After eating not so great last week, I’m in serious need of some healthy snacks this week. So I created a new energy ball recipe.
I didn’t have all the ingredients on hand to make my initial energy ball recipe so I made a few tweaks. The main items you need to make the base of your energy balls is rolled oats & some sort of nut butter to bind the balls together. I used almond butter but you can use peanut butter too.
To make these energy balls taste like a treat, I used coconut flakes, honey & chocolate chips as sweetners. To make this recipe dairy free, use cacao bits. The vanilla also adds a bit of sweetness and flavor. Can you tell I’m more inclined to eat something if it feels like dessert?
For added nutrition, I added a bunch of different seeds.
They’re all optional so use whatever you have in your pantry. As always, I added flax & chia seeds. The extra fiber, antioxidants & healthy fats from these seeds is good for your gut.
Hemp seeds are new to me. I picked up a bag at Trader Joe’s over two months ago & I’m finally using them (ps make sure you buy the shelled raw seeds). Hemp seeds are high in fiber, low in sugar & full of unsaturated fats. Hemp seeds are none to be an energy booster, help you sleep better & help boost your immune system. You can sprinkle them on top of salads, oatmeal or mix into your favorite baked goods!
Sunflower seeds always provide a nice crunch so I added those as well. I always buy the unsalted kind. They mix better with other foods. You can also sprinkle sunflower seeds over salads or use them in a bread recipe. Make sure you buy them shelled!
Eat 2-3 of these energy balls when you need a pick me up or just want a healthy sweet treat.
Even Alex likes them! I made him try one & he willing asked for a second one! My goal during quarantine is to make a fresh batch every Sunday to have them in the fridge throughout the week to snack on.
What have you been making to snack on while staying home?
Energy Balls
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
Serves: 12-15
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup sweetened coconut flakes
- ½ cup almond butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp flax seeds
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp hemp seeds
- 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a medium size bowl.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (can leave in refrigerator overnight if preferred).
- Roll refrigerated mixture into balls about 1 inch big,
- Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
