Beauty Detox: Heart-Healthy Pecan Pie

Are you getting your fill of nuts? Nuts and legumes are an important part of your diet, and you should eat about four to five servings a day. Pecans are a great way to get your intake. They are full of healthy fat that reduces cholesterol levels and your chances of a heart attack. Pecans are also the most antioxidant-rich nut, which will help boost your immune system. This week celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder gives us a recipe for raw pecan pie. The perfect afternoon or post-dinner delight, this treat doesn't have any sugar or gluten, and is easy to make! “This is a great dessert recipe to make around the holidays. At a time when you’re eating more carbs than ever, you only need a small amount of this flour-and gluten-free sweet to be satisfied!” says Kim.

Raw Pecan Pie

Crust Ingredients

1. 2½ cups dates (with pits)     

2. 1 cup finely ground coconut flakes  

3. 1½ cups walnuts, soaked in water for 4 hours

Directions

Pit the dates yourself by extracting each pit and discarding it. Add the dates, coconut flakes, and walnuts to a food processor and blend on high until thoroughly mixed. Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch round pie plate. Set the pie plate to the side.

Filling Ingredients

1. 2/3 cup filtered water

2. 1 cup raw pecans, soaked in water for about 15 minutes, plus extra to garnish

3. 1 cup organic Thompson raisins

4. 1 Tbsp vanilla extract

5. 1 tsp nutmeg

6. 1/3 cup maple syrup

7. 1 tsp Celtic sea salt

Directions

Mix all ingredients together in a blender until smooth. Pour the filling into the pie shell and garnish with raw pecans. Chill the pie in the freezer overnight, or for at least five hours before serving. Slice it up, serve, and enjoy!

 Kimberly Snyder is a Los Angeles-based celebrity nutritionist and author of The Beauty Detox Solution. She began her work after journeying through 50 countries and six continents, learning about health and beauty from many different cultures. With a philosophy rooted in the belief that outer beauty is a reflection of inner health, Kim now works with clients such as Hilary Duff, Olivia Wilde, and Drew Barrymore. Get lots of health and beauty tips by following her on Twitter at @kimsbeautydetox.