February brings with it a special opportunity to talk about matters of the heart—and not just the romantic kind. We mean the meaningful act of caring for ourselves and our health. For those managing anemia, self-care takes on an even deeper meaning, going far beyond bubble baths and scented candles. Self-care means making mindful choices that nourish our bodies with the iron we need.
Enter these Iron-Rich Chocolate Cherry Energy Balls, a perfect blend of indulgence and nutrition that proves treating yourself well doesn't mean compromising on taste.
The Power of Each Ingredient
We've carefully selected each component for maximum impact on your health journey. Dark chocolate and raw cacao powder deliver iron along with mood-boosting compounds—perfect for fighting winter blues. Dried cherries not only add a Valentine-worthy touch but also enhance the absorption of iron from other ingredients, making every bite work harder for your well-being.
Almond butter offers a creamy base rich in essential minerals, while pumpkin, sunflower, and chia seeds provide a powerhouse mix of iron-rich nutrients. For those managing anemia, having convenient snacks like these can make a real difference in maintaining steady energy throughout the day.
The Recipe (Makes 16-20 Balls)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup roasted cashew nuts
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (70% or higher)
- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
1. Soak the dried cherries in warm water for 10 minutes. Drain well after they've softened.
2. Add the softened cherries to your food processor. Combine with cashew nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate chips. Pulse until the nuts are broken into small pieces but still maintain some texture.
3. Add almond butter, raw cacao powder, maple syrup, chia seeds, and sea salt. Process until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed between your fingers.
4. Scoop about one tablespoon of the mixture and roll between your palms to form smooth balls. This recipe yields 16-20 balls.
5. Optional: Roll finished balls in extra shredded coconut, raw cacao powder, or crushed nuts for added texture and nutrients.
Make Them Your Own
While these energy balls are already packed with iron-rich ingredients, you can customize them further while maintaining their nutritional benefits:
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for depth of flavor
- Include 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon to support blood sugar balance
- Mix in 1 tablespoon maca powder for additional energy support
- Add orange zest to enhance iron absorption through vitamin C
- Roll in hemp seeds for extra iron and protein
Storage and Meal Prep
Set aside time to prepare these energy balls as an act of self-care, and you'll have a week's worth of snacks ready to grab. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months.
A Gift of Health
Whether you're making these Energy Balls for yourself or sharing them with loved ones this Valentine's Day, they're a reminder that self-care can be deliciously nourishing. Keep them in your bag for a mid-afternoon boost, enjoy them after a workout, or serve them at gatherings as a nutritious alternative to traditional desserts.
Remember, managing anemia is a journey of consistent, mindful choices. These energy balls make those choices a little sweeter and a lot more fun.
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