It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of matcha and to have found a way to not only drink it (I am in love with my morning matcha latte) but now eat it… Mmmm, divine.

Why am I such a huge fan? Matcha has been shown to aide us in the following ways:

• Raise energy levels for up to 4-5 hours in a ‘zen-like’ way (as opposed to the sharp rise and fall associated with coffee);
• Create a state of calmness and mental clarity due to the L-theanine it contains;
• Boost metabolism by 35-40% (when consumed regularly);
• Act as an anti-inflammatory – it contains huge amounts of the phytonutrient called epigallocatechins (137 times more than what green tea contains);
• Help to stabilize healthy blood sugar levels;
• Support healthy cholesterol levels within a normal range;
• Act as a blood detoxifier and alkalizer;
• Act as an adaptogen, helping our body deal with the stress of training.

Of course drinking it as a tea each day is the easiest and purest way to receive these benefits. However, for a healthy treat – these matcha energy bites are one of my new favourites!

Matcha Energy Bites (makes 18-24 bites)

Ingredients

• ½ cup raw unsalted almonds
• ½ cup pumpkin seeds
• 2 Tbsp matcha powder
• ¼ tsp sea salt

• 6 large soft pitted medjool dates
• 3-4 Tbsp pure maple syrup

• additional matcha powder

Directions

1. Place the almonds and pumpkin seeds in a food processor and blend until finely ground. Add the matcha and sea salt and combine. Transfer to a bowl.
2. Place the dates and maple syrup in the emptied processor and blend until smooth.
3. Add the almond/pumpkin seed/matcha mix back into the food processor with the date mix and blend until mixed.
4. Put in fridge for 10-15 minutes to harden slightly.
5. Roll into 18 – 24 balls and then roll those balls in the additional matcha. If the matcha powder alone is a tad bitter for your tastes, add some coconut sugar to the matcha and roll in that.
6. Store in the fridge or freezer.

I personally use the brand DoMatcha – they use the youngest and finest shade grown top leaves of the tea plant (ground to a very fine powder) and the result is the best matcha I’ve ever tasted.

Enjoy!

Eat clean, run strong, be well… Cheers,

Sarah J Cuff, RHN