My husband is striving to live a healthier lifestyle and lose a few pounds. He’s always been a very active and fitness-focused person, so his latest efforts are really a refinement of what he’s always been doing. I’m so proud of his willpower, dedication and focus.  He inspires me!

Processed white sugar was one of the first things he cut out of his diet at the start of 2012, but he occasionally has a sweet tooth.  Since I can’t serve him homemade chocolate chip cookies, sweet potato pie or chocolate tart, I have to improvise with simpler and healthier ingredients.  These “truffles” made with dates, nuts and cocoa powder offer a sweet fix without the sugar crash.

Healthy Date-Nut Truffles

1 cup pitted dates

3/4 cup shredded coconut

handful walnuts, almonds and cashews

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Drop dates, coconut and nuts in a food processor.  While machine is running slowly pour in the maple syrup.  Process for just a few seconds – until the mixture is well combined.  Scoop by tablespoon onto a plate and put in the fridge until firm. Enjoy!