Peanut Butter Energy Balls

I can’t express how happy I am it’s Friday.

It’s not that it was a bad week, it’s just been a crazy week. And lack of sleep + non stop activity means that this girl is ready for the weekend.

I mentioned going to the Whole Foods cooking demo on Monday but what I didn’t tell you was that I think I discovered my new favorite snack.

Jesse (the chef) called them “Heady Goo Balls” which was actually a very accurate name for them, I think. You can see the original recipe on Stephanie’s blog, and while you’re over there, please wish her a happy birthday 🙂

So when I decided to make my own, I made a few revisions, because I was never much of a rule follower. Mine are kind of a peanut butter and chocolate version. This is what went into mine:

Peanut Butter Energy Balls

•    1/3 cup peanut butter
•    1/2 cup chopped dates
•    1/4 cup chia seeds
•    1/4 cup almond butter
•    1/4 cup wheat bran
•    1/4 tsp vanilla extract
•    1/2 package of Amazing grass (4 grams ish)
•    1 tbsp cocoa powder
•    2 tbsp honey
•    1/4 cup bee pollen
•    Shredded coconut (as much as you need for coating)

I love recipes like these because you can basically substitute until your heart is content. They sort of taste like brownies. (It’s not like, oh my gosh I just bit into a brownie, but its like a similar consistency and flavor.) AND they’re like, loaded with energy. Seriously. I ate some during my 3pm slump and it carried me all the way until dinner! I think I’m in love.

The one thing I want to point out is the bee pollen. Have you ever had it? I hadn’t, until Monday. Thankfully, Ellwood Thompson, the local natural foods store, carries it! It’s sweet, but apparently it’s really really good for you.

The recipe makes about 20 balls and each ball has about 60 calories, 2g fiber and 2g protein, plus a crap ton of vitamins. Yep, that’s how I roll.

 

 

I’m going to pack a few of these in my work bag, to replace the Fiber One bars I’ve been eating. If you just look at calorie, fiber and protein, it would end up being about the same. The difference is, these babies are allllllll natural, and packed with good-for-me ingredients. I think there’s something to be said for that, no?

And now I’m looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend.

What’s the strangest ingredient you’ve tried in the past year?