To everyone’s surprise (especially my own), I have been going to the gym 4-5 days a week for almost 4 weeks now. I certainly feel better, and I definitely enjoy it, so while I am not looking to squeeze into my circa 2006 skinny jeans any time soon, I am encouraged to keep going.
Of course, finding the time is another story. I leave the house for work just after 7am during the week. If I don’t have any big deadlines or any other impediments (transit delays, etc.), I can race back home for 6pm. If my dog, Hannah, has already been walked and fed (thanks, Mum) I can head straight to the gym and make it home for dinner around 7:30 or 8pm (provided Colin makes dinner while I’m out or we have leftovers in the fridge).
It’s an exercise (ha! pun) in time management. I honestly don’t know how people with kids do it all, we just have Hannah the pup and the added responsibility can be a real juggle. Mums and Dads of the world, I salute you. You’re amazing.
My first week back at work was the biggest challenge, since I was still figuring out a routine. Eat a very late lunch at work so I have energy for the gym? I could, but come 10am I’m usually starving. Eat a big breakfast and then two small lunches at 10am and 2pm? It just wasn’t giving me the energy I needed to really give’r at the gym- and if I’m going to haul myself to the gym on a weeknight, I need to make it worthwhile. I need to sweat.
The answer was simple, but one I hadn’t considered before- energy bars. Of course, I run a food blog so there is no way I was going to shill out for a bulk box of Lärabars, no matter how delicious they are. I would make my own.
A whole bar is a lot of energy, and so unless you’re running a marathon, an energy ball is the perfect portioning method. If you’re headed to the gym for an hour or two or going for a run, these are perfect. One or two balls half an hour or so before working out and you will literally feel the burst of energy! It’s uncanny, I swear.
Completely raw, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, naturally sweetened with dates- but they taste like a chocolate mint truffle! Come to think, I might just serve these as ‘healthy truffles’ at my next party. They really are delicious enough for dessert. Best of all, they come together in just a couple minutes and store well for ages.
| Raw Mint Chocolate Energy Balls | Print |
- 2 cups Medjool dates
- 1 cup blanched almonds
- 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp peppermint oil
- ⅛-1/4 cup water (as needed)
- Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until the mixture becomes a paste. If your dates are a little drier, add ⅛ cup water and blend, up to ¼ cup water if needed.
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Roll date paste into balls 1½ inches in diameter and lay on wax paper, ¼ inch apart. Refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight, until balls are firm.
- Store in a box in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
I totally feel your struggle!! I have the hardest time making room regular gym visits in my schedule! I’m trying though. And, um, these look delicious! Definitely pinning this for later. thanks!
Thanks, Brita! We need to create some kind of motivational support network haha
Love your site, can’t wait to see what you come up with next!