A few weeks ago, I did a week-long digital detox. I had gotten into the habit of checking Facebook and Instagram every night before bed, every morning when I woke up, and odd times throughout the day. So I took a break. A week long break and it was just the right amount of time to kick the habit. I’ve eased my way back into the world of social media since my detox, but I did realize a few things upon my return.
Other peoples lives are not that interesting.
When I started looking at Facebook again after my week off, I quickly got bored. I didn’t understand what was so interesting about it. Why would I want to spend so much time looking at other peoples lives instead of living my own? Of course I’m still curious and still going to check it, but there is only so much I need to know, and the rest is just unnecessary.
There are way better ways to start your morning.
Why start your day off dreaming of being on Sally’s vacation instead of being content with your day to day life? If you weren’t aware of it in the first place, you wouldn’t have to be jealous of it. I dunno about you, but I’m choosing to be blissfully unaware. I’ve started journaling in the morning and it is a much better start to my day. I write whatever I want, sometimes even to-do lists, and it sets the right tone for the rest of the day. Maybe journaling isn’t for you, but walking, working out, or just lying in bed looking at the ceiling are better options, promise.
Clean out your newsfeed.
If people’s social media posts annoy you, induce jealousy, or bother you in any way, just unfollow them. If you haven’t seen that person in five+ years, or wouldn’t even say hi to that person if you ran into them, unfollow them. You don’t have to de-friend them, just unfollow them. Once you’ve unfollowed those unnecessary friends, your feed will be comprised of people you have a genuine interest in and what they like to share. So do yourself a favor; next time you see an annoying post, press unfollow. Three a day until your feed is clean.
Now that you’ve digitally detoxed, might as well try a sugar detox too (but maybe not during the same week! ). Don’t get me wrong: when I say sugar detox, I mean just cut back from the ridiculous amount of sugar you were eating during the holidays. Don’t do anything too crazy like cut out chocolate completely.
Just like the other nut and date bites I’ve made, these raw walnut brownie bites are the perfect afternoon-picker-upper and sugar-craving-curber.
I got a new supply of Trader Joe’s peanut butter (they came with the tortillas I told you about!) and I’ve been finding ways to add it to everything. Alongside chocolate, dates, and walnuts, these taste like melt-in-your-mouth brownie bites (well, let’s be real; healthy brownie bites).
Just some quick food processing.
And some rollin’.
And you are ready to kick that next sugar craving to the curb.
- 3/4 cup walnuts
- 12 dates, pitted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for sprinkling
- 2 tablespoons peanut or almond butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon maple or agave syrup
- 1-3 tablespoons water, as needed
- In a food processor, chop the walnuts into a fine meal. Add in the dates and process until they are finely chopped. Add the cocoa, peanut butter, salt, and syrup to the mixture and blend until combined. If the mixture is not sticking together, add one tablespoon of water at a time, until your mixture starts forming large clumps in the processor. The drier your dates are, the more water you will need. Roll the mixture into one inch balls. Serve as is, or sprinkle with cocoa powder.
6 Responses
Yummmmm!! I made something really similar to these last weekend and they were soooo tasty. I love the flavour the walnuts provide and combined with the dates, they are a pure delight:)
Nice! Yes I really love them, I’ve been craving them in the afternoon instead of my normal dark chocolate, so I think it’s a good thing!
A few months ago, I started WAY limiting my social media time. I now only go on Instagram once a day, usually during lunch. And I’ve “unfollowed” quite a few people in my facebook feed. I feel so much better! Another thing I started doing, is if I take a fun picture, I will post it whenever I get around to it, not in that very moment. I’d rather post it later when I have free time, rather than missing out on the moment. I see a TON of people rushing to post stuff, and it seems like a waste. Enjoy what you’re doing, rather than making sure everyone else can see what you’re doing. It has made me much happier.
I love these raw walnut brownie bites! So healthy, and refined sugar free! I’m trying to not eat any refined sugar right now, so these are perfect for me : )
That’s a good idea- once a day would be good for me! These are perfect when staying away from sugar, just the right amount of sweet 🙂
This post has made me want to digitally dextox too! You are so right, why would you start your day off by checking into everyone else lives instead of checking in with yourself, and yet, so many of us do it. You have inspired me! Secondly, these walnut bites look wonderful. Perfect with coffee too 🙂 Yum yum!
I’m so happy to hear you are inspired to try it too! Even just a day or two is a nice break. Let me know how it goes!