Quick, easy and packed with high-end nutrition, these little powerhouse balls are designed to pick you up from the afternoon blahs, re-charge your energy supplies after a good workout/run, and for little lunchboxes labelled: afternoon treat.
Use them however you need them, but be sure to treat them with love, as high quality ingredients are oh-so-necessaire with powerhouse snacks. Our goal here is to tell the body that with this one, little, satisfying dose of food, we can gain a good dose of clean energy, some protein to rebuild and maintain muscular strength, good fat for the brain & for a happier mood , and some full mineral cacao to nourish our cells.
What more is needed?
De Nada.
What we LOVE about hemp hearts:
They are high in GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid), incredible for proper hormone function
They are anti-inflammatory, useful for everyone, but particularly beneficial for those who suffer from inflammatory related illness (cancer, arthritis, GI disease, asthma, cardiovascular disease)
Useful in weight-loss: these little cuties are packed with fibre, healthy fats & protein, so they are excellent at fuelling the body in the right way, igniting satiety signals and allowing you to stay full and satisfied for longer
Digestive & Immune supportive: high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, hemp hearts can help you move your bowels regularly (good for those who bung up easily ) and provide immune support through feeding the healthy bacteria in your gut
Enjoy these lovelies and remember: if you make them, do let me know how much you loved them!
10 Minute Hemp Chocolate Energy Balls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Category: Snack, Energy Snack, Post-Workout
Cuisine: Vegan, Real food, Nutrient-dense, Vegetarian
Yield: Aprox. 16 Balls
Ingredients
1 cup dates, pitted & soaked in boiling water for 5-8 minutes
1/2 cup almond butter
1/4 cup hemp hearts + 3 Tbsp for rolling
2 tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp cacao powder
2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Drain softened dates. Transfer sweetened date water to a glass jar and reserve for smoothies or sweet drinks - keep refrigerated up to 3 or 4 days.
Place dates, almond butter & vanilla in your food processor and blend on a medium setting until a sticky, dough-like consistency forms (you may need to stop and spread the mixture evenly in the processor a few times with a spatula). Add hemp hearts, cacao, coconut oil & salt and blend until well incorporated.
Add cranberries and chocolate chips and blend once more until well combined.
Roll into balls of your preferred size (mine were about 1.5 inches round) and coat in reserved hemp hearts (or sifted cacao, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts/seeds) and place onto a lined cookie sheet and transfer to the fridge. Allow to set at least an hour, overnight is preferable. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. ENJOY!!