This recipe was inspired by my favorite Go Macro bar. When I’m in a rush or feeling particularly famished, I’ll occasionally grab a Go Macro coconut granola bar from Whole Foods. Aside from being delicious, their nutrition facts are stellar and the ingredient list is so much cleaner than most other food bars. The only thing is that they cost about $3 a bar which can become a pricey habit. I thought I could easily make my own at home and save a few bucks in the process.

These snacks are packed with antioxidants, healthy omega-3 fats, slimming lauric acid, and plenty of protein. They’re lightly sweetened and are spiced just so. They’re fantastic high-raw snacks that travel well and satiate your sweet tooth. Enjoy!

Coconut Granola Bliss Balls

makes 25-30 bliss balls

Ingredients:

1 cup walnuts

1/2 cup hemp seeds

1 cup coconut flakes, unsweetened

1/2 cup quick-cooking rolled oats

2 cups raisins

1/4 cup dried goldenberries (see note for substitutions)

1/4 cup lucuma powder (see note for substitutions)

1/4 cup organic brown rice syrup

2-3 Tbsp pure maple syrup

2 tsp ceylon cinnamon

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

-In a food processor, blend the walnuts and hemp seeds for several minutes until they form a butter. You may need to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides.

-Add in the coconut and oats and blend again until a coarse powder forms.

-Finally, add the rest of the ingredients and blend until it begins to ball up and sticks together if you press it between your fingers.

-Roll them into balls and either eat right away or refrigerate to harden them up.

Notes: If you don’t have or can’t find goldenberries, substitute another fruit with a sour bite like dried cranberries. If you don’t have lucuma powder, you can try using protein powder or just leaving it out. If you leave it out completely, leave out the maple syrup as well.