Pre-Workout Gingerbread Oat Energy Balls

My Pre-Workout recipe that is super easy to make, and easy to take on the go!

I also share some fun facts about why I chose the specific nutrient dense ingredients to fuel the body along with discussing a nutrient we should try to consume daily! Some consumed by Aztec warriors and ingredients used referred to a 10,000-year-old-Redbull. Plus, you’ll learn some random stuff like Chia is the ancient Mayan word for “strength”. You’ll see.

Plus, they can be turned into a healthy type of dessert with one tip!

I hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:

10 Medjool Dates (pitted)

1 Cup of Raw Pecan Halves (sometimes I’ll mix in Walnuts)

2 Tbs of Blackstrap Molasses, not sulphured

1 Tbs of Roasted Peanut Butter or Nut Butter of Choice

1 tsp of Ginger Powder

¼ tsp of Cinnamon Powder

2 Tbs of Chia Seeds + 1/4 Cup of Water

1 Tbs of Ground Flaxseed + 2 Tbs of Water

1 Cup of Sprouted Rolled Oats

Directions:

• Mix Chia Seeds, Ground Flaxseeds, Water, Molasses, and Spices into a small bowl and let sit for 5 Minutes.
• Take all ingredients and place into a food processor and blend!
• Scoop out the desired size onto parchment paper (if scooped out with a Tablespoon, makes about 25 energy balls).
• Can eat immediately, but better chilled!

Side Notes:

Can keep in the refrigerator for 1 week.

If I use Peanut Butter, I ensure to find brands that encompass ingredients of unsalted roasted organic peanuts with no additives, such as no added oils, sugars, etc. Almond Butter, I ensure the ingredients are from raw organic almonds, no additives as well!

For a healthy dessert alternative- dip energy balls into melted vegan chocolate (cacao not cocoa) and sprinkle with coconut flakes!

Chill and enjoy this fiber packed snack!

Why did AJ choose these ingredients?

Blackstrap Molasses- Is highly nutritious, rich in iron, potassium, calcium, selenium, copper, manganese, and B6. B6 naturally occurring is helpful to raise serotonin levels in our brain to help with lifting fatigue, mood, and decrease pain.

Chia Seeds- Chia is the ancient Mayan word for “strength”! This powerful seed is great for energy along with encompassing some of the richest plant-based omega-3 (healthy fats). They are also packed full of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, and are a complete source of protein. Chia seeds are excellent for boosting energy and supporting exercise performance! In the book “Born to Run” the author talks about a Northwest Mexican tribe (Tarahumara Indians) as super athletes, who maybe some of the world’s greatest long-distance runners who literally run hundreds of miles at a time “for fun”. It was their diet that they were interested in to understand what fueled them. Come to find out, one of the things that they consumed before running is a drink called “iskiate”, in which the author referred to it as the “10,000-year-old-Redbull”. It included- water, chia seeds, and lemon.

Ground Flaxseed- Superfood it is! Its potency is helpful in reducing cholesterol, reducing sugar cravings, improving digestion, clearer skin, helping with balancing hormone and much more! Flaxseed may be one of the oldest cultivated crops known to man, even consumed by Aztec warriors. Some Nutrition Experts and Cardiologist are recommending 1-2 Tbs every single day!

Ginger- Contains quite an array of important vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger can assist with digestion, nausea, menstrual cramps, joint and muscle pain along with boosting your immunity to fight off infections.

Sprouted Oats- Sprouted oats are high in fiber and a good source of plant-based protein and complex carbohydrates! Sprouted grains in general, tend to carry healthier benefits due to lower phytic acid (mineral blocker).

Medjool Dates- Packed full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This sweet fruit of the date palm tree makes for a great natural sweetener. These dates are commonly consumed in the Mediterranean diet. The sugar is easily processed by the body and readily available for energy.  In some parts of the world, these dates are recognized as the afternoon “pick-me-up”. They are also rich in calcium and phosphorus. Only 1-2 a day for that energy burst!

There is a nutrient that over 95% of Americans are deficient in- This nutrient is essential for a healthy diet, key in toxin removal, bad cholesterol removal, lowering the risks of heart disease, diabetes, weight management, and some cancers. This nutrient is fiber.

“This deficit is stunning in that dietary fiber has been protectively associated in population studies with the risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and various cancers as well as high cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugars. Therefore, it is not surprising that fiber is listed as a nutrient of concern reported by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Protein is not.” 

New to High Fiber? If one is not used to having a high fiber meal and/or snack- the body needs to adjust. You may experience bloating, cramping, excess flatulence, and irregular stools until the body becomes appropriately adjusted.  It’s worth the adjustment for our health! Be patient with it.

Other Ingredients within this recipe: Walnuts, Pecans, Cinnamon and sometimes Peanut Butter and/or Almond butter is mixed in! All have their benefits as well!

Thank you for reading and hopefully tasting!

~A.J.  Anna-Jane Macomber- CPT, CSCT, CHN, CSN

Good energy and good health to you! Stay cool, don’t forget to breathe, love yourself, move that body, and eat well!