Super Simple Energy Balls

Energy balls are EVERYWHERE at the moment! They really have taken the health world by storm and there are so many different recipes to choose from it really can be hard to know where to start! It really isn't very surprising as they are such a perfect thing to keep in your fridge or freezer to grab in a hurry and take only a few minutes to make.

I absolutely love the chocolate and banana protein balls that I posted a while ago but variety is always good too! This recipe is always my starting point. It so yummy on its own but it also acts as a perfect base that you can add to in order to suit your own tastes, lifestyle and cupboards! These are so simple yet delicious, giving you that perfect amount of sweetness for an afternoon sugar craving or to fuel before or after exercise without spiking your blood sugar in the same way that sugary treats do. They are also perfect for taking on long journeys and I am making a big batch this weekend before a long flight on Monday!

Basic Ingredients (makes around 15)

200g of almonds

200g of medjool dates

3 tbsps of maple syrup

(I also rolled these in a sprinkling of desiccated coconut but that is definitely not essential!)

Other Ingredient Ideas

Nut butter

Chia seeds

Goji berries

Dried apricot

Fresh banana (these won't last as long!)

Oats

Raw cacao nibs

Hemp seeds

Raw cacao

Hemp powder

Baobab powder

Maca powder

Desiccated coconut

This list really is not exhaustive and you really can’t go too wrong with these. If you add in lots of things you will need to increase the amount of dates and maple syrup in order to keep the mixture sticky enough to roll into balls.

Start by whizzing up the almonds (or other nuts) in a food processor until they are broken into small pieces. You don’t want to leave them long enough to form a flour so keep an eye on them as they mix!

Once the nuts are broken up, add in the pitted dates and maple syrup and whizz until a sticky mixture forms. You can then add in any other ingredients and either stir by hand or in the food processor until evenly blended.

Taking a small amount of the slightly sticky mixture, use the palms of your hands to roll into balls. If you are covering them in desiccated coconut or chia seeds, once the balls are rolled sprinkle the covering into your palms and continue to roll them to give an even coating.

These can be frozen or eaten as they are. They are best stored in the freezer or fridge and will last for around 2 weeks in the fridge or a month or two in the freezer!

Chocolate Seed Bars (Vegan, GF, DF, RSF)

I'm baking my way through Monday afternoon after browsing The Healthy Happy Wife this morning. Her blog is filled with ideas and looks particularly great for gluten, sugar and dairy free sweet treats. The 'No Bake Chocolate Bars' were top of my list and I'm itching to try them once I have left them long enough to set in the fridge.

Ingredients (makes around 12 slices)

1/2 cup agave nectar
1/3 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup raw cacao
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup shredded coconut
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup flax seeds

I also then added 1/4 cup of dried apricots cut into tiny chunks - sultanas or other dried fruit would work too!

This recipe took about 5 minutes to make...

• Add the agave, coconut oil and cacao to a non-stick pan on a low heat.
• Let it boil and stir continuously for a minute.
• Add the other ingredients to the mixture and stir until evenly covered.
• Poor into a lined or greased tin and allow to cool.
• Place in the fridge to harden and then cut into desired size squares.

And these age beautifully so make a batch and keep them in the fridge to enjoy as a snack over the next week or so!

Chia Pudding Pots

Chia seeds are so nutritious! I love putting them in smoothies and porridge to add texture and goodness to my breakfast. I decided to try soaking them to make a 'gel' as I had read that it was really easy and delicious. Most recipes I looked at just soaked them in water or coconut water so I decided to attempt a little twist!

Ingredients (makes 3 pots)

250ml coconut water
1 banana
2tbsp chia seeds

This is so, so simple... Just blend the banana and coconut water in a blender until it becomes a smooth liquid. Poor the liquid into pots, leaving room to add the seeds.

Stir in the seeds, dividing evenly between each pot (this can be done before you pour into the pots but make sure you use a spoon and DON'T blend!)
Once the seeds are evenly mixed in, put them in the fridge to soak and set!

Kale Crisps

Well this one sort of does what it says on the tin!
I love kale crisps but buying them is not cheap at all so I have decided to make my own....

All you need is kale, seasoning and a little bit of oil.

Preheat the over to 180°C
Cut the kale leaves off the stalks

Lay in a baking tray and add salt and pepper

Drizzle in oil and use your hands to get an even covering
Cook for 10-15 minutes until slightly crispy

They even went down well with my mum who has put in an advanced order for her next dinner party....

Chocolate & Banana Protein Balls

These are so delicious and only takes 10 minutes to make! They are packed with protein so they make the perfect post-gym snack and they're lovely and sweet making them a great, healthy, sugar craving cure!

Ingredients (makes 6)

1/2 banana

2 large tbsp of peanut butter

6 brazil nuts

2 tsp Agarve syrup

1 tbsp honey (double syrup and remove honey for vegan)
1 tbsp (gluten free) oats

1 heaped tbsp raw cocao powder

1 tbsp desiccated coconut

Start by crushing the brazil nuts in to small pieces. I used a pestle & mortar but a rolling pin would work too!

Add the raw cocao and syrup and start to fold everything together. Add the peanut butter gradually. Crush the banana and add it to the mixture with the honey which will help bind it all together. If you want to add some protein powder (I use pea protein) then add desired amount for extra nutritional goodness!

Once everything is mixed in evenly, separate it into 4 sections and roll into your palms until they are perfectly round.

Shake the coconut onto a chopping board and roll each ball in until it is nicely coated.

Put in the fridge to set (if you can wait longer than I could!)