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OT - Tone-up Tuesday

Aniki-Moderator's picture

We're going balls out today! Energy Balls, that is. To be honest, when I first heard of Energy Balls, I thought they were some kind of exercise ball! Lol

Energy Balls may also be known as Energy Bites, Protein Balls, Power Balls, and Vegan Truffles. There are TONS of recipes on the internet. Energy Balls are quick to fix, freeze well, and easily portable. They are actually handy snacks that provide a good balance of complex carbs, healthy fats, and filling protein. Yeah, sorry, but those sea salt chocolate cheesecake truffles do NOT fit the bill. ~sobs~

This basic Energy Ball recipe is the little black dress of them all. It’s four basic ingredients:

OATS
While you can use other flours, oatmeal is the champion. It’s filling, inexpensive, versatile, and gives you the sensation that you're eating oatmeal cookie dough instead of a healthy snack. Yahoo

NUT BUTTER
Nut butter, like peanut butter or almond butter, helps bind the balls, adds healthy fats, and makes the energy balls sustaining. It’s also delicious.

STICKY LIQUID SWEETENER
Honey or pure maple syrup. Honey is the most common, but maple syrup is a nice option if you’d like vegan energy balls or are making a recipe where the maple syrup’s flavor complements the other ingredients.

MIX-INS!
This is where the tasty experimentation begins. Add a combination of superfood, such as flaxseeds and chia seeds. Then throw in your flavor addictions: chocolate, chopped dried fruit, mini chocolate chips, coconut lakes, cocoa powder, cinnamon, some chocolate…

  1. Toss all of your ingredients into a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. If the mixture seems too wet, add more oats. Too dry? Add more nut butter. It should resemble a somewhat sticky dough that holds together when lightly squeezed. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.
  2. Remove the ball from the refrigerator and portion the dough into balls of the desired size.  (A scoop will help you measure them evenly).
  3. Store leftover energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

NUT ALLERGIES?? Here are some substitutes:

  • Sunflower see butter
  • Tahini
  • Soynut butter
  • Coconut butter
  • Cookie butter *shok* (yeah, baby!!)

What’s YOUR favorite recipe?

 

No Bake Pumpkin Energy Balls

  • 1 cup pitted dates (about 8 oz or 10-12 large dates)
  • 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats or quick oats
  • 1/4 toasted pecan halves
  • 1/4 pumpkin puree
  • 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup, more as desired
  • 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed meal or chia seeds
  • 2 ¼ tsp pump pie spice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  1. If the dates are dry or hard, let soak in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Transfer the dates to a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse until the dates are in small pieces and form a sticky ball.
  2. Add the oats, pecans, pumpkin, 1 Tbsp maple syrup, flaxseed/chia, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. Pulse to combine. The oats and nuts should be in small pieces of roughly the same size, but not completely smooth. Taste and add 1-3 teaspoons additional maple syrup if you desire a sweeter mixture.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. With a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop the mixture then roll it into balls. (If you’re one of those people who likes pumpkin and chocolate, roll the balls in mini chocolate chips.) Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months. If the balls are frozen, there is no need to let thaw—just eat immediately, or let them sit a few minutes to warm up if desired.

Comments

beebeel's picture

My workout lately has been trying to mimic the movements of the 2 year old babyface. I've been doing a lot of kicking my legs into the air while laying upside down on the couch. I can't quite do the "chew on my toesies" move yet and I can only do 15 minute sets of toddler toning a few times a day. Dance parties break out often here to the tune of Baby Bum. 

Aniki-Moderator's picture

Beebeel, what exacly is "chew on my toesies"???

You need to get Babyface rocking to GOOD music! Kiss 2

beebeel's picture

He can still chew on his own feet! He's not picky about music at the moment. He dances to the chime my dryer makes when our clothes are done. Dirol

Aniki-Moderator's picture

He dances to the chime my dryer makes when our clothes are done.

How cute!!!

BTW, I'm flexible enough to get my toes in my mouth. DH really likes my flexibility... *dirol*

ProbablyAlreadyInsane's picture

I love protein bites!!! Anything with Peanut butter in it I love!!! (I love other things too... I'm just a sucker for the panut butter...)

LOL I grew up eating "Cookie butter." My Dh bought some the other day and told me "Look! Flavors of the north!" i laughed. I literally don't know very many people that eat it regardless of location.

Aniki-Moderator's picture

PA, I'm a YUGE fan of PB. I've had almond and cashew butters (ouch, the price!), but peanut butter is my first love.

I have never had cookie butter. It would depend on what kind of cookie it tastes like...

Major Blunder's picture

We dance to "The Hot Dog Dance" from Mickey Mouse Club House in our place, really trying to move him on to some Social Distortion or Screeching Weasel or at least The Ramones !!!!

Major Blunder's picture

When he was an infant I would sing "Blood Bath at BurgerKing" by Teenage Bottle Rocket to him and he absolutely loved it   lol

Letti.R's picture

Sounds yummy!
I love them with pumpkin seeds, cashews and dried  cranberries (for my sweet tooth) Wink

Aniki-Moderator's picture

Yes, bring on those dried cranberries!! The plain ones - NOT juice-infused.

Aniki-Moderator's picture

They were cherry-juice infused and it was definitely messing with a good thing.

Dried cranberries are good.

Dried cherries are good.

Dried cranberries infused with cherry juice are an insult to both!

queensway's picture

Energy balls sound like a good idea.They sound very healthy too. This summer has been a hot one and hot weather drains my energy. Great recipes Aniki!

queensway's picture

Yes that is a huge bonus. Aniki I love all your recipes. Have you ever thought of catering before. I'm talking like small gatherings with finger foods and drinks to start. I bet you could start a part time service and do very well. This is your talent and you are good at it.

Aniki-Moderator's picture

Thank you so much!!

I have actually done some private catering jobs. I specialize in miniature desserts, homemade chocolates, and drinks (dessert drinks, fancy shot drinks, punches). I don't have a professional kitchen and can only do this privately, so not a lot of business.

Major Blunder's picture

Bring a box of GoldFish crackers and a bottle to pour shots and you're in the door Aniki, ahh heck just bring yourself, i got GoldFish crackers  lol

Major Blunder's picture

Ok you're in, DH has to byob and DW will have to ummmmm not drink cause of the kids and then be pissed at me the next day, same story different weekend  lol  (not really)