Energy Balls and Protein Bars

Energy Ball and Protein Bars

It seems by mid-afternoon many of us need a quick little energy fix to keep moving, but rather then heading over to the vending machine or grabbing a pre-packaged snack try one of these. One of these energy ball or protein bars is all you need to put the pep back into your step.

I made a batch of both before Ramadhan started this year. We always open our fast with dates, but I thought we could add in some almonds and chia seeds as well to get an extra punch of nutrients and benefits. We now enjoy an energy ball when we open our fast to help jumpstart our metabolism and give our bodies the energy it needs to begin the digestion process. At Suhroo (early morning) time, right before we close our fast we try to have a protein bar to provide our bodies with some extra protein, fiber and natural sugars to help us get through the day.

Both treats contain dates, almonds and chia seeds which all contain an abundance of health benefits that are important to our diets while fasting.

Benefits of dates:

  • high in fiber
  • help the digestion process, relieves constipation
  • great source of energy
  • high in vitamins and mineral
  • reduce the risk of heart disease
  • can help reduce blood pressure
  • is an anti-inflammatory

Benefits of almonds:

  • high in nutrients
  • loaded with antioxidants
  • help control blood sugar levels
  • can lower cholesterol
  • high in magnesium
  • helps control blood pressure levels
  • can reduce hunger

Benefits of chia seeds:

  • easy to digest super food
  • high in nutrients
  • loaded with antioxidents
  • high in dietary fiber
  • high in omega 3
  • lots of protein
  • helps feel fuller longer
  • high in calcium
  • hydrating

Almond, Date and Chia Energy Balls

  • 1 cup almonds coarsely ground in blended
  • 1/2 cup dates (soaked and softened) blended in the blender
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds

Mix all ingredients together and place in fridge for an hour.
Remove and roll into balls and roll into shredded coconut or ground nuts for an extra treat.

Almond, Date And Chia Energy Balls

 

 

Vanilla Protein Bars

  • 1 cup oats, coarsely ground
  • 1 cup almonds, coarsely ground
  • 1/2 cup cashews, coarsely ground
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp hemp hearts
  • 2 scoops vanilla protein powder **optional

Mix everything together,

Add in:

  • 1 cup dates (soaked and softened) blended
  • 1/3 cup nut butter of choice (I used a coconut cashew blend)

Mix everything together well.

Pat flat onto a lined tray and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Remove and cut into desired size bars.

Vanilla Protein Bars