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This is a re-post from a while back because I recently made these and had a bunch of requests for the recipe. Enjoy!

I’m always looking for healthy recipes especially when it comes to treats.

I finally tried the Pecan Butter Chocolate Truffle recipe from “Run Fast. Eat Slow.” by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky. I’ve had this cookbook for over a year, and out of the ten recipes I flagged, I’ve only tried three …until now.

These truffles were a huge hit with everyone who tried them. Yay! I regret not making a double batch because I didn’t have enough to share with everyone, but no worries, they are easy enough to make again real soon! I hesitated to tell people they were healthy because I didn’t want to influence their opinions, but as it turned out, it didn’t matter, everyone loved them! I wish I could take credit for developing the recipe, but I didn’t, I just followed it. Thanks to Shalane and Elyse for this healthy treat!

Key ingredients and their benefits:

Pecans

• Heart healthy.
• Improves digestion: Fiber-packed.
• Helps weight-loss. Nuts help you feel full and increase metabolism. Also very rich in riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6 and folate.
• Decrease risk of certain cancers. 
• Anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Boosts immunity. A rich source of manganese, a powerful antioxidant which protects cells from free-radical damage, boosting immunity.
• Prevents skin damage.
• Anti-aging benefits. Contains ellagic acid, vitamin A and vitamin E which fight the free radicals responsible for premature aging of the skin.
• Stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss.

For more on the benefits of pecans see Dr Axe’s website. Dr. Axe is a doctor of natural medicine and a clinical nutritionist.

Cinnamon 

• High in anti-oxidants.
• Anti-inflammatory properties.
• Helps fight diabetes.
• Protects brain function.
• Protects dental health and freshens breath naturally.
• Benefits skin health.
• Can be used to sweeten recipes without added sugar.
• Natural food preservative.

Dr Axe on the benefits of cinnamon.

Coconut oil

• Treat UTI’s, kidney infections and protects the liver.
• Improves energy and endurance. Triathletes use it for fuel during training. Mix one tablespoon each of coconut oil, raw honey and chia seeds. Consume 30 minutes prior to exercise.
• Reduces stomach ulcers and ulcerative colitis.
• Reduces symptoms of Gallbladder disease and pancreatitis.
• Prevents gum disease and tooth decay. The oil binds with bacteria and washes it away. Swish oil in mouth 3 times a week for 20 minutes a day to heal and repair gums.
• Prevents osteoporosis.
• Balances hormones.

Dr, Axe on the benefits of coconut oil.

Dates  

• Treat and relieve constipation. (If you’re a runner this is not really and issue.)
• Natural energy booster.
• Natural sweetener.
• Boosts bone health.

I hope you like these truffles as much we did. 

If you try this recipe let me know what you think.

Do you have a healthy treat you want to share? Leave it in the comments below. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Keep running!

Denise

Remember, I am not a nutritionist, dietician, health coach, etc. I am sharing from what I have read and researched and share what I believe to be from credible sources.