I’ve never really been a huge fan of energy or power bars. I mean, I’ve really tried to be, especially the ones that have a ton of protein. To get a whole meal’s worth of nutrients in one bar – that’s super convenient! If you don’t have time to make a lunch, or just want to save money, I feel like power bars are a reasonable choice. There are some pretty healthy options actually.
But the taste… ::shudder:::
I typically thrive in denial : Let me be ignorantly bliss please. But I cannot ignore the fact that most power bars taste like cardboard. No matter how much I try to tell myself, “Hannah, this is good for you. These ingredients are natural, and you are getting the protein that you didn’t pack in a lunch today”, I CAN’T DO IT!
Well, sound the Hallelujah chorus now please: I’ve found a great energy ball recipe!
Several years ago after a hike, my friend pulled some funny looking balls from her freezer. These energy balls were SO much better than any power bar I’ve ever had.
I finally made my own batch last weekend – and they taste like cookie dough. Chocolaty-chocolate chip cookie dough energy balls. Yet, I’d still consider them a healthy snack. Or meal. I had a bowl of them for dinner last night. #dontmindifido
I think I really enjoy these because you can put whatever you want in them. If you want to use organic, all natural ingredients, you can. If you just want to use whatever you have in your pantry, you can.
Ok. So here’s how the magic happens.
Side note: I don’t have a food processor, so I kind of used a blender (I say kind of because a food processor would have worked MUCH better). If you have a food processor, or even a good blender, you could do all the steps below in the machines. Since mine sucks, I adjust.
(measurements are approximate)
– 1-2 cups almonds (demolished them in a blender)
– 1-2 TBSP cocoa powder (add to the almonds before it turns to butter)
– 1-2 TBSP wheat bran (add to mix)
– 10-15 dates (soak for an hour or more in water, then mash in a bowl with a fork. Add the wheat bran, almond, cocoa powder mix)
– 1-2 TBSP chia seeds (stir into mix)
– 1-2 TBSP unsweetened coconut (stir into mix)
– 1-2 TBSP mini chocolate chips (stir into mix)
The mixture should be somewhat sticky as you roll into small balls and then roll through some more chia seeds, OR chocolate chips, OR coconut… and then pop them in the freezer for a snack.
Some suggestions I’ve had and seen for other ingredients were:
– peanut butter (thanks Emma girl!)
– flax seed
– sesame seed
– macha powder
– cinnamon
– oatmeal
– honey
– cacao nibs
– other kinds of nuts (pecans, pistachios, walnuts, peanuts…etc)
– NUTELLA! (goodlord that’s a great idea)
– pretzels
– the list goes on…
I stored them in these lil containers and a few more in ziplock bags for Ryan to grab and take to work (because let’s be honest, if he takes that tupperware, I’m never going to see them again).
I’ll let you do your own research on what benefits each of those ingredients has, but all I know is that they tasted amazing.
ENJOY and let me know if you have more ideas for additional ingredients or another energy balls recipe!