Healthy Recipes: Hazelnut Cacao Energy Balls

These quick and easy Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Balls are a sweet nutrient-packed source of vitality!

Why Homemade snacks are the Best Choice:

To snack or not to snack, that is the question I often get asked. The most recent nutrition study on this topic suggests it's the quality of the snack that matters most. It’s also a personal choice because some people will find three meals a day just doesn’t suit their lifestyle, even when their meals are balanced and nutrient dense.

Choosing a high quality nutritious snack that includes a combination of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats and fibre will provide your body with the nutrition it needs to function at it's best and help you fill the hunger gap in between your main meals.

What are Healthy Snacks?

Even the healthier looking shop-bought snacks often conceal hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives that may not align with your health goals. I normally advise savoury snacks such as hummus and vegetable sticks, apple and nuts or oatcakes and cheese or nut butter, especially for weight loss clients, but I know that sometimes only a sweet treat will do.

This homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Balls recipe hits that satisfaction sweet spot, as well as being nourishing for your body. You’ll know exactly what goes into your snack, ensuring a healthy treat that’s as wholesome as it is delicious!

These are still a sweet snack, so enjoy in moderation. They are likely to raise your blood sugar, but not nearly as much as a shop bought treat such as cakes or biscuits, which will not only be low in nutrients but will also cause a big blood sugar spike and dip!

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Nutritional benefits of this healthy snack recipe:

1. Dates: Nature’s sweets, dates provide natural sweetness and fibre, promoting digestive health and a steady release of energy.

2. Hazelnuts: Nuts are packed with heart-healthy fats, hazelnuts contribute vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, and essential minerals like magnesium for bone health.

3. Cocoa Powder: Rich in flavonoids, cocoa supports heart health and contains mood-boosting compounds, promoting a sense of well-being.

4. Chia Seeds: These tiny powerhouses offer omega-3 fatty acids, aiding brain function, and soluble fibre, promoting fullness and healthy digestion.

Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Balls Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted dates

• 1 cup roasted hazelnuts

• 3 tbsp cacao powder

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

• 2 tbsp almond or nut butter

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine pitted dates, roasted hazelnuts, cacao powder, almond butter, chia seeds and add a small pinch of salt. This is my favourite almond butter.

2. Blend all the ingredients until they form a sticky, uniform mixture.

3. Scoop out spoonful's of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls using your hands. This recipe makes 8-10 energy balls, depending on the size you make them.

4. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for about 20-30 minutes to firm up.

5. Once firm, transfer the energy balls to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen and defrosted as required. Enjoy!

This is such a versatile recipe, you can swap out the hazelnuts for any other nuts and also use a different nut butter of your choice. You could even add spices such as cinnamon or ginger to change the flavour so you don't get bored. I like to add a teaspoon of cinnamon, for its blood sugar balancing properties.

Simple Nutritionist Approved Recipes and Support for Hormonal Health & Weight Loss

I am a BANT registered nutritionist and health coach, my hormonal health and weight loss programmes are suitable for PCOS, perimenopause or hypothyroidism. I provide online nutrition advice and functional testing for women across the UK and Europe. Book your FREE no-obligation introductory call to find out more.

For more tips on healthy eating and simple nutritionist approved recipes for health and weight loss or meal plans, get in touch with me or check out my 60-day nutrition programmes, designed to help busy women balance hormones and lose weight naturally.

DISCLAIMER: The content on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.