Smelly breath? No worries, I've got you covered.

Ever wondered how chewing gums or mint lollies are able to give you that cool refreshing feel in your mouth? 

Well if you didn't .. I'll tell you why anyway.

The prime ingredient in them is xylitol, a sugar alcohol that's 70% as sweet as sucrose (table sugar). Because it's not absorbed by the intestines it's often used in 'low joule' or diabetic-friendly food products. When we chew it, heat is drawn from our mouth as a form of energy to dissolve the xylitol, hence giving us that cool, refreshing feeling we get - neato right? I think so.

Today's recipe is a little treat to fix those chocolate aero bars and mint lolly cravings .. or your garlic breath from lunch. 

The dates keep these guys chewy (even after refrigeration) and they have a nice soft balance between sweet and minty. If you want them more dense for satiety or nutrition content you could also substitute some of the cacao powder with chocolate protein powder. This might reduce it's sweetness and would require some sweetener though.

Chia-ful Chocolate Minty-Breath Balls
Makes: Around 18 bite-sized pieces

Ingredients
1 cup dates
1/2 cup cacao or chocolate protein powder
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/4 cup almonds
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
3-4 tablespoons water, as needed
1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Method
1. Using a food processor, finely process dates, chia seeds, cacao and almonds altogether until combined.
2. Stir in peppermint extract and tablespoons of water at a time until you get a dough-like consistency. 
3. Roll big teaspoons into balls.
4. Coat in extra cacao, coconut, chia seeds and eat straight away or refrigerate.



I felt obliged to take a photo of one bliss ball half eaten to show you its insides .. just kidding. Note to self: never take photos of food when you're hungry - your stomach is too busy distracting your mind from taking proper, good-looking photographs.

Oh and be sure to hydrate yourself with water when eating these because since the chia seeds haven't absorbed any water yet .. they'll end up doing that when they're inside you. Ouch..?

Adios amigos!