Chocolate energy balls are my go-to snack or sweet treat that’s packed full of goodness and with only 6 ingredients, it’s the perfect snack to quickly meal prep and keep in the fridge for when you’re needing something sweet but healthy.
What you will need:
CACAO – Cacao is actually high in magnesium and antioxidant rich flavonoids making this powder the perfect addition to any chocolatey sweet treat! Make sure you use cacao and not cocoa for these. They are both from the same plant however, cacoa is processed under high temperatures to roast it which destroys many of the powerful benefits.
MEDJOOL DATES – If your not a dates fan, don’t stress, you won’t even know they are in it! Dates are great because they naturally sweeten but they are also packed with nutrients, particularly vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, folate, selenium and they are high in fiber.
ALMOND MEAL – You can also opt for almonds and grind them down to a meal yourself. Almond meal is great for adding more fiber, healthy fats and the many different vitamins and minerals almonds contain!
EXTRA VIRGIN COCONUT OIL – my favourite oil to use for treats and cooking. There is a lot of controversy as to whether coconut oil is good for you or not as it has a high amount of saturated fat however, the research debunked that myth and you can enjoy coconut oil as part of a healthy diet (remember too much of anything will always be bad for your health).
RAW HONEY – Honey is my favourite sweetener because it has many amazing compounds for our health and is antimicrobial, antioxidant, contains natural enzymes and can help stabilise blood sugars, particularly when combined with cinnamon.
GROUND FLAXSEED (optional) – These balls are really simple so you are more than welcome to add any other ingredients to further boost the nutrient content, such as adding flaxseeds. Flaxseeds contain high amounts of fiber, magnesium, thiamine, are a rich source of omega 3s and contain many more beneficial compounds- just make sure you ground flaxseeds otherwise your body won’t be able to access any of the nutrients inside!
The Recipe
5 Medjool dates
2 cups almond meal
1/2 cup Cacao powder
1/3 cup coconut oil
2-3 tbsp honey
1/2 cup ground flaxseed (optional)
1/2 cup Shredded coconut (optional)
Method:
1. Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend until a crumbly mixture appears.
2. Roll into balls and then roll into shredded coconut (optional)
3. Chill and store in the fridge.
4. Enjoy whenever you need a sweet treat!
Notes:
· If using a low power blender, you may need to soak the dates in a small amount of hot water to soften.
· If adding in flaxseeds and the mixture appears too dry, add more coconut oil until desired consistency.
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