Feel like your kids are eating ALL day long? Energy Balls are filling little bite-sized snacks, packed with protein and flavor, guaranteed to satisfy even the most voracious teen appetites. “Energy balls are pretty much the perfect snack,” says Robyn Coale, RD, owner of Nutshell Nutrition in New York City. “They offer a satiating combination of protein, carbs, and fats, plus they’re totally customizable and portable.”
“Aim for a snack that offers 200–250 calories and 10–15 grams of protein for the perfect nutrient mix”, says Erin Thole, RD, spokesperson for the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics based in Des Moines, Iowa. So, we say, “Snack-o-holics unite”! Combine one or two energy balls with a piece of fruit for breakfast, throw a handful of energy balls in your hiking backpack, or take them to the campsite as a great alternative to those store-bought bars and bites that are full of ingredients we can’t pronounce.
Once you discover the convenience of energy balls you’ll be bagging them up in re-sealable bags, and popping them in the freezer for a whole week’s worth of healthy, kid-friendly snacking. Energy balls are also great for an end-of-the-work-day pick me up, giving you that extra energy boost you need to get through a rockstar workout at the gym.
The Health Benefits of Energy Balls
This simple, 6-ingredient recipe for energy balls is carefully crafted with the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and fats.
- Flaxseed is high in Omega-3 and fiber, and lowers cholesterol.
- Almond butter contains generous amounts of magnesium and potassium which aid in blood pressure and heart health.
- Dark chocolate is an excellent source of antioxidants that can improve health and lower the risk of heart disease.
- Terra’s Kitchen nutrient-rich, gluten-free protein uses the best whey protein, whey protein isolates and soy proteins. The lipids are a proprietary blends of Mediterranean fat sources such as olive, avocado and grape seed oil.
So, let’s get our energy balls snack on!
6-Ingredient Triple Chocolate Energy Balls (makes 16)
What you need:
¼ cup almond butter
½ cup dark chocolate, finely chopped
¾ cup Terra’s Kitchen Chocolate Protein Powder
2 tablespoons cocoa powder, plus more for rolling (optional)
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon flaxseed
What to do:
In the bowl of a food processor add all the ingredients.
Pulse until the mixture just comes together.
Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Take a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a ball then place the balls on the sheet pan.
After the balls have set for a few hours roll in the cocoa powder. (optional)
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Jennifer Fontaine is the founder of Outdoor Families Magazine, publisher of MommyHiker.com, a blog to encourage outdoor activities with children, and an activist filmmaker inspiring dynamic change in the world. She lives in Southern California with her family.
[…] alternative to those store-bought bars and bites that are full of ingredients we can’t pronounce. This recipe comes courtesy of Jennifer Fontaine, who is a health and wellness expert and managing editor at […]