In yoga class today, the word of the day was give.

This time of year we are all giving: staying up late wrapping presents, baking way too many cookies or running around town picking up last-minute gifts.

We all love giving to others during the holidays.  

But, this is also a time to give to ourselves. It feels funny to say that, doesn’t it?  But, I mean giving to oneself in a different sense.  By taking the time to buy fresh foods and eat clean. By taking the time to exercise or sleep. 

If we take the time to take care of ourselves, we will be able to give even more to others.  And even inspire others to do the same. 

Today I am sharing these little bites that fit right into that mindset.  

I treat myself to healthy ingredients when I make these - splurging on organic raw cashews, Medjool dates, fresh ginger root and organic coconut oil. 

I am in love with these little guys. Like, way addicted. I blame the cashew-ginger combination. It’s my weakness.  

But the good thing is, these are the perfect bite-size power snack.

I keep them plain…

Or it’s fun to roll them in shredded toasted coconut or chopped roasted pecans.

So try a little of both. 

I’m planning on making these this week for my family.  Because treats around the holidays can and should be healthy.  

These are gluten-free, sugar-free, paleo, vegan, whole30 approved… but most importantly, these are really really good. 

Toasted Cashew Ginger Bites 

• 1 ½ cups raw cashews
• 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil 
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger (or 1 tsp. fresh grated ginger) 
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• pinch of sea salt 
• ½ cup (packed) pitted Medjool dates 

Directions: 

- Place cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast until golden brown and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes. 

- Transfer the warm cashews into a food processor and add the coconut oil, ginger, cinnamon and salt. Process until the nuts are finely ground.  Add in the dates and blend until it is all fully mixed.  The mixture should hold together when you pinch it with your fingers. 

- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.  You can leave them like this and place in the refrigerator or you can roll in the following combinations: 

• toasted unsweetened shredded coconut 
• toasted pecans, chopped 
• toasted cashews, chopped 

- Refrigerate. You can store the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. 

Keep it healthy and fresh this week.  Give to others but also take the time to treat yourself well.