DATE, SEED & NUT BLISS BALLS

I love bliss balls as a snack, as an after dinner treat or as a middle of the day indulgence with a cup of herbal tea. I like to use fresh Medjool dates, as they are lower in sugar and calories to dried. I only try to use 1 fruit in my bliss balls to minimise the sugar levels. I also like to use a relatively small amount of seeds and nuts, and instead let the other ingredients shine; in the case of the recipe below, cacao and tahini (sesame seed paste). I have no doubt that everyone of you can throw whatever you have on hand into your food processor and make amazing tasting bliss balls; I'm just urging you to think of the percentage of sugar in each individual bite. If you love lots and lots of ingredients in your bliss balls, make smaller balls so that you do not consume as much sugar and as many calories. 

Ingredients

• 2 cups raw Medjool dates (300g), pitted & roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup raw, unsalted cashew nuts 
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons raw cacao 
• 1/2 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut 
• 1 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste) or if you do not have substitute for 1 extra tablespoon maple syrup 
• 1 tablespoon organic maple syrup 

Method 

1. Place the chopped raw dates in a food processor and process until smooth. You may need to add a few little splashes of water to stop the dates concealing into one big ball. 

2. Add the rest of the ingredients to the processor and process until well combined. Add ¼ cup water, a tablespoon at a time, if the mixture is too dry.

3. Mould the mixture into approximately 25 even sized balls.

Place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour before eating. 

Makes / 25

Total Preparation time / 20-25 minutes 

x Emily 

WHY ALL MEN SHOULD PRACTISE PILATES

Gentleman, there is a very good reason why your girlfriends are spending their disposable income on frequent Pilates classes - because they really and truly WORK. Perhaps the idea of losing weight, wearing cute exercise gear and toning up your inner thighs does not appeal to you, but does a stronger core and a better sex life? If it does, read on. 

As co-owner of Premium Pilates Studio, a Pilates reformer studio in Brisbane, I see more and more men coming in to try out this once women dominated form of exercise. More often than not, male clients are surprised by how tough the exercises are and how much of a workout they get from a 50 minute class. Pilates offers a wealth of benefits that men will specifically be interested in, such as the five listed below. 

1. Pilates improves your core strength. 

 Pilates focuses on strengthening your deep transverse abdominals, which are the muscles underneath your six-pack, given you a super strong, toned and ripped stomach. 

2. Pilates increases flexibility. 

Athletic men are generally quite inflexible, due to the large amount of muscle mass they have. Pilates focuses on stretching and leaning the muscles of the body, which reduces the chance of injury and muscle strains. In addition, Pilates increases your range of motion, which is very important for fit men as it enhances their sport and exercise. 

3. Pilates develops overlooked and neglected muscles. 

Certain muscles are utilised during almost every move we make, which results in overactivity, tightness and sometimes pain in these muscles. Pilates focuses on strengthening the smaller, often unused muscles which results in a more proportional body, balanced muscle mass and lessens the risk of injury.  

4. Pilates helps your attention span.  

If you have been in a Pilates class before, you will know that you have to pay attention to every single exercise; you need to focus on your breath, your technique, your speed and the muscles you should be working. Its a lot to take in, but it results in you expanding your awareness, your focus and your consciousness (which is probably something that your girlfriend often tells you to do!). 

5. Pilates enhances your sex life. 

We saved the best for last...Pilates strengthens the core of the body and the pelvic floor, which results in greater control in this part of the anatomy for men in the bedroom. 

Hopefully these benefits have increased your knowledge of and interest in Pilates guys! If you are intrigued by this form of exercise, come give Pilates a go! Call Premium Pilates Studio on 0402 680 724 or visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com. One of the co-owners, Chris Boult, is a male who swears by Pilates for the above five reasons and many more. Come try Pilates with him today!