                                                          

Minerals                                                           
Potassium 
Phosphorus 
Magnesium 
Calcium  

Sodium
Iron 
Selenium 
Manganese 
Zinc 

Copper 

Also contains small amounts of other minerals.

Vitamins

Vitamin A 
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)  

Vitamin B12

Niacin 
Folate 
Pantothenic Acid  
Vitamin B6 
Vitamin C 
Vitamin E 
Vitamin K 

Also contains small amounts of other vitamins.

Slow Down.

                                

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." - Albert Einstein

                    Taking time out for myself on a daily basis, and turning towards nature always allows me to collect my thoughts and get those feel good, happy hormones flowing! I find that it is a great way to not only get out in the fresh air, but it also allows me to stay fit and active whilst being surrounded by such amazing beauty! Whether it be a walk on the beach or exploring in the forest (shot above!), it always allows me to appreciate the simple things in life and what an amazing power nature can have on our thoughts and feelings! Just stop and breath. :-)

                     

How do you start your day?

Good Morning!                
         
             Hope you are doing well! Start your day the right way! This delicious, colourful, fruity breakfast is one of my ultimate faves, especially for the autumnal weather creeping in!
             Creamy porridge with almond milk topped with zingy kiwi, sweet banana, pomegranate, sunflower seeds, Chia seeds and a dusting of cinnamon! Mmmm.. love this weather! This juice is so yummy too :)

*Vegan friendly :)

Me, myself and I.

Hello! 

          my name is Ciara and I am a student studying Wildlife Biology in ITTralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland. I have decided to set up this blog in order to share my passions in life, to inspire and boost the daily lives of others.

                  

         I plan to use this blog to share posts about food, nature, things that brighten up my day and to capture the simple things in life! I will bring you along on some of my most recent adventures, introduce you to my daily recipes, essential life hacks, mood altering ways of life and all round good vibes.

If you want more information, follow me on

Instagram - instagram.com/dolanciara/

Facebook -  www.facebook.com/ciara.dolan.9