Rainbow Superfood Energy Balls

Being a professional ballet dancer, I like to find healthy snacks that can provide me with enough energy to last all day and that are also easy to travel (i.e. to throw in a dance bag). During long rehearsal days, I tend to just snack or eat lots of little meals because I hate dancing on a full stomach. And, that’s why these rainbow superfood energy balls are perfect!

Not only are the energy balls vegan, gluten-free, and paleo; but, they are also low-sugar, full of plant-based protein and healthy fats. They are fantastic for those moments when you need a little pick-me-up/energy boost during the day, in-between meals, or for a guilt-free healthy treat.

And in case you were wondering, there are no artificial colors or dyes used here: simply mother nature’s superfood antioxidant-powerhouses! I used crushed freeze-dried strawberries, turmeric, matcha (green tea powder), blue majik, and finely shredded coconut flakes.

I know what you’re thinking: what’s so “super” about them?

Well to start with, strawberries, even though I used the freeze-dried ones, they are still extremely high in vitamin C, folate, potassium, manganese, dietary fiber, and magnesium. Not to mention, they are one of my favorite fruits.

Turmeric is super anti-inflammatory and since it does not have a strong flavor, you can add it to pretty much anything. But do be careful, because it stains!

Matcha is great for your metabolism and is packed with antioxidants known as catechins, like the powerful EGCg, which cannot be found in other foods. Matcha is a powder made of finely crushed green tea leaves.

“Blue majik” has become very popular recently and is my newest obsession for many reasons. For one, like turmeric, it also fights inflammation, has 22 times more iron than spinach, and it makes your food a beautiful vibrant blue. What’s not to love? Blue majik is a type of green algae related to the spirulina family, which could be why some say it has a slight “fishy” smell.

Coconut improves digestion and absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and provides a natural source of quick energy to name a few.

For all you dancers out there, I highly recommend adding these superfoods to your diet —  especially turmeric and blue majik because they both fight inflammation and help decrease swollen muscles.

With that said, what are you waiting for?

Grow some balls and make some!

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Rainbow Superfoods Energy Balls

Prep Time

30 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Not only are these Rainbow Superfood Energy Balls vegan, gluten-free, and paleo, but they also are low-sugar and full of plant-based protein and healthy fats. They are also fantastic for when you need a little pick me up/energy boost during the day, in between meals, or for a guilt-free healthy treat.

Course: Snack

Cuisine: Healthfood

Author: Natasha Sheehan

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup reduced fat coconut unsweetened fine shredded (plus a little extra for rolling)
• 1/4 cup dried apricots
• 1/4 cup dried figs
• 1/4 cup deglet noor dates
• 1 tbs chia seeds
• 1/2 tbs hemp seeds
• Ashwaghanda
• Pumpkin spice
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract
• Freeze-dried strawberries
• Turmeric powder
• Matcha green tea powder
• Blue Majik powder/capsules

Instructions

1. In a food processor, blend the almonds and walnuts together. Pulse a few times in the very beginning.
2. Add the dried fruit and coconut. Blitz again.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients. Blitz for about 10 seconds.
4. On a parchment-paper lined baking tray, roll ball mixture into golf/ping-pong sized balls.
5. Roll the energy balls in the bowls of rainbow superfood powders... Red = crushed freeze-dried strawberries and raspberries; Yellow = turmeric; Green = matcha powder; Blue = Blue Majik
6. Place the tray with the energy balls in the freezer for about 10 minutes.

7. The energy balls can be enjoyed immediately or stored in the fridge for a couple weeks (but they probably won't last long in there anyways).