Almond Butter Energy Balls

I'm not a huge fan of dates. I feel like food bloggers, especially those who do the plant-based or raw thing, use them in many recipes. The texture creeps me out (I'm not a fan of raisins either), if I'm being entirely honest. That said, I found myself sticking them in the cart on my short shopping trip the other day. Why? I wanted to make some energy bites that are low in Weight Watchers points.

I didn't end up doing very well with those trials -- so that recipe is still in development. It's actually getting really close. But I did come up with these guys, which are around 4-5 points each, depending on how you scoop them (flat tablespoon versus heaping).

Immediately after eating them, I get a boost in energy. They're perfect for before or after workouts. That's for sure. I have a 7-miler on the schedule tonight, so I'll definitely be packing a few of these in before I lace up my shoes.

ALMOND BUTTER ENERGY BALLS

What you'll need . . .

• 1 cup dates, pits removed
• 1/4 cup smooth almond butter
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Handful or two chocolate chips (optional -- highly recommended)

Method . . .

1. Pulse the dates in your food processor until they come together into a ball. 
2. Then tear that ball up into small pieces (to distribute more evenly in your processor) and combine with the rest of the ingredients.
3. Pulse until you get a sticky dough. It may not pull together, but it should stick together when you press on it.
4. Then scoop tablespoon amounts into your palm and roll into a ball. Repeat until you have 12-16 balls.
5. Keep in an air-tight container in your refrigerator.

I wanted to thank you guys for your amazing feedback and sharing with my whole Real Life // Being Happy post. It's nice to know I'm not alone in how I think and feel. It's nice to know I'm not alone is just being happy with where I am in this world. I am hoping to get some time to respond more personally to your comments today. Nap strike + looming work deadline hasn't been helping in this area!

Related:

Chocolate + Nut Butter Energy Chunks
Chocolate Chunk Energy Cookies
Cocoa + Nut Butter Energy Balls
Cacao Nib Energy Chunks
Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bars
Automatic Healthy Eating // Learn to Love Alternatives 

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Chocolate + Nut Butter Energy Chunks

It’s been a while since I posted a good energy chunk recipe. I’m actually working on one that’s GORP-based, so keep your eyes peeled for that soon. In the meantime, I needed something to snack on before my workouts. I love the instant jolt of energy I get from these little balls. Yet, I don’t experience a huge sugar crash because the sweetness is naturally derived.

These energy chunks are great for snacks and dessert. Especially when you’re doing a Weekends-Off Diet approach. Ada loves them, too. If you’d rather let the nut butter steal the show, leave out the cocoa powder. Toss in chocolate chips, nuts, seeds, and anything else your heart desires.

Whatever you do, enjoy!

CHOCOLATE + NUT BUTTER ENERGY CHUNKS

Makes 20-24 balls. Gluten-free and vegan.

What you’ll need . . . 

• 12 pitted dates
• 4 heaping tablespoons nut butter (I used PB)*
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups GF rolled oats
• pinch sea salt

* Would also work with sunflower butter, soy butter, etc. -- any kind of substitute you like!

Method . . . 

1. Pulse dates in your food processor until they break up a bit. 
2. Then add the rest of the ingredients minutes the maple syrup and vanilla extract and pulse. 
3. Add in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until your mixes well incorporated and sticks together. You may wish to add more/less maple syrup depending on your sweetness and/or texture preference.
4. Scoop out in heaping tablespoons onto wax paper. Then roll into balls.
5. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week.

// SIMILAR RECIPES

• Chocolate Chunk Energy Cookies
• Chocolate Almond Butter Energy Chunks
• Cookie Dough Balls
• Double-Chocolate Granola-ish Bars
• Nutella Balls
• Cocoa-Hazelnut Energy Chunks
• Maple-Walnut Energy Chunks
• Marathon Chunks
• Chocolate-PB Energy Chunk
• Cacao Energy Chunk
• Runner's World Energy Bars
• Choc-PPB Energy BARS

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Healthy Strawberry Jam

You may remember this juicy photo from Day 3 of the Life in My Stomach. I have to share the recipe because it's honestly the easiest and healthiest "jam" recipe ever. It's made entirely without all the added sugar and weird chemical-sounding ingredients. Since there aren't any preservatives, though, you'll want to make this topping in small batches, refrigerating it for maybe two days max. This recipe makes enough for two healthy servings -- two bagel-sized servings, that is.

As well, don't feel bound by my recipe. The dates are essential for texture and sweetness. However, feel free to use other fresh fruits like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc. Feel free to add spices like cinnamon and ginger. It's a fruit spread made simple, and the combinations are endless!

HEALTHY STRAWBERRY/FRUIT JAM

What you'll need . . .

• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries
• 1/2 cup unsweetened pitted dates

Method . . .

1. Throw the strawberries and dates in your food processor.
2. Process until well combined.
3. Spread over toast -- and I like mine best with a layer of Earth Balance underneath.

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!!

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