Brain Happy Energy Balls

Final’s Week Approved & Recommended

Happy Sunday everyone! I’m so happy I finally was able to sit down at my computer and work on something besides school. For many of you, this upcoming week is one that we’ve all been dreading – finals week! And if you’re long past this torturous and ever-stressful time, say a little prayer for the rest of us!

I don’t know if it’s just me, but it seems like the end of the Spring semester is always the hardest to stay focused and finish strong. With summer right around the corner and warm weather as it is, the last thing I want to do is be stuck inside studying. Okay okay enough complaining, here’s my solution: a super healthy, brain fueling, and delicious treat that with both motivate me to study + keep me focused for this last week of class!

Energy balls are super easy to make, the ingredients are all natural and easy to substitute depending on dietary preference/pantry finds, AND tastes like the finest chocolate truffle in all of the land. Guys, I’m not kidding – this recipe is too freaking good!

I couldn’t even come up with a good name because everything in these balls deserves to be front and center. From the tahini to the pumpkin seeds – these energy balls are loaded with brain healthy ingredients. So yes, brain happy energy balls is what I’m going with and once you try them, you will know why!

Brain Happy Energy Balls

What You Will Need

For the base: 10 small pitted dates (or 5-6 large), 1/4 cup Tahini (or any nut butter), 1/4 cup almonds, 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, and 3 tbsp. hemp powder

For the coating: 2 tbsp. raw cacao powder, 1 tbsp. chia seeds, 1 tbsp. melted coconut oil, and 1 tsp. of raw honey *optional: coconut flakes

Start by pulsing your pitted dates in a food processor. You want to make sure the dates are completely blended before adding in the rest of your base. You will know when it’s ready when a “ball” forms and you are able to scrape down the sides of your food processor.

Next, add in your nut butter, nuts, seeds, and protein powder of choice. I chose tahini, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and hemp powder because they all are very high in healthy fats, which are crucial for brain health. Blend until small pebble like beads appear and then transfer into a bowl.

Begin to roll your mixture into 1 inch balls and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. This recipe made around 10 balls, give or take how large or small you decide you want them. Once finished, you can start on your (optional) healthy chocolate “ganache.”

In a small bowl, melt down 1 tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil – roughly 15 seconds in the microwave. Add in 2 tablespoons of raw cacao or cocoa powder, 1 tsp. of honey, and 1 tablespoon of chia seeds. Both coconut oil and chia seeds are high in fatty acids! Once you’ve completely mixed your coating, dip and roll each energy ball into the chocolate until completely covered. Place back on to the cookie sheet, top with addition (and optional) unsweetened coconut flakes, and let chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

The chocolate coating is not required but definitely recommended! The balls are super nutty and sweet as is, but adding some healthy cacao is also great for your brain. These energy balls are filled with healthy fats like essential omega 3’s and omega 6’s, cell protecting antioxidants, and even natural sweeteners. They might not look “healthy” but these energy balls are the perfect treat to get you through these last few weeks of classes! I hope you enjoy!

{Nutrition Information: Makes 10, serving size 1 ball • 98 calories, 4.5 grams of protein}

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