Low Carb Christmas Rum Balls

Hands up if you like rum balls!

Traditional rum balls are a classic recipe that typically uses crushed biscuits and sweetened condensed milk, cocoa and coconut.

These sweet, sticky balls will likely remind you of childhood… But unfortunately, they are high in sugar.
We’ve created a low carb alternative, made with nuts, chia seeds, and natural sweeteners, which delivers the same rich, chocolatey flavour but with significantly fewer carbohydrates and no added sugar.

Honestly, you can make low carb versions of just about anything!

Recipe for Low Carb Christmas Rum Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 300g (2 cups) macadamia nuts
• 120g (1 1/3 cups) desiccated coconut
• 2 tbsp erythritol/monk fruit blend
• 2 tbsp cacao powder
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 30g coconut oil, melted and cooled
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1 tbsp rum essence (optional, for authentic flavour)

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, pulse the macadamia nuts until finely chopped, taking care not to over-process into a paste.
2. Add the chia seeds, desiccated coconut, erythritol/monk fruit blend, cacao powder, orange zest, and sea salt to the food processor. Pulse briefly to combine.
3. Drizzle in the melted coconut oil and rum essence (if using). Pulse again until the mixture comes together to form a sticky dough.
4. Using clean hands, roll the mixture into 16 small balls, approximately 2cm in diameter.
5. If desired, roll the balls in extra desiccated coconut or cacao powder for coating.
6. Place the rum balls on a lined baking tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
7. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
   

Macros (per ball):

Fat: 13g | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 2g (1g net carbs)

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Why These Rum Balls Are a Game-Changer

These morsels are packed with nutritious ingredients that not only taste great but also keep blood glucose levels steady. Macadamia nuts provide heart-healthy fats, chia seeds offer omega-3s and fibre, and cacao powder delivers a dose of antioxidants. 

Beyond the Treat: Embracing a Balanced Lifestyle

While these rum balls are a healthier alternative to traditional sweets, remember that you can’t eat as many as you like. Overeating low carb food means you’re no longer low carb! Enjoy them on occasion and use them as a tool to stay on track with your health goals even during the holidays.

A Thoughtful Homemade Gift

These rum balls aren't just great for personal enjoyment – they make wonderful gifts too. Package them in a festive tin or jar for a thoughtful, handcrafted present that shows you care about your loved ones' health and happiness.

Celebrate Without Compromise

This Christmas, you don't have to choose between enjoying festive foods and maintaining your health goals. With these Low Carb Christmas Rum Balls, you can enjoy foods that are traditionally high in sugar but not miss out. It’s a win-win.

Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy are the founders of Real Life Medicine. They help women who have been on every diet under the sun, optimise their health and achieve long lasting weight loss without feeling miserable or deprived.

They do this with their 3 step framework that 

• Improves metabolism
• Develops mindset skills 
• Provides tools to implement it easily into busy lives 

With this comes increased energy, vitality and confidence.

You can avoid chronic disease and stop living life on the sidelines!