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BEAUTIFUL SNACKS AND ENERGY BOOSTERS

If you are engaging in a detox diet with the goal of losing weight in mind, it is important to divide your daily calories correctly. Rather than eating most of your daily calories in one meal, try to space them evenly throughout the day. Eat three light or moderate meals alternately with healthful snacks. The snacks in this section are full of detoxifying ingredients that will help you achieve success on your detox diet.

Coconut-Stuffed Dates

Calories: 75 per date

These coconut-stuffed dates are a unique snack that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Made with naturally sweet pitted dates and coconut, they will definitely take your taste buds for a ride.

¾ cup young coconut meat ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk ½ cup raw honey

½ cup unsweetened coconut 2 tablespoons coconut oil Pinch of salt 24 pitted Medjool dates

1. Combine all the ingredients except the dates in a blender. Blend the mixture until smooth and well combined.

2. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each date and arrange on a plate.

3. Top with extra coconut, if desired, and chill for 15 minutes before serving.

Makes 24 stuffed dates.

No-Bake Raisin Date Balls

Calories: 130 per ball

If you are looking for a snack that is easy to take on the go, these no-bake raisin date balls are the perfect choice. It takes only a few minutes to whip up a batch, and you can toss them in a plastic bag and take them wherever you go.

1 cup chopped pitted dates 1 cup raisins ½ cup chopped walnuts

1 cup raw cashews ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch of salt

1. Combine the dates and raisins in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

2. Transfer the dried fruit to a mixing bowl.

3. Place the walnuts and cashews in the food processor and pulse to chop.

4. Add the nuts to the dried fruit and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

5. Knead the mixture by hand and shape it into 1-inch balls.

6. Chill the balls until ready to serve.

Makes about 20 balls.

Pink Grapefruit Sorbet

Calories: 120 per ½-cup serving

Citrus fruits such as grapefruit are full of the natural sugars your body needs for energy. They are also packed with vitamins and minerals that will restore your body to its natural function.

3 pink grapefruit, peeled 3 cups water 1 cup raw honey

1 ripe frozen banana 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1. Using a small, sharp knife, carefully separate the grapefruit’s pulp from the membranes.

2. Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth and well combined.

3. Pour the ingredients into an ice-cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Serves 2.

Cinnamon Baked-Apple Chips

Calories: 85 per 1-cup serving

These are an excellent alternative to potato chips. They will satisfy your need for a crunchy snack while providing you with all of the nutritional benefits of apples.

4 medium apples, cored 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons raw honey (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Slice the apples as thinly as possible and spread them on the baking sheet.

3. Sprinkle the slices with cinnamon and drizzle with honey.

4. Bake the apples for 30 minutes and then carefully flip them with a spatula.

5. Bake the apples for another 40–50 minutes until they are dried.

6. Turn off the oven and let the apples sit until they are crisp.

Serves 4.

Cherry Oatmeal Bars

Calories: 200 per bar

Whether you are in the mood for a tasty snack or you are looking for a quick, grab-and-go breakfast, these cherry oatmeal bars will hit the spot.

Cooking oil for greasing 2 cups old-fashioned oats 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1½ teaspoons baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

½ cup unsweetened applesauce 1 large egg ¼ cup raw honey 1 teaspoon almond extract ½ cup chopped dried cherries

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease an 8 x 8–inch baking pan with cooking oil.

2. Whisk together the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.

3. Stir in the almond milk and applesauce and then beat in the egg.

4. Whisk in the honey and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and then fold in the chopped cherries.

5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes until the bars are set and lightly browned.

6. Cool the mixture completely before cutting into bars.

Makes 8 bars.

Toasted Coconut Trail Mix

Calories: 260 per ½-cup serving

This toasted coconut trail mix is the ultimate detox snack. Not only is it full of fiber, protein, and antioxidants but it is also portable.

½ cup toasted pine nuts ½ cup toasted almonds ½ cup raisins

¼ cup toasted walnuts ¼ cup dried cranberries ¼ cup toasted coconut

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir until well combined.

2. Transfer the trail mix to an airtight container and store up to 1 week.

Makes about 2¼ cups.

Don’t forget to eat snacks throughout the day. Yes, you read that correctly. You will be more likely to stick to your detox diet if you aren’t constantly hungry. Just be sure that when you do snack, you make healthful choices.

Raw Sesame Fruit Balls

Calories: 150 per ball

Healthful food doesn’t have to be bland and boring. These raw sesame fruit balls are proof that food that is good for you can look good, too. Try these snacks out at your next dinner party and you may be surprised by all of the compliments you receive.

1 cup chopped pitted dates ½ cup dried cranberries ½ cup raisins 1 cup raw cashews

½ teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch of salt ¼ cup raw sesame seeds

1. Combine the dates, cranberries, and raisins in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

2. Add the cashews, vanilla extract, and salt and pulse until the mixture begins to stick together in a ball.

3. Turn the mixture out onto a sheet of waxed paper and knead by hand, shaping into 1-inch balls.

4. Roll the balls in the raw sesame seeds to coat them and then arrange them on a plate.

5. Chill the balls until ready to serve.

Makes about 20 balls.

Orange Raspberry Sherbet

Calories: 130 per ½-cup serving

The perfect combination of fresh fruit flavors, this orange raspberry sherbet is refreshing and full of valuable nutrients. This treat is the perfect snack to enjoy during your detox.

1½ cups cold unsweetened almond milk 1 cup orange juice 1 cup frozen raspberries

¾ cup raw honey 2 tablespoons orange zest 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender, and blend until smooth and well combined.

2. Pour the mixture into an ice-cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Serves 8.

Agave Sunflower Granola Bars

Calories: 220 per bar

These granola bars are like nothing you will find at the supermarket. Made with healthful oats, nuts, and seeds, these bars have all the fiber and protein you need to tide you over until your next meal.

Cooking oil for greasing 1 cup old-fashioned oats 1 cup chopped walnuts ½ cup raw sunflower seeds ½ cup sifted coconut flour

½ cup raisins ¼ cup coconut oil, melted 2 teaspoons almond extract Pinch of salt ½ cup agave nectar

1. Lightly grease a rectangular glass baking dish with cooking oil.

2. Place the oats, walnuts, and sunflower seeds in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

3. Pour the mixture into a bowl and stir in the coconut flour. Add the raisins, coconut oil, almond extract, and salt and then stir until the mixture is well combined.

4. Heat the agave in the microwave for 5–10 seconds and then pour it into the mixing bowl.

5. Stir the mixture well and then transfer it to the glass baking dish.

6. Spread the mixture evenly and then chill until firm. Cut into bars to serve.

Makes 12 bars.

Roasted Curry Cauliflower Bites

Calories: 120 per 1-cup serving

These bites are the ultimate healthful snack for a detox diet. Cauliflower contains glucosinolates, which help boost and regulate your body’s detoxification enzymes.

1 head cauliflower 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon curry powder

Pinch of salt Red pepper flakes, as desired

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

2. Chop the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, and spread them on a rimmed baking sheet.

3. Drizzle the cauliflower with the oil and sprinkle with curry powder and salt.

4. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower just begins to brown.

5. Sprinkle the cauliflower with red pepper flakes, if desired, and serve warm.

Serves 4.

Raw Chocolate Truffles

Calories: 85 per truffle

These delicious chocolate truffles will have you reconsidering the notion that healthful food can’t be tasty.

1½ cups cashews 2 cups water ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa ⅔ cup raw honey 1 teaspoon almond extract

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup cocoa butter

1. Soak the cashews in the water for 2–4 hours and then drain.

2. Combine the cashews, cocoa, honey, almond extract, cinnamon, salt, and cocoa butter in a food processor and mix until smooth.

3. Spoon the mixture into a bowl and chill for 20 minutes or until firm enough to mold by hand.

4. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.

5. Place the truffles on a plate and serve immediately.

Serves 4.

Sesame Kale Chips

Calories: 125 per 1-cup serving

Kale is sometimes called a super food because it contains a wealth of healthful nutrients. When kale is chewed, it produces a substance called sulforaphane, which helps your liver produce detoxifying enzymes.

2 bunches kale ¼ cup olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

½ cup raw sesame seeds Pinch of salt

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Rinse the kale and remove the stems. Chop the leaves into 2-inch chunks.

3. Place the kale in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

4. Toss the kale with the sesame seeds and salt until coated and then spread on the baking sheet.

5. Bake for 30 minutes and then flip the kale with a spatula.

6. Bake for another 20 minutes or so until the kale is dried and crispy.

7. Cool the kale chips completely before serving.

Serves 4.

Coconut Cashew Date Bars

Calories: 180 per bar

For a quick energy boost, these coconut cashew date bars will do the trick. Loaded with dietary fiber and protein, these snacks are sure to keep you going.

2 cups chopped pitted dates 1½ cups raw cashews ¼ cup unsweetened flaked coconut

½ teaspoon coconut extract Pinch of salt

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and pulse to chop. Blend the ingredients until they begin to stick together and form a ball. (This could take several minutes.)

2. Transfer the mixture to a glass baking dish and spread it evenly with your fingers.

3. Chill the mixture until set, about 20 minutes, and then cut into bars to serve.

Makes about 6 bars.

Cinnamon Chia Pudding

Calories: 240 per ½-cup serving

Chia seeds are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps to clean out your digestive tract. These seeds will also enhance your body’s ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, C, and E.

⅔ cup chia seeds 2 cups unsweetened almond milk 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon almond extract Pinch of salt Fresh fruit (optional)

1. Place the chia seeds in a medium bowl.

2. Whisk together the remaining ingredients except the fruit in a separate bowl, and pour the mixture over the chia seeds.

3. Stir the mixture well, cover, and let sit for 2 hours or until the chia seeds absorb the moisture, forming a tapioca-like consistency.

4. Serve the pudding with fresh fruit, if desired.

Serves 2.

Raisin-Stuffed Baked Apples

Calories: 120 per apple

These baked apples are warm and tender, the perfect treat for a snack or dessert. Best of all? It’s good for you.

Cooking oil for greasing 4 medium apples, cored ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut ¼ cup raisins

2 tablespoons coconut oil 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch ground nutmeg

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a glass baking dish with cooking oil.

2. Arrange the apples in the baking dish and set aside.

3. Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir well.

4. Stuff the raisin mixture into the apples and then bake for 40 minutes until tender.

Serves 4.