Energy balls are everywhere, but they have always felt so dense to me and more appetite cutting than satisfying cravings. But these energy balls are lightened up with lemon juice and zest, and substituting dates for apricots (that offer a load of iron when dried), and are combined with Sano’s amazing protein powder to assure that each little orb offers a complete spectrum of protein and the 9 amino acids that our body needs to function.

Lemon Poppy Seed Protein Balls

Makes 2 dozen energy balls

Ingredients

1 cup dried apricots

1 cup raw cashews

1.5oz (30g) Sano vanilla protein powder

Juice of 1/2 lemon + zest from 1 lemon

1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds

+extra protein powder and poppy seeds for dusting

Recipe

Soak the cashews in water for 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the water and use only the cashews for the recipe.

Add all the other ingredients into a food processor ( reserve some protein powder + poppy seeds to roll the energy balls in) and blend until smooth.

Place a small bowl of water next to your work station and keep your hands slightly wet when forming the mixture into small balls to prevent it from sticking to your fingers.

Place a couple of spoons of Sano protein powder and a sprinkle of poppy seeds onto a plate and mix together.

Roll the protein balls through the powder to coat them and prevent sticking.

These are great for breakfast, midday snack, post/pre-workout, or as a dessert!