In 2016, I ran my second half marathon on Mother’s day and I fainted when I was at the 10th mile due to low sugar. I was advised to take energy shots while running long distances. But I did not like the taste and my tummy did not accept it either. So I was looking for a good source of supplements at the same time easy to carry while running as well. I read a few articles which suggested taking nuts and dates. I didn’t like the way how I have to chew nuts while I am running and thought to make nuts and dates balls.
I roast the nuts in the oven for 5 mins, blend nuts and dates together and make them into small balls. I can pop in my mouth while running and don’t make you heavy at the same time give you energy to run. You can make whatever size and shape. Since then this recipe is a staple snack recipe to make over the weekend. I store them in the container and keep them in the office fridge for 3 pm snack. My coworkers are big fans of my energy balls!! I generally make this while watching TV on Sunday in less than 20 mins and we have it for the entire week. To be honest, they get over it by midweek.
For 2 cups of mixed nuts, 8 dates give the sweetness which is required. You can add more or less date depending upon the sweetness you prefer. I use Costco unsalted mixed nuts as it has cashews, almonds, pista and pecans. Sometimes, I like to add freshly shredded coconut or coco nibs. Once you have nuts and dates base mixture you can add any additions to the energy balls.
Although nuts and dates are healthy, they are high is calories so you have to watch how many energy balls you are eating. Now let’s get into the recipe!!
Ingredients:
- Mixed Nuts – 2 cups
- Medjool Dates – 6-8
- Shredded coconut (optional) – 2 Tablespoon
Steps:
- Preheat the oven 250 degrees Fahrenheit
- Add the nuts and roast for 5 mins. ( Roasted nuts are easy to blend)
- Soften the dates by keeping in the same oven for 2 mins or microwave for 45 seconds
- Now add the nuts in the blender or food processor and pulse it. You have to be careful as you don’t want to make it into nut butter
- Once nuts are crumbled, now add dates
- Pulse it few times until nuts mixture and dates are well combined
- Now transfer the mixture into mixing bowl. Using your hand and mix well
- At this stage you can add shredded coconuts and mix
- Nuts mixture is ready to make into ball. I use cookie dough scooper to have same size of energy balls and roll them into balls.
Enjoy the energy balls!!
Storage details: Place the energy balls in the airtight container and store in the refrigerator up-to 7 days.
GulitFreeRecipe 