When I got the call from the doctor’s office, my anxiety spiked. They wanted me to come in to discuss my blood work.
Of course, the earliest I could get an appointment was the following afternoon.
I admit, my brain visited every possible and horrible health scenario. It was a long 24 hour wait.
The next day I met with the doctor. He expressed two concerns:
- I have high cholesterol
- I am borderline diabetic
Aren’t these illnesses for the elderly?
I was stunned.
I’m only 42 years old!
Fast forward two weeks and I’ve made some dramatic lifestyle changes.
- I’ve cut down to drinking alcohol only twice a week (I used to have a glass of wine daily).
- I exercise for at least 30 minutes per day. My workout of choice is still the Homeschool Mom Fitness Program. I do the fitness program in combination with cardio (walking or the recumbent bike).
- Consumption of red meat is limited to once a week.
- I’ve cut out sugar… again.
- I dramatically reduced my serving sizes.
- My cheese intake has also been reduced greatly *sob*.
- I swapped out all sodas (even ginger ale) for club soda.
Each of these little changes adds up to be a great impact. In fact, within 10 days I dropped 5 lbs.
I was shocked by this weight loss because I’ve been trying like crazy to lose the 10 lbs I’ve put on since my last pregnancy, but I’ve had no success. I’m already halfway to that goal and I couldn’t be more excited!
However, with these lifestyle changes there are some things I really miss.
From donuts, to chocolate, to sugary coffee drinks, I’ve felt a little bit deprived.
THE PERFECT SOLUTION TO CRAVINGS
However, when taking away something, we should always replace it with something better. I think I’ve done that with these 3 ingredient energy balls.
Yes, you read that right. It only takes three ingredients to make these delectable goodies and they are the perfect snack for when I’m craving something sweet. It’s like a cross between a PB & J sandwich and sugar cookies. They’re scrumptious!
Are you ready to be blown away by the delicious simplicity of this recipe?
No Bake 3 Ingredient Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup raw cashews
- 12 Medjool dates (no pits)
- 1 TBSP vanilla
Instructions
- Place all three ingredients in a food processor or a blender like the NutriBullet
.
- Pulse until cashews & dates are broken down & combined.
- Take a teaspoon of the mixture and roll into a ball
- Repeat until all of the mixture has been used.
- Store in an airight container in the fridge.
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So there you have it, 3 ingredient energy balls!
These little treats are healthy and delicious. They should be stored in the fridge for a week… although they won’t last that long… I’m sure of it!
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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*