Cranberry Orange Energy Balls

Name: CRANBERRY ORANGE ENERGY BALLS
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 18 energy balls
Ingredients: 1 cup oats (make sure gluten-free oats are used for a gluten-free diet); 1/2 cup organic almond butter; 1/2 cup sliced almonds; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/3 cup honey; 1 scoop whey protein powder (can also use a soy-based powder); 2-3 Tablespoon orange zest; 2-3 Tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice; 1 Tablespoon chia seeds; Garnishes: protein powder (unsweetened cocoa powder, toasted coconut)

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Cranberry Orange Energy Balls are filled with protein, fiber and antioxidants to refuel you after your workout or give you a quick on-the-go breakfast for rushed mornings. Packed with oats, almonds, cranberries, chia seeds, orange juice and almond butter, they’re a tasty bite that’s actually healthy.

Cranberry Orange Energy Balls

Are you still keeping those new year’s resolutions to eat healthier and get more exercise? I’m still working hard on it and I knew some post-exercise fuel was in order to keep me going throughout the afternoon. Hence, these easy and delicious no-bake Cranberry Orange Energy Balls.

Why Cranberry Orange? Well, I normally would have made a cranberry orange quick bread which would seem to go with the season (citrus being front & center in Florida this month) but knew that was way too many carbs for my new healthy plan so I stuck with something good for me. Yay me!

What’s in these energy balls that makes them so good for me?

Oats make up the base of these energy balls. Oats are known to help in lowering cholesterol, maintaining blood sugar levels and providing a powerful fiber punch.
Almonds are one of the richest sources of nutrients s well as low in calories. They contain powerful antioxidants, phosphorus to help build strong bones and Vitamin E to help repair muscles after a workout.
Dried Cranberries, although not as good as fresh, are one of the top antioxidant rich foods. They are linked to decreased blood pressure and an improved immune system.
Honey is the sweet in the mix, providing a high concentration of antioxidants and natural antibacterial qualities.
Chia Seeds are the best plant-based source of omega 3’s, containing protein and dietary fiber, as well as being comprised primarily of fatty acids that aid in cardiovascular health.
Orange Juice and orange zest lends the orange flavor to the energy balls. It also provides the all-important vitamin C, boosting the immune system, improving circulation and balancing blood pressure.
Protein powder provides a boost of protein but it goes beyond that. The whey protein is absorbed by the body quickly and easily and has an amino acid that may speed up muscle recovery after exercise.
Organic Almond Butter is the glue that holds these energy balls together. Almond butter has been shown to help in lowering “bad” cholesterol, cutting the risk of heart disease, managing weight and controlling blood pressure.

Easy steps to make healthy, no-bake Cranberry Orange Energy Balls.

Gather ingredients
Place all ingredients in a food processor.
Process until smooth.
Roll into balls.

Done and done! Unless you want to roll them in a little something extra, say cocoa powder, toasted coconut or vanilla whey protein power. Believe me, they’re delicious any way you fix them!

I like to keep mine in the refrigerator and just pop a couple after my workout. They’re also great as a quick on-the-go breakfast or a boost during that mid-afternoon slump. If you love simple and healthy energy balls, check out two of my other favorites, Peanut Butter Energy Balls and No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls.