Coco Choco Chia Energy Balls

Coco Choco Chia Energy Balls could become one of your favourite snacks! They are delicious, easy to prepare and healthy, they satisfy those sugar cravings and give you the energy you need when feeling flat or after a long work out, so make sure you keep a supply handy!

Its not very often that you find a sweet treat that is actually good for you…take a look at the ingredients and you’ll see that not all pleasures are guilty ones…

Almonds: 

• lowers cholesterol
• supports brain, cardiovascular and respiratory systems
• regulates blood sugar levels
• promotes a healthy skin

Coconut

• natural antibiotic – fights bacteria, viruses and fungi
• boosts metabolism
• increases levels of healthy cholesterol (HDL)

Raw cacao powder:

• lowers risk of heart disease and stroke
• protects against free radical damage
• effective cough suppressant
• settles stomach

Pure maple syrup:

• promotes reproductive health in men
• helps regulate cellular energy
• slows growth of lung and prostate cancer cells
• improves blood sugar control

Dried dates:

• supports digestion
• balances blood sugar
• promotes a healthy heart
• supports healthy nervous system
• promotes efficient metabolism
• lowers cholesterol

Chia seeds:

• promotes a healthy heart
• supports healthy bones and teeth
• good for your intestines

“Too good to be true”? Not this time!!!
(For further reading see: Healing Foods by Neal’s Yard Remedies)

Recipe
makes ∼ 25 balls

140g (1 cup) almonds
80g (a bit <1 cup) desiccated coconut + 3tbsp for decoration
2.5 tbsp maple syrup
4 tbsp almond butter
3 tbsp raw cacao powder
12 medjool dates – pitted
2 tbsp chia seeds

1. Blend the almonds and coconut in a food processor until roughly ground (∼15 sec).
2. Add the maple syrup, almond butter, and raw cacao powder. Blend until combined (∼10 sec).
3. Add the pitted dates and process until perfectly combined (no more date chunks visible, ∼20-30 sec).
4. Add the chia seeds and stir (don’t blend, we like them whole).
5. Create walnut sized balls by crunching the mix in your hands (wet your hands if you’re having trouble sticking them together).
6. Coat with the 3 tbsp of desiccated coconut.
7. Refrigerate for 30 min.
8. Enjoy!

Tips / Variations:

• CCC Energy Balls will keep for 2 weeks in the fridge, you can even freeze them!
• Add more raw cacao powder for a more dark-chocolate-like flavour.
• The recipe works just as well without chia seeds.
• Use alternative coatings such as raw cacao powder or chopped goji berries.

Print recipe here: Coco Choco Chia Energy Balls Recipe

Did you know?
Expectant mothers…this is for you!
A study published in 2011 suggested that eating dates 4 weeks prior to giving birth had the following benefits: significantly higher cervical dilation; reduced need for induction and reduced infection rate as a result of a higher rate of intact membranes on admission to hospital.

All that may or may not be true, I’m no scientist after all but at least you will still have saved all those calories by substituting chocolate for all those yummy dates! 😉

For more Françoise La Prune, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, Bloglovin’ or subscribe to receive the newest posts via email. 

---

You may also like
Beetroot Rosemary Chips
Champagne Truffles
Sin-amon Granola
Szechuan Spiced Nuts