Little Balls of Energy!

If you are like me, then you are always looking for a little pre-workout fuel. Eating a full meal before a workout upsets my stomach, but trying to workout on an empty stomach is torture. I need a little something to give me a boost to get me through, but not so big that I am struggling to keep it down mid-workout. 

Allow me to present a family favorite: ENERGY BALLS! 
The first time I made these was about a year ago after I found a similar version on a crafting website. I had then modified them to my liking and fell in love! I made the mistake of introducing them to my Dad and found myself making him triple batches every couple weeks ;). I've since taught my parents how to make them and they never fail to have a Tupperware container full of them in their refrigerator! (Love you mom and dad!)

These little balls are packed with everything you will need to fuel your body right before a workout. They are also so tasty you wont mind snagging one if you are on the go with no time for a full meal. 

Here is what you'll need: 

-1 cup Rolled Oats (mine are Gluten Free)

-1/2 cup Flaxseed

-2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (which you will be toasting) 

-1/2 cup peanut butter (I used sunbutter of course) 

-1/3 cup honey (you can use all natural but you will need to use more because it is thicker)

-1/2 cup chocolate chips (any variety, I used semi-sweet because that's all I had in my house) 

-1 tsp pure vanilla extract 

This recipe is SO simple! You can make it in one large mixing bowl and use absolutely no utensils! From start to finish it will take you about 35 minutes.

Here is what to do:

1. First you have to preheat your oven to 350 degrees and toast your coconut for about 8-10 minutes or until it's golden brown. 

2. While the coconut is toasting you can mix in the rest of the ingredients into a large bowl. The recipe above is for a single batch but I ALWAYS make at least double since both Phil and I love these! 

3. Once your coconut is toasted let it cool slightly then pour it right into the bowl with everything else! 

4. Now comes my favorite part! MIXING! You can attempt to use a spoon but my best advice is to get in there and use your hands. Because of the thickness of the honey and the peanut butter using your hands to "squeeze" it together not only works better but would take you much less time than trying to stir it together. This is also a great forearm workout haha. 

5. Once you have it completely combined, stick the bowl in the refrigerator and let it firm up a bit so it will be easier to roll them into balls. I only keep it in there for about 10 minutes, any longer and you will have a heck of a time trying to separate it.  

6. Once it has firmed up in the refrigerator, it is time to roll them out. This is my least favorite part because it takes all of my will power to not shovel it in my mouth. Grab a palm full and instead of rolling it into a ball like you would with cookie dough, you have to kind of squeeze it into a ball. This will allow it to really bind together and hold its shape while being stored and wont make it so crumbly when you bite into it.

7. Once rolled just stack them up in a Tupperware container in layers. No need to separate them with parchment paper because they wont really stick to each other that bad. With my double batch I made 30 delicious balls! 

Keep them refrigerated with a lid on them and they will last up to two weeks but I guarantee you will eat them all before they go bad ;) 

I spent a good amount of time figuring out the nutritional value of each ball because I knew that would be a question I would receive! So here ya go :)

1 ball:

164 calories

4.2g fiber

19.2g carbs

11.6g sugar

3.2g saturated fat

10.7g fat

5g protein 

Comparing this to other protein bars that I eat they were pretty similar, less sugar and less calories. Though some protein bars are higher in protein and may have more fiber, these are homemade and completely customizable. Not to mention zero preservatives, or other mystery ingredients.  You can add or subtract any ingredients to make them exactly how you like them. You can add dried fruit in place of the chocolate chips or do a combination of both. My dad adds hemp hearts as a half and half with the flaxseed (I would have done the same but I was all out.) He also uses almond butter instead of peanut butter, and I use sunbutter. The only thing I suggest you keep the same would be the honey, though you can use the all natural kind, you have to use more because it is thicker and not as sticky as the regular kind. 

I love to snack on one of these little guys about 30 minutes before my workout to give me extra energy and keep me from having that "empty stomach" feeling. 

I would LOVE to hear how you liked them if you try them yourself and any modifications you made!!! ENJOY!