A Lila snack recipe

Cacao, Walnut & Pumpkin Seed Energy Crunch

A crunchy, no-bake snack mix packed with omega-3s, healthy fats, and plant-based protein. Toasted pumpkin seeds and walnuts combine with raw cacao nibs for a satisfying afternoon energy boost.

10 minutes4 servingsSnack
Cacao, Walnut & Pumpkin Seed Energy Crunch, prepared as a finished Lila recipe
17.5g protein8.5g fiberHigh FiberHigh Protein

The perimenopause lens

A cautious perimenopause lens

These tags explain why the recipe may appear in Lila. They are prompts for noticing your own patterns—not evidence that this meal treats a symptom.

Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s Health

Low energy

Check how the whole meal lands

Food is one part of energy. Notice meal timing, sleep and symptoms together rather than assigning the result to one nutrient.

Track: energy 1–3 hours later

Appetite changes

Notice patterns without judgment

One meal does not determine body weight. Look at fullness, energy and repeatable eating patterns over time instead.

Track: fullness + meal rhythm

Headaches

Add hydration and timing

Headaches have many possible causes. Record hydration, meals, sleep and severity, and seek care for concerning patterns.

Track: timing + hydration

Brain fog

Add the missing context

Sleep, stress, meals and symptoms overlap. Seeing them together is more useful than crediting one ingredient.

Track: focus + previous night

Before you start

Your 10-minute game plan

Gather everything first, then tap ingredients and steps as you go.

Start cooking

Equipment

Large skillet · Mixing bowl

Time saver

Store this mix in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dry pantry for up to two weeks, or in the refrigerator to keep the walnuts fresh longer.

Do these three things first

  • 1Prep cup walnuts (chopped)
  • 2Set out all ingredients before cooking
  • 3Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan

Ingredients

Gather as you go

0 of 6 ready

Ingredients

From Your Pantry

Cook along

One clear step at a time

0 of 4 steps complete

Next: Place a dry skillet over medium heat

  1. 01

    Place a dry skillet over medium heat

    Place a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pumpkin seeds and chopped walnuts, stirring frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden.

    Tap card to mark done
  2. 02

    Turn off the heat

    Turn off the heat. While the nuts and seeds are still warm, toss them with a generous pinch of sea salt and a dusting of ground cinnamon. Let the mixture cool completely in the pan.

    Tap card to mark done
  3. 03

    Once fully cooled

    Once fully cooled, transfer the toasted nuts and seeds to a mixing bowl. Stir in the hemp hearts and cacao nibs until evenly distributed.

    Tap card to mark done
  4. 04

    Portion the mix into small airtight containers…

    Portion the mix into small airtight containers for an easy grab-and-go snack, or enjoy immediately.

    Tap card to mark done

The nutrition underneath

Why this bowl holds together

Store this mix in an airtight…

Store this mix in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dry pantry for up to two weeks, or in the refrigerator to keep the walnuts fresh longer.

Ensure the toasted seeds are completely…

Ensure the toasted seeds are completely cool before adding the cacao nibs, otherwise the residual heat will cause the cacao to melt and clump.

If you find cacao nibs too…

If you find cacao nibs too bitter at first, try mixing this crunch into a serving of plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to balance the flavor while boosting your protein even higher.

Your symptoms change. Your plan should too.

One good meal is a start. Your whole week is better.

Tell Lila what you like, what you avoid and which symptoms are loud today. She’ll turn that context into meals, targets and small adjustments that fit real life.

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