Low-Fodmap Chocolate Bites

Over the last few months, I have had terrible problems with my health - stomach cramps, constant nausea, exhausted beyond belief - nothing seems to help, nothing seems to hinder. Needless to say, it's had a huge impact on my life. While I visit doctors, specialists, have scans and tests i've had to limit my time in the office, only working part time while everyone around me tries to figure out just what the heck is going on with my body.

Anyway, part of this journey to discover the root of my health problems lead me to a naturopath - who has put me on a low fodmap diet. There is a concern that the issues may be down to IBS and Chronic Fatigue, so i've had to make some major changes to my diet. Luckily, having previously been following a wholefood diet, I didn't have a lot of packaged crap to cut out - but there have been some challenges. One of which is eating out - fodmap cuts out most gluten, along with lactose, fructans (in things like vegetables, wheat products and sweeteners like agave and honey), galactans (pulses and beans) and polyols (found in most stone fruit, some veges and artificial sweeteners).

It's a lot to look out for, especially when you've got a craving for something sweet. What it means is there is a lot less eating out (and a lot more questions for poor wait staff) and a lot more home experimenting, which I don't actually mind :)

Today was one of those days, I was desperate for something chocolatey and bite sized - so i've come up with these chocolate bites - they're vegan, low fodmap, refined sugar free, dairy free AND they can be made gluten free if you replace the oats with your favourite GF flour.

Enjoy!

Chewy Chocolate Bites

1/3 C desiccated coconut
1/3 C oats
1/4 C cocoa
2 T pure maple syrup
4 T nut or seed butter (I used Tahini)
4 T almond milk
Pinch of salt

In a food processor or magic bullet, wizz the coconut, oats and cocoa into a powder. Add the wet ingredients and mix well.

Shape into balls and pop in the oven at 180°C (375°F) for 9-12 minutes, depending on how crispy you want them.

Should make around a dozen small bites, or in my case 9, because I ate too much of the dough ;)