How are y’all feeling lately? Quarantine life has it’s ups and downs over here. We are all mostly good, just aiming to adjust to our schedule and seeking new sources of joy to replace the ones that aren’t currently possible. Seeking new ways to maintain happiness!
Enter– Dopamine!!
Dopamine is one of the feel good chemicals in our brain; and along with serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins they all play a vital role in how happy we feel. Ever notice how elated that first bite of chocolate or that sunny jog makes you feel?! That’s the feel good chemicals at work!
The kids and I were in need of a mood elevator this week, so I whipped up a few batches of Energy Balls AKA healthy fat bombs. I forgot how much I LOVE these Pick Me Up snacks and I had to share my recipes with you!!
These Energy Balls are full of healthy fat, fiber and antioxidants and really only require a food processor or Vitamix. They are decadent and delicious like a dessert, but the sweetness comes from nature!! Hope y’all enjoy!
Walnut Cacao Balls
Equipment
- High Speed Blender or Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cup Pitted Dates
- 1 Cup Walnuts
- 2 tbsp Coconut Oil melted
- 1/2 tsp Flakey salt
- 1/4 Cup Cacao Nibs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 Cup Flaked Coconut
Instructions
- Place dates in a bowl of warm water to soak for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry
- Add walnuts to your Vitamix or food processor and pulse until fine
- Add dates, cacao nibs, vanilla, salt & coconut oil and blend until mixture is fully combined and sticky!
- Using damp hands, roll mixture into 1-inch sized balls and set aside
- Roll balls in flaked coconut until fully coated.
- Chill in the freezer 30 minutes before you enjoy!
Fudgy Fig Almond Balls
Equipment
- High Speed Blender or Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Dried Figs stems trimmed
- 2 Pitted Dates
- 2/3 Cup Raw Almonds
- 2 tbsp Ghee with Pink Salt
- 1/4 Cup Almond Butter melted
- 3 tbsp Chia Seeds
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 tbsp Cocoa Powder
- 1/4 Cup Chocolate Collagen Peptides
Instructions
- Place figs and dates in a bowl of warm water and soak for 15 minutes to soften. Drain and dry
- Blend Almonds into a fine powder in your high speed blender or food processor
- Add figs and remaining ingredients and process until the mixture sticks together
- Using damp hands, roll mixture into 1-inch balls.
If you find you have left over dates to use, give this super simple recipe a try!! It will curb the largest sweet tooth while improving your fiber and potassium! All you need is Coconut Butter, Maple Syrup + Dates!!
Trouble Shooters!
Here are a few fool proof formulas to make sure your energy balls turn out perfectly creamy!
- A food processor is ideal for mashing dried fruit and nuts! A Vitamix on highest speed also works really well. No liquid required!
- Dried Fruit, Coconut Oil and Nut Butters are your binders. If you find your balls aren’t sticky enough–add a bite more to your mixture.
- Your mixture shouldn’t crumble. If it does, add a binder
- Collagen Peptides mixes better than protein powder. If you use protein powder add a little extra dry fruit or sweetener.
- Feel free to add in hemp seeds, spices, matcha or espresso powder! Have fun with it & Enjoy!!
