Busy lifestyles can often get in the way of meal times and result in us grabbing the most convenient snack to stave off our hunger pangs. Making these energy balls at the weekend will mean you always have a healthy and tasty snack in the fridge. They take only 10 minutes to make and last for up to 4 days in the fridge. They are also a great snack for kids.

Health Benefits

Medjool dates

Medjool dates are a great alternative to standard granulated sugar. Although high calories and sugar they do offer other health benefits. They are particularly high in antioxidants, fibre, potassium (50% more than bananas) and energy giving B Vitamins. This makes them great for preventing constipation and inflammation in the digestive tract.

Pistachios

Pistachios have a higher protein content than most nuts. This will help to slow the breakdown of sugars from the dates. In addition they contain high quantities of poly- and monounsaturated fats which we know have a protective effect on heart health. Interestingly they also contain the antioxidants, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, these are known to protect your eyes from damage caused by blue light which we are exposed to continuously from phones and computer screens.

Ginger

Ginger has long been used as a medicinal herb. It is well known for it’s ability to reduce symptoms of nausea. For example from travel sickness or pregnancy. It is rich in antioxidants which means it protects your cells from damage caused by free radicals and this is known to have a longevity effect. If you are experiencing bloating and gas ginger has been found to settle these symptoms.

Recipe

Ingredients

Makes roughly 18 balls

1 cup of Medjool dates

1 cup of shelled pistachios

1cm cube of ginger grated

1 tbsp of tahini

2 tbsp pf grated coconut

1 tsp of coconut oil

Pinch of sea salt

Pinch of ground black pepper

Method

1. Add the pistachios, sea salt and black pepper to a food processor and blend into a course flour.

2. Next add the grated ginger, Medjool dates, tahini and coconut oil and blend until you have a sticky mixture. Note this doesn’t work in a Nutribullet or Vitamix or similar blender. You need a food processing style blender.

3. Next start rolling the mixture into balls. Using a heaped teaspoon amount for each ball.

4. Finally place them in a bowl and sprinkle with grated coconut to cover each ball.

5. Place in the fridge for an hour before eating. You can store them for up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.