We are a culture that is forever on the run. If you want to stay healthy, you need to snacks that fit your busy lifestyle. Do-it-yourself energy balls are all the rage because they are quick and easy to make—most of the ingredients are right in your pantry and fridge. Get ready for some tasty and addictive treats!
Chocolate Chia Balls
These energy balls have loads of sweetness but also pack a mean nutritional punch with protein from nuts, chia, and fiber from healthy oats. Take 1 1/2 cups of chopped dates, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, 1 cup walnut pieces, 1/2 cup of oats, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Roll into balls and roll in some extra cocoa powder. Freeze them and take a few for breakfast when you’re in a rush.
Blueberry Almond Balls
If you’re looking for something fruity and nutty, blueberry almond balls are the way to go. One of my favorite fresh fruit-inspired versions is 1/2 cup fresh blueberries, 1/4 cup almond butter, 1/4 cup dried cherries, 1/2 cup salted almonds, 1/4 cup of dried dates, and 1 1/4 cups shredded unsweetened coconut. You want to make sure you eat these within a few days because of the fresh fruit. Go ahead and indulge: These are bursting with antioxidants and calcium.
Oatmeal Cashew Balls
Cashews are expensive but they are worth it for their great taste and protein. Take 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup cashew butter, 1/2 cup honey, 1 tbs chia seeds, 1/2 cup white mini chocolate chips, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and fully combine. Roll into balls and be on your way with a healthy snack that even your kids will like thanks to the chocolate!
Quinoa Sunflower Seed Balls
Quinoa is filled with fabulous protein, making the grain the perfect ingredient for an energy ball! It’s also a rare beast: A meatless complete protein.Just take 1/4 cup puffed quinoa, 3 ounces chocolate chips, 1 tbs agave syrup, 1 tbs sunflower seed butter, 3 tbs cocoa powder, a pinch of salt, 1/4 tsp ground cardamom, and roll all the ingredients into balls. Delicious!
Apple and Maple Syrup balls
I love the fact that most ingredients for energy balls are non-perishables that you can always have on hand. Try these dried apple balls by just combining 1 cup of dried apples, 1/2 cup of old-fashioned oats, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup of walnuts, and 2 tbs fig spread. Puree in a food processor and roll into balls, pack them in a storage container and enjoy feeling satisfied for hours!
Chocolate Cinnamon Balls
You won’t believe just how many benefits chocolate can deliver, even in an energy ball. Because the chocolate is unsweetened, it has low sugar and is packed with antioxidants. The nuts provide protein, and cinnamon can help with lowering blood sugar. Just take 1/2 cup pecans, 2/3 cup dates, 2/3 cup dried apples, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbs honey or maple syrup, 1 tbs ground flax seed, 1 tbs cocoa powder and place all ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles a paste. Shape into 1-inch balls. Makes about 24 balls. You can store these in the fridge or freezer for later use.
Hazelnut Date Truffles
If you’re looking for a really fancy and scrumptious energy ball or “truffle,” try combing 1 cup hazelnuts, 1 1/2 cups pitted dates, 1/4 tsp kosher salt in a food processor until it starts to ball up and stick together. If you can mold balls out of the “dough” go for it. If it is still crumbly, add a few more dates until they are sticky enough to mold. Place in the fridge to harden and pop a few for a boost of energy. Hazelnuts are also a great source of folate, vitamin E, and may even prevent the development of cancerous cells.
Fruity Nutty Balls
I love this recipe because you can really just use any type of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Take 1 cup almonds, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, 1 cup cashews or peanuts, 1 cup dates, 1 cup golden raisins or any other finely chopped dried fruit, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 2 tbs chia seeds, and 2 tbs brown rice syrup. Puree in a food processor, roll into balls, and enjoy all the protein from nuts and seeds.
Mango Sunflower Seed Balls
Who doesn’t like dried mango? As delicious as mango is, it’s also healthy as this tropical fruit is packed with vitamin C. And these balls add the benefits of sunflower seeds.Take 2 cups sunflower seeds, 1 cup dried mango, 1 cup dates, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 2 tbs pomegranate syrup (also called pomegranate molasses). Pureé in a food processor, form into balls, and let them harden in the fridge. For an extra flavor and antioxidant blast, dip them in dark chocolate before putting them in the icebox.
Chocolate Coconut Balls
These tasty treats can be a dessert or a healthy snack thanks to all the cacao antioxidants. Take 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, 3 tbs coconut oil, 3 tbs cacao powder, 1/2 tsp almond extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until it’s almost like a paste. Roll into balls, place on a plate or tray covered with wax paper in the fridge until they solidify.
