I’ve spent so much time trying to find a more nutritious alternative to store-bought energy or granola bars, but none of them really made the cut. Most are packed with “sugar-free” alternatives, “low-calorie” and “guilt-free” claims, and filler ingredients with no natural fiber everywhere you turn! (If you’re like me and have separated from toxic diet culture and have found our way to food freedom and intuitive eating, you know all of that is just some BS!)
So now I just make them myself— and they’re soooo much better than anything you could buy in a store, and so damn quick to make!
Date and coconut energy balls are my favorite pre-workout, hike, or errand-running-weekend snack. These little, delicious powerhouses are packed with so many great ingredients that not only taste great but are so good for us too!
For example, dates…
- Help reduce blood pressure and balance blood sugar
- Give you a healthy dose of daily fiber
- Keep your bones strong with high potassium levels
- And are full of antioxidants
Coconut…
- May promote heart health
- Can help control blood sugar
- Are packed with antioxidants
- Have so many beneficial nutrients like protein, B vitamins, manganese, healthy fats, and more
And oats…
- Incredibly high in fiber
- Help manage blood sugar & cholesterol
- Packed with B-vitamins
Not only do they help give you a little energy boost, which is great if you’re about to work out or fall asleep at your desk, but they’re great for any sweet-tooth and will keep you full! So if you’re looking for a great alternative to your usual go-to granola or energy bar, give these a try!
Date & Coconut Energy Balls
Ready in 10 minutes
Serves 20 people
Ingredients
- 1 cup pressed pitted dates
- ½ cup Almonds, raw
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- 12 tbsp cocoa powder (optional)
- ½ cup oats (optional)
Preparation
- In a food processor, crush the almonds until you get the desired texture (more time for powder texture, less time for crunchier pieces)
- Add dates and coconut. Mix.
- Roll the mixture into 20 balls. Roll in more coconut to avoid them from sticking to each other.
Tips
- Ideal as a pre-workout (or anytime!) snack
So there you have it! I hope this quickly becomes a new staple to your snack line-up.