Maple Energy Balls!

 Maple, cocoa powder, and peanut butter energy balls are a healthy and delicious snack to have around the house.  The protein from the peanut butter helps to give your body protein so the muscles can continue to build, strengthen, and maintain. Maple syrup contains an abundant amount of naturally occurring minerals such as calcium, manganese, potassium and magnesium. And like broccoli and bananas, it’s a natural source of beneficial antioxidants. Cocoa powder has even more of the substances responsible for chocolate’s health benefits, and unsweetened cocoa has the advantage of being low in calories. It also contains essential minerals that support your heart, bones and immune system. Enough reasons to make these?

 I started creating my own little energy bites and trail mixes to bring with me anywhere I went. Not only are they a life saver, but they also help me make better food choices (instead of reaching for junk food).

This recipe can be easily altered too. So versatile, just add in what you want – coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, chia, flaxseed, dried fruit, and the list goes on. Replace peanut butter with almond butter and maple syrup for honey.  Roll balls in matcha tea, hemp seeds, or coconut flakes. Get creative!

Whether you’re hungry during the day, going on a road trip, or need a snack for the kiddos, these are a great go-to! Hope you enjoy these as much as we do!

Making this recipe is SO simple. In a large bowl, you mix together 1 cup peanut butter and 1/2-1 cup of very dark maple syrup. Add 1/2 - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and stir. Now the fun begins-continuing to add what you want to make it your very own energy ball to your taste.  Stir until well combined. (if too sweet then add more peanut butter or too wet add more cocoa powder. Roll into bite-sized balls using your hands. You will make a mess but be okay with that. Then eat or store in a container with a lid! Will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. If you’re like me, you may find yourself hungry even when it’s not around meal times.

Enjoy and feel good!!