A Wake-Up Call from My Doctor
When I got the call from the doctor’s office, my anxiety spiked. They wanted me to come in to discuss my blood work.
The earliest appointment I could get was the next afternoon—a full 24 hours to imagine every possible (and impossible) diagnosis.
The next day, my doctor sat me down and shared two concerns:
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My cholesterol was high.
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I was borderline diabetic.
I was stunned. Aren’t these illnesses for the elderly?
I’m only 42 years old.
Small Changes, Big Results
That appointment changed everything. In just two weeks, I made small but powerful lifestyle changes:
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Cut down alcohol to twice a week (from a glass of wine daily).
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Exercised 30 minutes per day using free weights and some light cardio.
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Limited red meat to once a week.
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Cut out sugar (again!).
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Reduced portion sizes dramatically.
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Enjoyed less cheese (sob).
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Swapped all sodas—even ginger ale—for club soda.
Each of these changes added up. Within ten days, I dropped five pounds. I’d been trying for years to lose the ten I’d gained after pregnancy—and I was halfway there!
Still, I missed my sweet treats: donuts, chocolate, sugary lattes… everything.
Healthy Snacking Made Simple
When we take something away, we need something better to replace it with. That’s where these 3 ingredient energy balls come in!
They’re naturally sweet, satisfy cravings, and take only five minutes to make. Think of them as a cross between a PB&J sandwich and a sugar cookie—without the sugar crash.
Why You’ll Love Them
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Naturally sweet (no refined sugar)
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High in fibre and healthy fats
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Great for post-workout or mid-afternoon energy
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Kid-friendly and gluten-free
3 Ingredient Energy Balls
A naturally sweet, no-bake snack made with just three ingredients — Medjool dates, cashews, and vanilla. These healthy energy balls are quick to make, gluten-free, refined-sugar-free, and perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or giving you a quick afternoon energy boost.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup raw cashews
- 12 Medjool dates (no pits)
- 1 TBSP vanilla
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a food processor or high-powered blender (like a NutriBullet).
- Pulse until cashews and dates are broken down and mixture is combined.
- Scoop out teaspoon-sized portions and roll into balls.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Yield 12 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 110Total Fat 7gSaturated Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 6gSodium 99mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 1gSugar 5gProtein 3g
The nutrition facts provided are calculated automatically and are intended for informational purposes only. Actual values may vary depending on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
So there you have it, 3 ingredient energy balls!
These healthy no bake snacks are simple, wholesome, and delicious. But fair warning—they rarely last more than a few days in my fridge! If you try this recipe, tag me on Instagram @deliberatemom — I’d love to see your energy ball creations!
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Oh my those do look delicious and so easy to make, too! I am always nervous about my bloodwork when I get it done, as well. Even though it always come back OK, I still get anxious. So, if I was told I needed to come into to discuss, my anxiety would probably be working overtime. That said, glad that you are able to make some lifestyle changes to help and definitely a great recipe to jump start this. Hugs and have a wonderful week now, Jennifer xoxo <3
They are so delicious Janine!
Thanks for the encouragement. I’m certain I’ll overcome this health obstacle in no time!
Seems like we’re in the same boat. Last year when I went to see my doctor I got the SAME EXACT news. I’ve been trying to lose weight myself and have done some dietary changes and it seems to be working but I’ve also added back on the weight. BTW these sound delicious but since I have a nut allergy won’t be able to make them. :(
I didn’t know you got the same diagnosis. It’s hard work to shed those pounds. I find I have to work harder at it now than ever before. Your metabolism really does slow down as you age.
Too bad you can’t make these treats – they are tasty.
I can’t wait to try these, Jennifer. And I’m so glad to hear you have manageable issues as opposed to everything that ran through my mind when I started reading this!
Congrats on the drop in weight and I just know you’ll manage this well. I’m going to have my blood work done this quarter and yeah, I’m a wee bit scared. Perhaps I should start your routine now?! :)
Thank you for the encouragement my friend. I’m certain I’ll be able to turn this around… but oh, am I ever missing chocolate ;)
Yes, make sure to try these. They are sooooo delicious!
I’m shocked too! From what I understood, you ate incredibly well. Do those things run in your family? Either way, kudos to you!
I’d been on a downward spiral of daily wine drinking, chocolate consumption, and chip eating. Dang – why did it have to catch up with me? lol
Well, don’t beat yourself up too much, my friend. WE ALL have things we need to work on, improve, fall short with- and I for one commend you for taking immediate action! And 5 pounds is the *ahem* icing on the *ahem* cake! (I’m a terrible friend for joking about such things with the deliciousness of cake! LOL
I’m going to go buy some of dates and make these! Do you know the calorie count, nutrition etc? Just curious!
You’re so funny Christine. LOL
Yes, I do have the nutrition facts on this recipe (it’s in my Fitness phone app).
1 ball = 118 calories
TOTAL FAT 5%
3.5 g fat
0.5 g saturated
CHOLESTEROL 0%
0 mg cholesterol – 0%
SODIUM 0%
5.1 mg sodium
POTASSIUM 5%
162 mg potassium
CARBOHYDRATES 7%
20 g carbohydrates
2.2 g dietary fiber
15 g sugars
1.8 g protein
2% CALCIUM
4% IRON
I hope that helps! As you can see by the calorie count, you don’t want to pop these like candies… BUT you can eat it INSTEAD of candy. *wink*