Dairy free, refined sugar free, packed with awesomeness from every little ingredient – these raw energy power balls will give you all the natural energy you need to get through a workout or a full day with kids. Their texture is creamy, they abound in powerful nutrients and they’re ready in no time. What I love about them is that they’re filling and portable, and they keep in the fridge for about two weeks, so you can make them in bigger batches.
The combinations are endless, but the base for these raw bites is always the same – dates. These sweet dried fruits are the key ingredient in most of the successful raw delights. Brownies, tarts, cheesecakes – they all contain dates in disguise. Combined with other ingredients with stronger flavors, dates can turn your raw dessert into a very similar version of the original recipes.
Dates are not only about taste and texture, but also nutrition. Every moment of our lives, our cells work to maintain a healthy alkaline environment, and this is possible through the potassium-sodium exchange, with the aid of the magnesium in our cell’s walls. As long as your body has enough potassium and magnesium, this exchange is made and the cell stays alkaline. If not, the sodium penetrates the cell, creates an acidic environment, the cell falls into fermentation, and this is how disease appears. Coming back to dates, the good news is they provide both potassium and magnesium, but also insoluble fibers, vitamin B6, iron, calcium, and vitamin A. Pairing them with superfoods turns these truffles into real power balls, nourishing your body with vitamins and minerals, and also boosting your energy.
Here are some of the nutrient-dense foods you can use when making raw energy balls:
– Chia and flax seeds – contains the valuable omega-3 fatty acid, essential amino acids, soluble fibers, and high amounts of calcium, magnesium, and manganese. Their properties are similar, but flax is easier to find and cheaper, so go with either of these.
– Spirulina – is the most complete food, containing all essential amino acids, including gamma linoleic acid (GLA), vitamins, minerals (it’s very high in calcium), but also chlorophyll, with great detox properties.
– Maca powder – balances hormones and increases fertility and workout performances.
– Raw cacao powder – is the healthy version of cocoa powder, which is made from roasted, processed beans. The raw cacao preserves all the good properties – antioxidants, natural mood-booster and magnesium rich.
– Hemp seeds – provide both essential fatty acids – omega-3 and omega-6 fats, and also magnesium, zinc and a quality amino acid profile.
– Oats – are packed with fibers and unique antioxidants (avenanthramides).
– Almond butter – is a great source of vitamin E and magnesium, and also high in monounsaturated fats (responsible for a healthy heart).
Here are my three versions of the raw energy power balls, and their nutritional values:
CHOCOLATE CHIA BALLS
Chocolate Chia Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry pitted dates finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Chia seeds
- 1 tbsp raw cacao powder
- 2 tsp virgin coconut oil
Instructions
- Place pitted dates and virgin coconut oil in the food processor, and process to obtain fine, sticky crumbles.
- Add the cacao powder and chia seeds, and pulse 1-2 times, to incorporate.
- Use your palms to create small balls.
- Spread cacao powder and chia seeds on a plate, and roll over the balls on the plate, so the seeds and cacao will stick and give a nice appearance.
- Store in the refrigerator for a maximum of two weeks.
Notes
Nutrition
SPIRULINA BALLS
Spirulina Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 2 tsp virgin coconut oil
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds save some for garnishing
- 1 tbsp organic spirulina
Instructions
- Place pitted dates and virgin coconut oil in the food processor, and process to obtain fine, sticky crumbles;
- Add the spirulina powder and pulse once, to incorporate;
- Use your palms to create small balls;
- Spread pumpkin seeds on a plate and roll over the balls on the plate, so the seeds will stick and give a nice appearance;
- Store in the refrigerator for maximum two weeks.
Notes
Nutrition
OATS AND HEMP HEARTS BALLS
Oats and Hemp Hearts Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 tsp coconut oil virgin
- 2 tbsp hemp hearts (save some for garnishing)
- 2 tbsp old fashion rolled oats
Instructions
- Place pitted dates, oats and virgin coconut oil in the food processor, and process to obtain fine, sticky crumbles;Place pitted dates, oats and virgin coconut oil in the food processor, and process to obtain fine, sticky crumbles.
- Add the hemp hearts and pulse once or twice, to incorporate.
- Use your palms to create small balls.
- Spread hemp hearts on a plate and roll over the balls on the plate, so thehemp will stick and give a nice appearance.
- Store in the refrigerator for maximum two weeks.
Notes
Nutrition
Wonderful recipes. They’re so tasty, healthy and easy to make! Thank y0u for the recipes!
This look delicious and cute! Can’t wait try it! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Brendon, let me know if you try them!