Are energy bites healthy? Energy balls are typically packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making them an excellent, calorie packed energy boost. They're great for hunger cravings after a workout, avoiding processed,late-night munchies, or just adding a tasty protein to your diet.
Energy balls are healthy, versatile, protein-packed snacks that consist of: Nut Butter/Nuts: Verve uses locally sourced nuts to make nut butters which gives the density and protein to the snack. We tend to gravitate towards peanuts, almonds, and sesame seeds. While nuts are low in carbs, they are high in protein and fiber. Studies show that eating nuts can increase fullness and help you eat fewer calories. *Peanuts (Native to South America): are packed with healthy fats and high-quality protein, consisting mostly of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Peanuts are also an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. These include biotin, copper, niacin, folate, manganese, vitamin E, thiamine, phosphorus, and magnesium. *Almonds (Native to Middle East): Almonds are high in healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, protein and various important nutrients. Almonds are high in antioxidants and vitamin E. Something often overlooked, but very important, is that almonds are extremely high in magnesium, a mineral that offers assistance for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. *Sesame seeds: In a 3-tablespoon (30-gram) serving, sesame seeds supplies 12% of the RDI for fiber, which is vital for your digestive health, provides 5g of protein, and are a good source of thiamine, niacin, and vitamin B6, which are necessary for proper cellular function and metabolism. Dried Fruit: Dried fruit is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is also gives a naturally sweet and tangy flavor and acts as a binder. We use dried cranberries, raisins, prunes, uchuvas, and anything else local that we can stick in the dehydrator. *Uchuvas (golden cherry): Golden berries boast an impressive amount of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They are low in calories, while high in antioxidants, and may boost bone health and vision. *Cranberry: Cranberries help to prevent stomach infections. We also enjoy the sour tanginess. * Raisins are high in fiber, potassium and other plant compounds. Eating raisins may improve blood sugar control, lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol, as well as decrease inflammation.
All-Natural Sweetener: In addition dried fruit, you’ll need another binder such as honey, panela syrup, or maple syrup. We avoid refined sugars. Flavorings: Flax seeds, dried coconut, cacao nibs, spices, seeds, etc. to give your energy balls some uniqueness! Cacoa: See article on Benefits of Chocolate (in main blog). Coconut: Coconuts is all forms (water, milk, oil, fruit) is extremely high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Coconut oil is antimicrobial, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial.
How do you store energy balls? Store energy balls in a freezer-safe bag in the freezer for up to 3 months or, in an air-tight container in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks