You are not alone if you ever feel that mid-afternoon slump in your day. You’ve been going full steam and energy levels are starting to wane. What should you do?

Rather than reaching for a caffeinated drink to push you through, a better option is to choose a nutritious snack. The perfect choice will be good for you and deliver the energy boost you need.

The same snack could also work wonders on the kids, who seem to be hungry all day long.

The ingredients of the no-bake chocolate energy balls deliver protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Plus, they are easy to make.

They are ideal for snacking or taking on trips and are packed full of energy and great taste. You can even whip them up en masse and store them in the freezer for the week ahead.

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The simple six-ingredient recipe creates a perfect balance, and the top four ingredients (listed below) each offer their own health benefits. When combined, you end up with a healthy snack for all occasions.

Flaxseed

This have been used for centuries for their health-protective qualities. Flaxseed is loaded with nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and many essential vitamins and minerals.

The omega-3 content helps to lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and can reduce tumor growth. The positive impact flaxseed has on cholesterol and inflammation helps support a healthy cardiovascular system and can prevent stroke and heart disease.

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Additionally, flaxseed contains lignans, which are plant compounds with strong antioxidant properties. Both men and women have been shown to benefit from daily intake of flaxseeds as these properties help to lower the risk of several cancers.

The fiber content in flaxseed is both soluble and insoluble. Both are fermented by your gut bacteria to bulk up your stools, making digestion smoother and more regular.

Almond Butter

Eaten raw as a snack or a common replacement for peanut butter, almond butter is delicious and nutritious. Almonds are low in saturated fats, which help to support heart health by controlling cholesterol and blood pressure levels as well as fighting weight gain.

Almonds also are considered around the globe to be one of the ultimate brain foods. The riboflavin and L-carnitine nutrients in almonds help to reduce inflammation, which contributes to brain disorders, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.

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In addition to the anti-inflammatory properties, healthy fats, and improved sugar balance, almonds also contain probiotic components that can help your digestion. The skin of almonds improves your intestinal gut flora profile.

Detoxification and healthy bacterial growth as a result of almond consumption help your body to utilize nutrients and prevent nutrient deficiencies. These energy balls are great for those who suffer from digestive troubles.

Even if your gut is pretty healthy, bolstering your intestinal bacteria never hurts.

Dark Chocolate

Not everything sweet has to be bad for you. In fact, dark chocolate is quite the opposite, at least partially.

Dark chocolate provides amazing free radical fighting abilities. Free radicals are unbalanced compounds generated from your body’s cellular processes, and they can cause oxidative damage to your body.

The cocoa in dark chocolate contains more antioxidants and polyphenols than tea, making it the best choice for fighting oxidative damage.

Cocoa also contains flavanols which have a positive impact on your heart health. Flavanols help to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to your heart as well as your brain.

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Additionally, they help in the production of blood platelets by making them less sticky, so clot formation is easier. This reduces your risk of developing a stroke or heart disease.

These flavanols also promote brain health with their ability to increase blood flow to the brain, which is beneficial in preventing dementia and stroke.

Whey Protein

The chocolate protein powder used in the recipe below contains whey protein, which is packed full of valuable nutrients and health benefits. Whey protein helps to promote muscle growth, an invaluable benefit for both developing children and aging adults.

While most sources of protein help support muscle development, whey protein has been shown to be the most effective. Whey protein also contains all of the essential amino acids, and, because it is easily digestible and quick to absorb, you get access to every single one of them.

High cholesterol is the silent killer because it accumulates without your awareness. LDL (bad) cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, but whey protein has the ability to decrease the total and LDL cholesterol levels in your blood.

Cholesterol also comes from eating processed foods that contain unhealthy fats. The whey protein in snacks like these chocolate energy balls delivers healthy fats and helps you stay full.

No-Bake Triple Chocolate Energy Balls

Cooking Time: No cooking required

Preparation Time: 10 minutes to mix, a few hours to settle

Ingredients:

¼ cup almond butter

¾ cup Terra’s Kitchen Chocolate Protein powder

½ cup finely chopped dark chocolate

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

3 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon flaxseed

Directions:

1. Add all the ingredients into a food processor and pulse the mixture until it comes together.

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  

3. Taking a heaping tablespoon of the mixture, roll it into balls and place on the sheet.

4. Allow the balls to sit for a few hours and then roll them in cocoa powder before serving.

The Bottom Line

You can make enough for the day, or stock up and store them in the freezer. Keeping them handy prevents you and the kids from grabbing something unhealthy when those hunger pangs kick in.

Kids seem to eat all day long because they are growing and their bodies are in constant need of nutrition and energy. Not to mention, you could probably use a little extra energy every afternoon to get through your day.

No-bake chocolate energy balls are easy to make and are the perfect snack for you and the kids. The great taste keeps you coming back for more, and the energy gets you through your day.

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