Trying New Things

If you happened to notice the "energy ball" fad that started a few years ago and dismissed it as total madness then this post is for you:

I was right there with you, filled with skepticism and questions as I came across similar recipes that contained added sugars or required a plethora of bulk bin ingredients that would empty our my wallet and wondered: What is the point?  Do these even taste good? How much energy do they actually give you?

Enter: a simple recipe with as little as 5 ingredients and no added sugars.

When I came across this recipe from Triumph Wellness I had to try it and you should too because these guys are delicious!

Not only are these relatively inexpensive to make, but they are packed with a pure cacao punch to help you avoid the giant bowl of chocolate calling your name from the office break room and they have just enough naturally occurring sugar, protein, and caffeine to help you survive the day without your sugary afternoon granola bar.  Snacking on one also turns out to be a great way to get a boost of energy that won't weigh you down during your post-work gym sesh, so drop that fun-sized Hersey's and grab one of these instead!

Cocoa Balls

Ingredients

• 1 c raw, old fashioned oats
• 1/2 c raw walnuts
• ~15 dates
• 1/3 c unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 t vanilla
• 1-4 T water

Optional

• 1 T flax or chia seeds
• unsweetened coconut or cocoa powder for coating

Combination

1. Blend oats, chia seeds, and nuts in food processor for 2-3 minutes until finely ground.
2. Add the dates, cocoa, and vanilla to the processor and blend for another 2-3 minutes. Note: you may have to blend this in 1 minute intervals so you can scrape down the sides of the bowl.
3. Add the water 2 tablespoons at a time and pulse.  The dough is ready when it is pulling away from the bowl into a large clump.
4. Roll the dough into 1 - 1 1/2 inch sized balls.
5. Optional: toss in unsweetened cocoa powder or coconut.
6. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge until you are ready to enjoy!