Rollin' in ENERGY - Chocolate Energy Balls

May 18, 2022

Looking for a fast, healthy snack? These balls rock!

Roll in energy with the help of this recipe for ridiculously delicious energy balls. Natural ingredients make these a healthy choice - and, the chocolate, nut butter combination makes them crave-worthy.

Fast, Healthy Snack Idea, Kid-Friendly

Pull out your food processor, and you can have these tasty, plant-based protein energy balls ready in less than 10 minutes. That's right! Those hungry kids can get their hands on these energy balls before they can tear apart your house. Alternatively, big kids who are getting 'hangry' can whip these up quickly. 

 

 

The Best Workout Recovery Snack: Energy Balls

These balls are a great snack to have stored in your freezer as a high-protein, plant-based recovery snack after workouts. Remember, that recovery is about giving your muscles the building blocks (amino acids) they need to fix the damage you caused - never fear as it is good damage that stimulates the muscles to build back even stronger fibres. Plus, your body's cells used up their stored energy, called glycogen. If you don't let the cells refuel, you'll find your next workout is extra tough (because there is literally no fuel in your gas tanks). The perfect workout recovery snacks contain both carbohydrates and protein. 

 

Roll in More Energy: Why Athletes Need Minerals in Recovery

Every time your muscles contract, they use calcium and magnesium. To carry oxygen from your lungs to your muscles, you need iron. To keep your immune system strong, you need zinc. Potassium and sodium help you maintain blood pressure and proper hydration levels. The list of important minerals goes on and on. If you want to perform at your best, or simply be able to hit the mat again tomorrow and not feel sluggish or drained, be sure your recovery snacks after a workout include minerals. Plants, such as nuts and seeds, are great sources of minerals. Energy balls, such as these Rollin in Energy Balls are a great way to get more nuts and seeds into your diet, quickly and conveniently.

 

Chocolate-Dipped Rollin' Energy Balls Recipe

Let me be fully honest - I don't measure when I make these. Nope, I simply dump in about these amounts, and blend it until it looks irresistible (and the right consistency to roll into balls). Don't get hung up on the amounts - just roll with it!

 

Any chocolate lovers out there?

You can eat these straight up, or coat them with some dark chocolate. Chocolate lovers can simply melt about a 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips (go for organic, fair trade whenever possible), with a tablespoon of coconut oil. Roll the balls in the melted chocolate, and then place at least1 inch apart on a parchment paper lined baking tray. Place the tray in the freezer for at least a hour. Transfer into a freezer safe container, and enjoy as desired.

 

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1/2 cup natural almonds
• 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 1 cup nut butter
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/2 cup pumkin seeds 
• 1/2-1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Directions:

Soak dates in some hot water for a few minutes before starting. In a food processor, in order of the ingredients listed, add each, mixing until desired consistency is achieved. For the pumpkin seeds and chocolate chips, pulse slowly if you don't want them in smaller pieces.

Scooping out about 2 tbsps at a time, roll into balls and place on a parchment lined tray.

For chocolate dipped energy balls, melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips and coconut oil. Mix well. Using a spoon, gently drop in a ball at a time. Coat and place back on the tray, at least 1 inch from the next ball.

Place in freezer for about 2 hours until frozen. Transfer into a freezer safe container.

Let defrost for 3 minutes before enjoying. 

 

 

 

---

Also in Blog