Summer Event Recap {Recipes for Raw Broccoli Salad & Cacao Sesame Bliss Balls Included}

Another successful nutrition event is in the books! I wanted to use this post to send out my gratitude to all of the awesome people who came or supported the Seasonal Taste & Learn event at Excellence in Exercise this past weekend. This was the second event in the plant-based nutrition series, and just like the first it exceeded my expectations in a number of ways.

One of the lessons I took from the first event was to focus on a particular aspect of nutrition in addition to the seasonal component. There really are so many facets of healthy eating, that it helps to hone in on a few main ideas otherwise we could spend all day discussing everything! As it is fitting for summer, this particular event we focused on raw foods. We talked about why we should include plenty of raw foods into our meal plan, which items have a higher nutrient content when eaten in their natural state, and some different ways to prepare enjoyable raw items like the snacks that I shared.

Everyone attending asked some great questions and also offered up some of their own tips and experiences. That's one of the things I most enjoy about leading events like this--we can all learn from each other! I think I get just as much inspiration leading as I hope to impart to everyone attending. Even just researching and talking about healthy habits makes you much more likely to implement them in your daily routine. Also, spending time with others who are also interested in developing healthier habits helps strengthen your own resolve to do the same.

For those who were unable to make the event this time around, here are the recipes I shared with the group. Two were my own creations, but the cashew cheese was a delicious recipe from another wonderful blogger. I was a bit worried since the cashew cheese wasn't the most appetizing in looks, however I think it was one of the favorites of the day! Most everything was quite simple to make if you have a food processor. Minimal on ingredients and work, but big in flavor and nutritional impact!

Broccoli Salad w/ Avocado Dressing

Makes about 3 cups

• 2 small crowns raw broccoli, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons shallot, peeled & finely chopped
• 1 large ripe avocado
• ½ lemon, juice
• 1-2 small peeled garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon miso

Use the food processor to chop the broccoli if you like, then add it to a bowl with the shallot. Place the rest of the ingredients in the processor and blend until a creamy dressing forms. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking, then mix with the broccoli.

Cacoa & Sesame Bliss Balls

Makes about 2 dozen

• 1 1/2 cups pitted Medjool dates
• 1/2 cup black sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup raw walnuts
• 2 tablespoons raw cacoa powder (plus more for dusting)

Place the nuts and seeds in a food processor together. Pulse a few times to break down the nuts into smaller pieces. Next add the dates and cacao. Process until a sticky dough forms. You may need to scrap down the sides a few times. Place the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make rolling into balls easier. Once cool, spoon out and roll into tablespoon-sized balls. Coat in the extra cacoa powder if you like!

Cashew cheese, cucumber from the garden, and bell peppers and tomatoes from the Marietta Square Farmers Market!

Cashew Cheese: https://www.blissfulbasil.com/herbed-cashew-cheese-spicy-tomato-jam/

As the events have been going so well, we are going to keep the ball rolling with the next event tentatively set for November 9th. Mark your calendars to get some motivation to stay healthy for the holidays!

Banners by @zord189, @woman-onthe-wing, @dksart and @bearone for @steemusa

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