I received free samples of California walnuts mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by the California Walnut Commission and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.
These cherry walnut bites are the perfect way to fuel for recovery after a workout! Packed with healthy fats, protein, and naturally sweetened, these vegan, gluten free, paleo friendly treats will be your new favorite snack.
Have you ever had a crazy intense workout and even days later you are still feeling sore? Well instead of popping an over the counter pill, try reducing your inflammation with food! I know it sounds crazy but it works! Dark cherries, ginger, and walnuts are all known for their anti-inflammatory properties! Like I really needed to give you a reason to devour these yummy cherry walnut bites!
After almost 2 months of not having the energy or time to workout, I can happily say that I have been in the gym or working out at home for the past week without fail. Everyday I feel like I have a little more energy and I am trying to really push myself at the gym when I’m there with super-sets and high intensity interval workouts! Let me tell you I feel like I’ve never worked out before, I am SORE! It’s a good sore, but it can be a bit difficult since I have to demo exercises, have lots of energy and be ready to get down and dirty with my crew if I think they could use the energy or motivation.
All of that requires that I take care of my body. I can’t walk around sore and stiff for days at a time. That’s why I keep yummy snacks like these cherry walnut bites around! The omega-3 fatty acids in the walnuts are a natural way to reduce inflammation in the body. The dark dried cherries have no added sugar and are known to help reduce inflammation. Ginger, prized for helping relieve stomach problems, has also been used for centuries as a natural way to relieve muscle inflammation.
Heads up though, you don’t want to completely remove inflammation from the body. That’s why you will never hear me recommend an over the counter pain reliever to my clients. Your body must go through the inflammation process to allow your muscles to grow! Inflammation is the bodies response to the workout you did and inflammation will elicit recovery. The thought is that without allowing the inflammation to occur, it will actually take longer for the muscles to recover.
Cherry Walnut Bites are Clean Fuel!
That’s why I would rather stick with these cherry walnut bites! They are packed with clean fuel for your body too! Healthy fats from the walnuts, quick carbs from the cherries, protein and fiber from the protein powder, chia seeds and coconut flour. Nothing unnecessary in here! All tasty clean eats!
Love the easy that energy bites bring to your healthy snacking? Be sure to check out these Lemon Blueberry Energy Bites.
Cherry Walnut Recovery Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried sweet cherries soaked in hot water for 30 minutes
- 1 1/2 cups California walnuts divided
- 3 tbs. water
- 2 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbs. chia seeds
- 1 tbs. coconut flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
- Soak the cherries in hot water for at least 30 minutes.
- Carefully remove the cherries from the soaking water, adding them to the food processor, reserving the water. Add 3 tbs. of the water from soaking to the cherries in the food processor.
- Pulse until slightly broken up.
- Add 1 cup of the walnuts and process 10 seconds or so.
- Add the protein powder, chia seeds and coconut flour. Process well until combined. You might have to scrape down the sides once or twice.
- Add the cinnamon, ground ginger and vanilla extract. Process again.
- Add the remaining walnuts at the end and only process quickly to chop them, don't process until smooth.
- Scoop out about a tablespoons and a half of the mixture and roll into a ball between your palms forming recovery bites. Store in a sealed container in the fridge.
- Prep time indicates soaking. Cook time represents time to make and form the balls
Nutrition
What about you?
- How do you recover after a tough workout?
- Do you make your own snacks or buy store bought?
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
Such a good idea! I’m always trying to get more cherries in for the anti-inflammatory benefits. And because YUM.
Courtney
Yum! So wholesome and delicious! 🙂
Cindy's Recipes and Writings
These bites sound like a great take along snack!
Lauren Bishop
I never would have thought of this flavour combination, but I love that they are simple to make and to eat. Any healthy food that can easily be transported is a good thing to me!
Kat
Would you believe that I’ve never had dried cherries before? They are just too expensive and I am worried that I wouldn’t put them to good use. By that I mean they would end up going directly into my mouth as a snack, instead of in something delicious and creative like these cherry walnut bites. Looks soooo good!
jill conyers
I love a recipe that is nothing unnecessary in here. Looks delicious Sam.
Kristy from Southern In Law
Yum! This is totally my kinda snack!
I love making my own snacks as it means I can create whatever my heart (well, stomach?) desires at the time and I know exactly what goes in it!
Nicole @ The Professional Mom Project
These look amazing! I’ve been put on a very restrictive diet (gluten free, egg free and dairy free) for health reasons – including to reduce inflammation and these look like a perfect snack for me to take to work. Pinning to try very soon thank you!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner
Cherry and walnuts sound like a great combo! Good luck with your recipe contest
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment
I really try to make my own snacks. I like being able to control the ingredients. Of course, there are times I have to grab an energy bar on the go. These look delicious. Walnuts are so good for you, and the anti inflammatory benefits make them a superfood.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O Cherry + walnut sounds delicious for a bite!
Dani @ Dani California Cooks
Wow, these look delicious! I haven’t made balls/bites for a while. Love the addition of protein powder and coconut flour…yum
Rachel
Looks yummy. Thanks for linking up!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition
These look amazing! I had a walnut cherry tart a few month ago and love the flavors together but didn’t think of doing something like this with them. Great idea! Pinning these for later!
Sarah
What a great combo, I love cherries and walnuts (or pecans, or any nut really) together!
Annmarie
We’re twinning today with our recovery bites! Yours look delish! 🙂
rachel @ athletic avocado
cherry and walnut sounds like an awesome combo! What a perfect little snack!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt
So good! Cherries are da bomb! Hope you have a nice week!
Susie @ Suzlyfe
You had me at cherry. I go 50-50 with my workout recovery. Sometimes I do store bought, like when I am at work, but when I am home, I try to make something myself and eat real food.