½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
¼ cup sunflower seeds
4 dates, pits removed
2 T coconut oil, melted
2 T dark chocolate chips
2 T dried cranberries
Add the shredded coconut, sunflower seeds and dates to a food processor. Blend until finely chopped. Pour in the coconut oil and dark chocolate chips and blend until the oil is incorporated into the mixture. Stir in the dried cranberries. Form into about 1 ½ inch balls. Refrigerate until hardened (only takes about 5 – 10 minutes).
You can eat them right away, but just keep in mind that they won’t harden until they are in the fridge for a few minutes.
This quick snack is a go to when you want that extra boost. They are a great source of protein and packed full of healthy, good for you fats to keep you satisfied. And they’re super yummy and a cinch to make, too!
Did you know that sunflower seeds are loaded with nutrients? They contain 27% protein along with calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. They are also good sources of B vitamins and carotenoids.
Plus shredded unsweetened coconut and coconut oil are nature’s best source of lauric acid. Lauric acid is an essential (healthy!) saturated fatty acid that enhances the immune system and protects us against viruses, yeasts, parasites, and other pathogens in the gut. AIDS patients and other people with compromised immune systems are now even being treated with coconut oil because of it’s ability to strengthen the immune system. Also, the medium chain fatty acids in coconut give us quick energy, which
is why I decided to name these balls “energy balls
Give them a try and you’ll see that they really will give you an energy boost. Oh, one more thing! Ditch the energy drinks and get some “real” energy (with no sugar crash!) with these nutrient dense, healthy little energy balls!
Makes 10, 1 ½ inch balls