Looking for a delicious and nutritious pre-workout snack? These Gingerbread Energy Balls from Kelly Jones Nutrition are perfect for fueling your workout. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they provide a great balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to keep you energized. Plus, they taste like a treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and sea salt. Mix well.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the almond butter, molasses, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is well combined and forms a dough. If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more honey or maple syrup until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Mix in Chocolate Chips: If using, fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form Energy Balls: Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill: Refrigerate the energy balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Once chilled, transfer them to an airtight container for storage.
Storage
Store the Gingerbread Energy Balls in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze them for up to three months. Enjoy them as a quick and easy pre-workout snack or whenever you need a boost of energy.
Nutritional Benefits
- Oats: Provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
- Almond Flour: Adds healthy fats and protein.
- Almond Butter: Contributes additional healthy fats and protein.
- Molasses and Honey/Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that provide quick energy and essential minerals.
- Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add warmth and flavor, along with potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Why Pre-Workout Snacks Matter
Having a balanced snack before your workout can help improve your performance and prevent fatigue. The combination of carbs, protein, and fats in these Gingerbread Energy Balls provides a steady release of energy, helping you get the most out of your exercise routine.
Enjoy these Gingerbread Energy Balls as a tasty and effective way to fuel your fitness goals!