I don’t know about you, but when those weeks of high stress come around, I like to nourish and support my adrenals. One of my fave ways to keep my adrenals going strong is by consuming adaptogens.

Adaptogens are plants that help the body to adapt and deal with stressful situations and environments. Adaptogens put good stress on the body and help strengthen the immune system. They can also help to increase energy levels, regulate cortisol and balance hormones over time — Think of them as a little workout for your adrenals!

Two of my favorite adaptogens are chaga and maca. Chaga is actually a type of fungus/mushroom that grows on birch trees, and is known for its antioxidant properties as well as helping to provide a sense of calm. Maca is a root that is known to help balance hormones, reduce PMS symptoms and support the immune system. Both adaptogens come in a powder form and can easily be added to smoothies, or in this case, some delicious energy bites!

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 3 tbsp flaxseed meal
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup cacao nibs
• 1.5 tbsp maca powder
• 1.5 tbsp chaga powder
• 2-3 tbsp hemp seeds (for rolling the bites in)

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey and vanilla until creamy. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, flaxseed, shake mix or protein powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until combined.

Use the back of the spoon to work in the cacao nibs. Use a tablespoon to spoon out dough and roll into bites. Roll each bite in the hemps seeds until fully coated.

Refrigerate 30 minutes prior to serving. Store bites in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Recipe adapted from the Eat Clean Play Dirty cookbook by Danielle Duboise and Whitney Tingle