(photography by Elaine Gordon)
by Elaine Gordon, Eating by Elaine
I have many different energy ball recipes on the blog and they are always some of my most popular recipes. These No-Bake, Instant Sunflower Energy Balls are easy to make and have a perfectly smooth texture with a subtle crunch from the raw sunflower seeds. These babies have been a weekly staple to help me make it from breakfast to lunch. If you are the type of person (like me) who snacks throughout the day and has a sweet tooth, then these energy balls are perfect to satisfy your sweet snack cravings. I love that energy balls are pre-portioned because a couple will help fill you up quickly while limiting the urge to over-snack.
These energy balls are packed with nutrients from the oats, sunflower seeds, sunflower seed butter and maple syrup. Here are some of the health benefits of these main ingredients:
- Sunflower seeds and sunflower butter provides plant-based protein and heart healthy dietary fiber. It is an excellent source of vitamin E, folate, copper, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium. It is also a good source of vitamin B6, iron and zinc.
- Oats are higher in protein and healthful fats and lower in carbohydrates than most other whole grains. They provide dietary fiber and help you feel fuller longer, which helps control your weight and can help lower blood pressure and LDL “bad” cholesterol. Their soluble fiber also helps control blood sugar.
- Maple syrup is 100 percent natural and unrefined. It is rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. It also contains vitamins B2, B5, B6, niacin, biotin, and folic acid. Maple syrup even contains trace amounts of amino acids – the building blocks of protein! (Source)
I like to divide the energy balls into tiny storage containers so they are easy to bring on-the-go. They are also perfect for keeping in your office for late-day snack attacks.
All three of my kids absolutely love this recipe and fight over them whenever I make a batch. I sometimes pack them in my daughter’s lunch or bring on our weekend outings (for all five of us!).
For more energy ball recipes, be sure to check out the below links (all are vegan and gluten-free):
Almond Butter & Jelly Energy Bites
Healthy Raw Cookie Dough Energy Balls
No-Bake Flourless Brownie Energy Bites
This recipe is raw, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free and refined sugar-free. It is also Heal Your Headache diet complaint (for those who suffer from migraines). If you give this recipe a try, please snap a pic and tag #eatingbyelaine and @eatingbyelaine on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook so I can see your creations.
NOTE: If your sunflower seed butter contains sugar or salt, reduce the amount of salt and maple syrup in the recipe.