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You know the story. You’re in the health food section looking at all the high energy, raw protein bars and balls, trying to decide which one you like best, but most of all trying to weigh up which one is going to give you more mileage for your money. It’s so hard to justify spending so much on such a little morsel, and you think to yourself “that’s never going to get me through the morning….” So you head over to the coffee shop and purchase a massive blueberry muffin for the same price, feeling justified that you’ve done the right thing.
I know I’ve been there, and still do on the odd occasion. That’s why I prefer to make my own energy balls, bars and treats so I don’t have to think about it. They are as fresh as you can get, taste amazingly good, will sustain me for hours and I can make up a large stash for the freezer.
These little balls are packed with protein and are perfect to eat before or after a workout, or to take with you on a hike or bike ride. They are quite filling and will sustain you longer than a chocolate bar and you won’t have the quick sugar crash afterwards. They are also really nice if you’re looking for an alternative to that mid-morning Cinnamon Bun!
Walnuts are super high in protein, and if you have a dehydrator you could use soaked and dehydrated Walnuts to get the best out of them.
Makes: 14-18 balls (depending on how generously you size them!)
You will need: A food Processor
Ingredients:
1.5 cups / 150 g Walnuts
3/4 cup / 100 g Raisins
2 tbsp Chia Seeds
2 tbsp ground Flax/Linseeds
1 tbsp hulled Hemp Seeds
1/4 cup / 20 g Goji Berries
2 tbsp Coconut Oil
1 tsp Cinnamon
Pinch fine Himalayan or Sea Salt
Optional: 1 tbsp Protein Powder (eg, Sun Warrior, Pea Protein)
Method:
Melt the coconut oil over a bowl of hot water. Place the Goji Berries into the oil for 10 minutes to soften while you get the other ingredients ready.
Put all ingredients into the food processor, adding the Goji Berries from the Oil – but don’t add all of the oil, use about half.
Process all the ingredients together until they form a soft dough that sticks together when pressed between your fingers. Roll the dough into individual balls, place on a plate and chill in the fridge for at least an hour.
These will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for at least a week, or freeze for up to one month…or so. Defrost in the fridge before eating.
Raw Protein Ball Tips: Use any nuts, seeds and dried fruit that you like to make these. Grind up a mixture of seeds such as Pumpkin, Sunflower and Sesame. Add in some Raw Cacao to make them chocolaty!