These Power Balls are the perfect snack for pre or post workouts. They are great for a quick grab-and-go snack for you or the kids and work nicely for lunch or recess. Remember, you can also make LARA Balls from our awesome LARABAR post (there are so many types to choose from). These little bites provide natural energy from a great source of healthy carbohydrates, fats and protein. Everyone in your family will love these little yummy bites. They are just so perfect! They will satisfy that sweet tooth and you’ll be excited to make more. I am sure this will be added to your Sunday food prep for the week.

 

Quick facts on the ingredients that make these balls so powerful!

 

Benefits of Flax

• High in fiber
• Antioxidant
• Omega 3 fatty acids
• Low in carbohydrates
• Great source of B Vitamins
• Magnesium and Manganese
• Phytochemicals
• Lignans

Note: Flaxseeds need to be ground to make the nutrients available. The combination of healthy fats and fiber in the flaxseed help you stay full longer, control your blood sugars and actually help you lose body fat or maintain fat loss.
 

Unsweetened Cocoa

That’s right, chocolate (minus the sugar and fat) is healthy! You can find your precious antioxidants in cocoa.
 

Wheat Germ

(If you are gluten free skip this ingredient.)

Source of:

• B Vitamins
• Calcium
• Fiber – reduces risk of heart disease, diabetes, and prevents weight gain
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids – help lower cholesterol and elevate mood
• Phosphorous
• Potassium
• Protein
• Selenium
• Vitamin E – great antioxidant that is perfect for anti-aging
• Zinc

 

Nuts and Nut Butter

• One of the best plant sources of protein
• Rich in fiber
• Phytonutrients
• Vitamin E
• Selenium
• High in Omega 3 Fatty Acids

 

Dates

• Great source of insoluble fiber
• B Vitamins
• Magnesium – healthy bone development and energy metabolism
• Potassium – lost through sweating during working out – great for replenishing, keeping blood pressure down and to maintain a healthy nervous system
• Iron

 

Cinnamon

• Great for bad breath
• Balancing blood sugars
• Used as a digestive aid

 

Protein Powder

Protein is the building block of life. Protein keeps blood sugars regular, helps you stay satisfied longer, repairs muscle tissue and keeps you from craving foods (sugars). In order to replenish your cells you need protein.
 

*DAMY Members – this is an approved meal 2 snack.

 

DAMY Health Power Balls

 

 
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dates
• ½ cup pecans
• 1/3 cup coconut
• 1/3 cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup ground flax
• 3 tbsp wheat germ (If you are gluten free skip this ingredient.)

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in your food processor and blend.
2. Form into 1 inch balls and roll in wheat germ and coconut mixture.
3. Store in a container in the fridge.

*If you find the mixture too thick add ¼ cup of warm water and blend again.
*For a 1 inch size ball – 4 DAMY Health Power Balls is considered a snack. If you make them larger only two.
*If you find your balls (lol) are a bit crumby add a couple tbsp of warm water and puree again.
 

Chocolate Protein Power Balls

 

 
*Makes a double batch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dates
• 1/3 cup pecans
• 1/3 cup coconut
• ¼ cup plus 2 tbsp wheat germ
• Dash of cinnamon
• 1/3 cup ground flax
• 1 heaping scoop of protein powder
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• ½ cup almond butter

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in your food processor and blend.
2. Add 1 tbsp of warm water at a time until desired consistency (it may take 1-3 tbsp – watch it and use your own discretion).
3. Form into 1 inch balls and roll in ground flax and coconut mixture.
4. Store in a container in the fridge.

*Makes 20 plus (I was extremely tired when I was making them and forgot to keep counting..lol)

*1 Serving is 4 small balls if you roll them into 1 inch size or if you make them bigger (2 inch) – 2 balls per snack. Again these are great for your mid-morning snack or for your per or post workout snack.
 

Build Your Own DAMY Power Balls

Substitutions:

Fruit Flavors – Feel free to try these in different flavors:

• unsweetened dried blue berries
• cherries
• cranberries

Roll Topping – In place of the wheat germ for the rolling you can add:

• ground flax
• cocoa powder
• toasted coconut
• crushed nuts

Nut butters – You can use any of these nut butters. Feel free to switch it up and use:

• peanut butter
• cashew butter
• almond butter
• soy nut butter

Nuts – You can choose from different nuts:

• pecan
• peanuts
• walnuts
• almonds
• pistachios

Protein Powders – As long as it’s natural and has no added sugar or chemicals go for it!

• whey
• brown rice
• soy
• hemp

Note: You can always drop the coconut if you are not a fan or try toasting it before using it for a different flavor.