The food-for-sports market has really grown in recent years.  Long gone are the days of PowerBars being your only easy-to-digest option.  Now there are literally hundreds of energy gels & sports bars to choose from.  Although convenient, these ready-to-eat options are expensive & often contain mystery items such food colorings, emulsifiers, “natural flavors”, fractionated oils (whatever that is!) & artificial sweeteners.  I say let’s eat real food!  Here’s a simple, easy, totally delish option for you.  Pop a few of these energy balls on your next long workout & let me know what you think! Makes 18

Ingredients

• 1 c pitted dates
• 1-1/2 c rolled oats
• 1/2 c raw almonds
• 1/3 c raw sunflower seeds
• 1/4 c raw pumpkin seeds
• 2 T hemp seeds
• 2 T flax or chia seed, ground
• 2 T cocoa powder
• 1/4 t salt
• 1/3 c honey
• 1/4 c nut butter (almond, cashew, peanut)
• 1/3 c mint, chopped
• 2 t vanilla extract
• 1/3 c mini chocolate chips (optional)

Soak dates in warm water for 30 min.  Drain & pat away excess moisture with paper towels. Place dates, oats, almonds, all seeds, cocoa powder & salt in a food processor & blend until everything is finely chopped.  Add honey, almond butter, mint & vanilla & blend until mixture sticks together when pressed between your fingers.  Pulse in chocolate chips, if using. Using slightly damp hands, roll mixture into 1″ balls.  Store in fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.  Take on next long workout & enjoy! Recipe adapted from Rocket Fuel:  Power-Packed Food for Sports & Adventure