Sometimes, a little bit of extra energy can go a long way. Whether it’s making it through a long day at work or gearing up for a particularly tough workout, having easy access to some fast energy doesn’t have to mean resorting to sugar-laden energy bars disguised as “health food”. With some help from Sujata Din, you’ll be able to make your own!
Makes 10 servings (balls)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ground seeds (mix of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and flax seeds)
- ½ cup soaked cranberries (best if unsweetened)
- 1 tbsp raw honey (or to taste)
- Unsweetened shredded coconut or cacao powder (optional)
Directions:
- Soak the cranberries in water for 2-3 hours so they are moist.
- Chop the cranberries finely using a food processor and then add in the ground seeds, and process again.
- Form this mixture into small ball.
- OPTIONAL – roll each ball in the shredded coconut or cacao powder to coat and then refrigerate until chilled.
Aside from being a rich source of fast-digesting carbohydrates, cranberries are a rich source of phytonutrients that carry antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits. They also lower the risk of urinary tract infection, improve immune function, and decrease total blood pressure. Combined with the variety of ground seeds, which offer plenty of nutrients like protein, zinc and magnesium, this mix of ingredients come as a powerhouse in terms of supporting the body’s energy demands while keeping it healthy and functioning optimally.
These energy balls hold up well when refrigerated and kept in an airtight box, so don’t worry about making multiple batches at once. Pack some along in your gym bag the next time you head out; they work great as a post-workout snack as well!