Energy bars/balls are my go-to snack before exercising, when I get cravings for something sweet or to satisfy my hunger when I know I won’t be able to have dinner until late. There is a really good selection out there which provides vegan/gluten-free and a healthier alternative to cereal bars. However, they often aren’t very cheap and even bulk buying can be quite expensive. So I’ve started making some myself. Energy bars/balls can vary in complexity and ingredients but often they contain a couple of simpler ingredients like nuts (think cashews, almonds, brazil nuts and dried fruits (dates, apricots etc). They can also include things like whey protein, cocoa, chia seed, flax seed etc. There is still a lot I have to learn about ingredients and their health benefits but I still go about making some simpler versions of my own, which help with cravings and power me up before exercising.
Here is a simple recipe I made over the weekend:
Cashew & Date Energy Balls
Makes: 6 walnut-sized balls | Time: 15 minutes (including soaking) | Difficulty: Easy | Vegan and Gluten-free
Ingredients:
- 10 pitted dates;
- 100g. cashews;
- 1 tbsp shredded coconut + a few extra tbsps for serving;
- 1 tbsp cocoa (optional).
Method
- Soak the dates in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain. Add the dates and the rest of the ingredients to a food processor and pulse until combined.
- Shape into balls, roughly the size of a walnut and roll around in the remaining coconut shavings. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and eat within a week.
I hope you enjoy making these I look forward to your own variations!
~Em
Food Notes 