I have been doing a lot of running lately. More than usual because I am training for a St. Patrick's Day half marathon. My long run days are now 8-10 mile runs and, for that distance, I sometimes need a little energy boost in the middle. I have used gel packets (like this) in the past but I get burned out on those really quickly and I'm ready for something new.
For the past few long runs I have been carrying a little ziploc bag of dates in my SPIbelt (yes, I am a hippie freak), but I really wanted to try a new combination of flavors. I am a HUGE fan of lemon desserts and coconut too. Because they are mostly dates and cashews, these balls are similar to Larabars but the flavor is even better! They are so, so good!
Did you know…? Dates contain glucose which makes them a great food for quick energy. Read more here.
Lemon Coconut Energy Balls
Makes about 7 1-inch balls
1/3 cup chopped pitted dates
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/4 cup coconut flakes (the big crunchy ones work great!)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
A small pinch of salt
For the past few long runs I have been carrying a little ziploc bag of dates in my SPIbelt (yes, I am a hippie freak), but I really wanted to try a new combination of flavors. I am a HUGE fan of lemon desserts and coconut too. Because they are mostly dates and cashews, these balls are similar to Larabars but the flavor is even better! They are so, so good!
Did you know…? Dates contain glucose which makes them a great food for quick energy. Read more here.
Lemon Coconut Energy Balls
Makes about 7 1-inch balls
1/3 cup chopped pitted dates
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/4 cup coconut flakes (the big crunchy ones work great!)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
A small pinch of salt
- Place chopped dates in the food processor and process until they start to stick together and form a ball. Remove the ball of dates and place in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Put remaining ingredients into the food processor and process until nuts are finely chopped. Add the dates and process again until the mixture is starting to clump and stick together. Remove from the food processor and press it together firmly with your hands to form one big ball. Break off pieces and roll into about 7 1-inch balls. Keep in a covered container in the fridge.
Variation: Use lime zest instead of lemon for Key Lime Coconut Energy Balls!
