If you guys have been following me for a while then you know how much I love a “conveniently healthy”, nutrient dense treat. I have been making energy balls for years. Why? Because they are simple to make and the variety of flavor combinations is amazing! These bites literally took me five minutes make and they are an awesome pre workout snack or on-the-go treat for CJ. They were created by Baptist Health South Florida’s Registered Dietician, Amy Kimberlain.
The main base of these bites include:
Dates: Dates are high in fiber and antioxidants. they may even promote labor by thinning the cervix. A tip my OB gave me in the last three weeks of pregnancy. Dates make an excellent natural sweetener and are considered low glycemic due to their high fiber and antioxidant content.
Almond Butter: AB is a healthy fat and great source of vitamin E, magnesium, copper, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and phosphorous.It is a good source of monounsaturated fat good for heart health.
Cashews: Contain oleic and palmitoleic acids, monounsaturated fatty acids linked to a decrease in bad cholesterol (LDL) and higher levels of healthy cholesterol known as (HDL)
No-Bake Almond Butter Energy Bites
Makes 12 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews
- ½ cup almond butter
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Preparation:
- Place the cashews in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine meal-like texture.
- Next add the almond butter, dates, vanilla and salt.
- Pulse the food processor until you have a dough that sticks together.
- Roll the dough portions (or scoop with a cookie scoop) into golf ball size portions.
- Keep energy bites in the refrigerator for up to a week – or freeze if there are any leftovers!
Nutritional information: Per serving: Calories 162 Fat 9.7g, Carbohydrates 15g, Sodium 53mg, Protein 5g.