Do you have the balls to run?
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No, seriously! You need fast and long acting sugars as well as protein for a long run and energy balls have it all. They are clean and gluten free if you use gluten free oats.
This recipe was given to me by a patient, endurance athlete and friend, Megan. She used to bring them for me every so often at her PT appointments. I whip a a double batch every week and eat them as a snack mid-day, before a long run or even a short run if I haven't eaten in awhile.
1 cup gluten free oatmeal (using quick oats help to make them stick together into balls easily)
2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup chocolate chips (I used Lilly's chocolate pieces - they are dark chocolate sweetened with stevia)
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1 Tbs chia seeds
1 tsp vanilla extract
Toss together and mold into little balls (or big). Refrigerate for up to a week. Oiling your hands in coconut oil or olive oil will make the ball handling a little less messy.