EASTER CHOC BALLS RECIPE AND BEATING THE SUGAR RUSH

But never fear, it's possible to enjoy a sweet treat and stay on track with your health goals. Read on to learn how too much sugar causes unwanted symptoms, my top tips for preventing them, and our Easter Chocolate Truffles recipe!

What goes up must come down

A primary reason people search for healthier alternatives to sugar, is due to the side effects indulging in too much sugar can cause. We've all been there, overindulging in too much sugar can look like fatigue, irritability, brain fog or headaches. Maybe you’ve experienced these in the past too?  If so, these symptoms are the classic side effects of riding a treat-induced blood sugar rollercoaster.

Your ride starts when you over indulge in a food high in sugar, such as Easter eggs, or refined carbohydrates (which break down into sugar), such as hot cross buns. This sugar is absorbed into your bloodstream, increasing the level of sugar in your blood. If the level increases too high or too fast, the body swiftly packs away the sugar into your cells so it can be stored for later when you require energy. 

This rapid activity can then cause the level of sugar your blood to drop below normal, causing a blood sugar crash. Now your blood sugar level is too low, which means there isn’t enough sugar to fuel your cells, and the symptoms of fatigue and irritability we discussed above begin to occur.

Most of all, these low blood sugar levels cause your body to demand more sugar to normalise the level of sugar in your blood, of course it does! Sugar cravings will have you eating more sugar, and hopping into the rollercoaster to start the whole ride again! It's a rollercoaster ride you really don't want to ride, right!

So how do you create balanced blood sugar levels.

To stay energised this Easter, use these 4 tips to create balanced and stable blood sugar levels:

1. Fill up on protein and good fats, which slow the entry of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing those big sugar highs or lows. They both help increase feelings of fullness (satiety), making your body less interested in seeking out sweet snacks in the first place. Foods high in protein include meats, seafood, tempeh, tofu, nuts, seeds, eggs and legumes . Healthy fats can  be found in nuts, seeds, eggs,  coconut, avocado and healthy oils (e.g. olive oil).
2. Consume cinnamon and cacao, which help sugar move steadily from your bloodstream into your cells, stabilising your blood sugar levels. They both make for a perfect addition to porridge, smoothies, yoghurt or baked goods.
3. Avoid sweet drinks such as juices, soft drinks and cordials. As they are liquids, they are rapidly taken up by your body, allowing them to quickly spike your blood sugar levels. Opt for some soda water with lime, warm cacao made with planr based milk or herbal tea instead.
4. Stay hydrated, as thirst can easily be confused for hunger.

Easter Chocolate Truffles

Combining protein, healthy fats and cacao, these truffles are sweet and blood sugar balancing all rolled into one! 

Ingredients:

• 6 tbsp of BioPure Collagen protein powder 
• ½ cup of almond meal
• 1 tbsp of coconut oil
• 2 tbsp of natural almond or peanut butter
• 2 tbsp cacao powder
• Monkfruit to taste
• Water

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine Metagenics BioPure Collagen protein powder with the almond meal, Monkfruit and cacao powder, mix until combined.
2. Add coconut oil and nut butter in saucepan, stirring over a low heat until melted.
3. Combine oil mixture with the dry ingredients, evenly mix.
4. Stir in a tablespoon of water at a time until mixture reaches a doughy consistency.
5. Roll mixture into 12 even sized balls and place on a tray.
6. Refrigerate for an hour
7. ENJOY!