Recipe: Healthy No-Bake Oats & Dates Energy Balls

Need a quick and healthy snack or breakfast? Try this awesome No-Bake Energy Ball recipe from a member of our Ambassador community.

Hi there! Let me introduce myself: I’m Leslie and I’m a personal trainer, run coach and nutrition specialist at Leslie H. Fitness located in Westchester, NY. I’m also a mom to two girls, ages 5.5 and 2.5 (those halves are very important!) and a rescue pup. My husband is extremely supportive in helping me find a balance to work part-time around the girls’ schedules.

My training clientele is varied, but my sub-specialties include perinatal women and endurance athletes. As a lifelong athlete, nutrition has always been of great interest to me and I cook regularly for my family. We love variety (including guilty pleasures!) and I’m a firm believer in moderation!

I personally prefer to do my early morning training sessions fasted (not eating anything before), but these Energy Balls can easily be consumed before a workout without being too heavy if you don't like working out on an empty stomach. I generally have 2-3 after my workout, but they're perfect any time you want a quick, filling, nutrient-dense snack!

No-Bake Oats & Dates Energy Balls

Ingredients

2/3 cup pitted dates (soaked in water to soften)

1 cup old fashion oats

2/3 cup almond butter

1 Tbsp ground flax seed

1 Tbsp chia seeds

Pinch of cinnamon

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Sprinkle of sea salt

Directions

Pulse dates in food processor until finely chopped.

Add remaining ingredients except sea salt and mix until incorporated.

Wet hands (to avoid sticky-fingers) and roll into 1-inch balls.

Place on sheet trays lined with parchment paper, sprinkle with sea salt, and pop into the fridge for roughly 20 minutes.

Place them into an air-tight container and store for up to 2 weeks - if they last that long.

Leslie Horowitz is a trainer, coach, nutritionist, and MMF Ambassador. Find her on Facebook or Instagram @lesliehfitness.