Wedding season is upon us! And with that, travelling on weekends - which can totally derail your healthy lifestyle efforts if you don't plan ahead a little bit. One of my favourite ways to ensure I'm getting healthy, delicious snacks while I'm away is to make them myself a day or two before I leave! I usually prep some sort of oat energy ball, some curried chickpea salad (oh she glows recipe), shakeology packets (amazing for travelling and most smoothie places in the airport will blend it into your drink for free) and a small container of veg/quinoa/black beans/sauce for eating in the airport.
It is such a small effort to prep snacks like this, but for someone with dietary restrictions - or anyone trying to lead a healthier, better lifestyle - this can be the saving grace!
I've been reading Medical Medium's "Life Changing Foods" and really enjoying learning about the healing properties of different fruits and vegetables lately. And one of the foods I wrote down to bring more abundantly into my life are apricots! I knew I could make a wicked energy ball recipe using apricots, so this is the result of that inspiration!!
THE INGREDIENTS:
1 cup dried apricots
2 cups GF oats
1/3 cup cacao nibs
1 cup walnuts
1/3 cup raw honey
4 tbsp coconut oil
1/3 cup almond butter
1 scoop vegan vanilla shakeology
ps - you could totally add shredded coconut, hemp hearts, chocolate chips, really whatever you desire to these!! So long as you adjust the coconut oil/almond butter to balance the dry ingredients, you're golden!
THE HOW TO:
1) Place all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until blended well.
2) Place parchment paper on sheet pan, form mixture into tight balls and place on pan.
3) Let tray sit in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to chill.
4) Keep oat balls in a glass container in the fridge for up to one week! (But good luck keeping them around that long... these are goooood!)
I hope you enjoy these sweet little treats! I like eating 2 at a time with my morning coffee or taking them on the road with me to keep my energy up! They're jam packed with energizing, healthy ingredients and will help curb your sweet tooth without spiking your blood sugar levels. They also have a balanced amount of healthy fats and the added greens/digestive enzymes/adaptogens from the shakeology is the perfect touch!
Enjoy!
xx Marie
ps - are we connected on Instagram?! If not... what the heck?! Give me a holler @mariebarkerwellness and let me know if you try these apricot oat balls or any of my other recipes!