The food-for-sports market has really grown in recent years.\u00a0 Long gone are the days of PowerBars being your only easy-to-digest option.\u00a0 Now there are literally hundreds of energy gels & sports bars to choose from.\u00a0 Although convenient, these ready-to-eat options are expensive & often contain\u00a0mystery items such food colorings, emulsifiers, \u201cnatural flavors”,\u00a0fractionated oils (whatever that is!) & artificial sweeteners.\u00a0 I say let’s eat real food!\u00a0 Here’s a simple, easy, totally delish option for you.\u00a0 Pop a few of these energy balls on your next long workout & let me know what you think! Makes 18<\/p>\r\n

Ingredients<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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

  Soak dates in warm water for 30 min.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Add honey, almond butter, mint & vanilla & blend until mixture sticks together when pressed between your fingers.\u00a0 Pulse in chocolate chips, if using. Using slightly damp hands, roll mixture into 1″ balls.\u00a0 Store in fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.\u00a0 Take on next long workout & enjoy! Recipe adapted from Rocket Fuel:\u00a0 Power-Packed Food for Sports & Adventure<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  The food-for-sports market has really grown in recent years.\u00a0 Long gone are the days of PowerBars being your only easy-to-digest option.\u00a0 Now there are literally hundreds of energy gels & sports bars to choose from.\u00a0 Although convenient, these ready-to-eat options are expensive & often contain\u00a0mystery items such food colorings, emulsifiers, \u201cnatural flavors”,\u00a0fractionated oils (whatever that<\/p>\n

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