The snack ball. Otherwise known as secret freezer weapons. I mean, I’ve always been a fan. And how can you not? They’re quick, easy, stay fresh for months in the freezer, and are packed full of great healthy fat, protein, minerals and SUBSTANCE when you don’t have time to think too hard about getting something good in your body.

And lately, as a new working mama, my casual appreciation of them has turned into a full blown weekly necessity around here. Maybe it’s nursing (I’m SO hungry, all the time), or maybe it’s that every minute counts even more now– a minute more snuggling is the best thing ever, a minute more to workout is a gift to take advantage of, and a minute more napping = so many things that can get done at my desk.

Time is my biggest asset these days.

And I wanna spend it where it matters.

With my baby. My family. Helping people, and doing the work I love.

And although some people do the opposite, for me personally — making and having good food around is my #1 priority.

How and what I eat, matters for me. Even more than ever these days.

Why? Because at the core, it’s directly connected to how I show up in every part of my life.  And eating high quality REAL FOOD  allows me to do all three of those things above more fully: more present, more energized, and more ready for anything that comes my way.

When I’m good and grounded, so is everything else. I make sure I eat well because I’m busy and balancing a lot.

Not the other way around, which is more so the cultural norm we live in.

It’s not perfect. But it’s a huge value in my life. A priority that matters. Even if  most days look like this: a quick 10 minute workout on my bike, followed by a 3 minute shower, then a 2 minute quick makeup-slap-on-my-face, and I’m running out the door for a meeting……..and realize that I’m starving.

Or a post-smoothie bowl lunch (because it’s the easiest and quickest way to pack everything I need in, and kindest on my digestive system), where I need just a little bit more substance to keep me going for the next few hours. Because a few hours is all I’ve got to get it all done these days.

So, enter these babies.

My saving grace as of late.

And something I look forward too as a little treat and boost: these freezer bites. Inspired by my original recipe for Granola Ball Bites from the 1st cookbook,  that I morphed into lactation bites (the same recipe but with added flax seeds, brewers yeast, etc to help with milk production), and has now created a monster in me, in the best way.

Every few weeks I make a batch of some kind of superfood bites and keep them in the freezer. They’re cold, delicious, have great healthy fat and protein to hold you over and keep your blood sugar stable, and are just so much better for you than most grab-and-go options.

And soo chocolately. Need I even say more? Just do it.

Chocolate Fudge Freezer Bites

Makes 12-14 balls

1 cup dates, pitted (approximately 8-10 dates)

1/4 cup tahini

4 tablespoons cocoa powder

4 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips

1 teaspoon vanilla

optional add ins: flax seeds, chia seeds, adaptogen powders (like this one or this one), coconut flakes, or peanut/almond/sunflower seed butter instead of the tahini. I’ve been adding flax seeds for nursing, and they’re nutty and chocolatey and great tasting. 

Pit dates if needed and soak for at least 5 minutes in a bowl of warm water to soften. Drain water. Add dates to a blender or food processor and process or blend until smooth. Scrape mixture out and into a medium mixing bowl. Add rest of ingredients, mix well to combine and roll into 1/2 inch balls (or size of your choice). Place in a bowl and store in the freezer. Once frozen add to a sealed container (I love using these ones).

Love this recipe? You’d love the cookbook then too. The second book is coming out this November, so make sure you’ve pre-ordered it here. And be sure to check out the seasonal meal plans (or the new easiest DINNER ONLY plan)!

Wanna know more about this real-food lifestyle made simple I always talk about? Be sure to check out this little podcast workshop I created for you, called: Simply Real FOOD: Real food, finally explained. Check it out here!