I’m not a big breakfast eater, but I do like a little something to complement my morning green tea.
I practice the “light to heavy” eating concept for optimal digestion and it really works for me. (Lightest meal of the day is breakfast, heaviest is at dinner). It really all comes down to how you feel after you eat, and if you don’t feel light and energized after a meal or a snack, then you’re doing it all wrong…
These little balls are infused with powerful superfoods that not only give a nice energy boost, but are loaded with substantial nourishment as well.
They have maca powder: a root vegetable that is a known natural healer. I began incorporating it into my diet four years ago for its hormonal benefits and have stuck with it ever since for all of its welfare.
Just a little bit each day can nourish your endocrine system by balancing hormones, increase your stamina, fight fatigue and boost your libido. It’s really ideal for women, especially certain times of the month (wink), as well as men.
They also have cacao powder. Cacao is much healthier than processed coco powder. It’s raw and unprocessed and filled with antioxidants and fiber. It’s also a natural stimulant. An ideal pairing to maca powder for getting a serious energy boost in the morning AND a much healthier alternative than cups of caffeine.
These energy balls come from a simple raw food recipe I learned in a class a few years ago. I reformulated the recipe and experimented with the implemention of certain superfoods. I found this formula works really well and holds together beautifully. The maca powder (which is sweet, but has a distinct flavor) is subtle enough that you can taste it, but the chocolate cacao flavor is definitely the stand out.
You can leave them plain, or dust them in a little extra goodness like maca or cacao powder. It’s the perfect concoction for breakfast fuel, or to have as a snack.
They also have walnuts, which are full of omega 3 fatty acids, protein and fiber, as well as dates and raisins.
Walnuts are the perfect fuel for your brain with a high concentration of DHA. DHA is said to help concentration and cognitive decline. The ideal nut to get you out of that morning brain-fog.
I mean, need I say more?!?!
Here’s what you’ll need for my Maca Energy Balls.
Ingredients:
•2 c. raw walnuts
•3/4c. unsweetened raisins + 3/4c. medjool dates (pitted)
•1/4 c. cacao powder
•2 tsp. non alcohol vanilla
•2 Tbsp. raw maca powder
Directions:
1. Blend walnuts in a food processor until it turns close to a powder. (Do not over blend. May need to stop, scrape sides down and continue pulsing. You want walnuts to turn into a mealy powder, not into a paste.)
2. Add dates, tucking inside walnut mixture, along with the raisins, vanilla, maca powder and cacao powder. Blend in food processor until mixture begins to hold together.
3. Use a small spoon or 1/2″ ice cream scooper to scoop out balls. Roll evenly, place onto pan, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.
4. Best stored and served from the refrigerator.
*Notes:
*If you what to dust the energy balls in something, let them set up first, at least an hour, OR you can let them set up overnight then dust in powder first thing in the morning.
*You can use ALL dates or ALL raisins, you just need 1 & 1/2 cups TOTAL of either.
*You can also mix up the nuts; 1/2 cups of almonds and 1/2 cups of walnuts. You can use pecans and walnuts too. Just know the texture might be a little different than what’s shown in these pictures.
*If batter is mealy and not holding together you can blend in 1 Tbsp of maple syrup, up to 4 Tbsp. You can also pop batter into fridge BEFORE rolling into balls. Let them set up about 20 minutes in fridge then roll.
