Energy Balls

 These Raw Cacao and Dragonfruit Energy Balls are brimming with nutrients! 

 They are a choc- berry delight…. and I actually made them because my pantry was overflowing with bits and pieces I wanted to use up.

 Energy balls are delicious little snacks that are really easy to make as you just mix everything into a bowl, roll into balls and store in the fridge for up to 7 days. They can even be frozen for later use!  

Recipe later…..read on why you need energy balls in your day!!

I’m not much of a breakfast person….but I do know that eating breakfast sets your body up for the day, by kickstarting your metabolism and maintaining blood glucose levels. This, in turn, can actually help maintain a healthy weight and even assist you to lose weight. So although I can’t actually do the whole sit down thing at breakfast…..I can certainly help myself start the day right with a couple of these!

Afternoon slump?....take a few of these to work with you and help you get through the afternoon. The Medjool dates in these have a low/medium glycemic index score – so they provide sustained energy rather than spiking your blood sugar and then leaving you in the crashed zone later.

Having a bad day? Research shows that omega-3 oils (think chia seeds!) can actually help improve concentration through brain function AND boost your mood. Just what you need hey?

Looking for an excuse to indulge your taste buds? Cacao has more than 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries and is an excellent source of plant-based iron. Don’t substitute for cocoa powder! Cocoa powder is processed and roasted to the point where nearly all of the antioxidants are destroyed. 

Dragon fruit powder is packed full of antioxidants, minerals and Omega-3s. It’s also a good source of magnesium, which supports the brain, the heart, and bone health. This is where the slight berry flavour comes from in these flavour packed lusciously rich balls! Very finely milled powder, and very bright fuchsia in colour!  You can find dragon fruit powder at www.centaurpackaging.com.au

Almonds are rich in nutrients that help protect the heart and are important for brain health. Almonds also assist to lower bad LDL cholesterol. Almonds are low in carbs and high in protein and fibre. I won’t go on too much – but Vitamin E, folate, unsaturated fatty acids, magnesium, manganese are all in these seeds. Did you know that almonds are not actually nuts? They are the seed of the fruit from the almond tree!

On to the recipe…..so you can go and make a batch for yourself!

Raw Cacao and Dragonfruit Energy Balls – recipe by Karin Parker 

1 cup raw almonds

7 large Medjool dates, pitted

3 tbls water

2 tbls black chia seeds

3 tbls raw cacoa powder

4 tbls dragonfruit powder

1 tbls water extra

Greaseproof Paper

Place almonds and dates and 3 tbls water in a small processor and blend until almonds are blitzed to small bits and it all comes together in a ball.

Remove and place in a bowl. Fork mash in chia seeds, cacoa, and dragonfruit powder – adding in the extra water to make the consistency like cookie dough.

Roll into balls, place on greaseproof paper in a container and chill in the fridge.

Pop back here and let me know what you think of these!