Article: Our favourite pick-me-up energy ball recipe and staying healthy with Evelyn!

Izzey and Evelyn met several years ago. Evelyn is a personal trainer, plant-based caterer, and co-founder of Balance and Glo (offering wellness retreats) based on the Isle of Wight. She teaches her signature ‘Power Hour’ class focusing on building overall strength and cardiovascular endurance. Evelyn hosts a monthly pop-up brunch club, where guests are treated to innovative, beautifully presented dishes that nourish the body. She is well-known for keeping island residents fuelled on delicious plant-based ‘energy balls’, stocked in local cafes and delivered to customers directly on a weekly basis.

Knowing that everyone could do with a little ‘pick-me-up’ and a boost of energy without the guilt, Evelyn has shared this recipe for her ‘Goji, Coconut and Cacao Energy Balls’. These are super simple to make and are a perfect snack to fuel outdoor adventures or delicious as a mid-afternoon snack with a cup of tea.

This recipe makes approximately 8 evenly sized balls.

Ingredients:

• 120g of dates (weight with stones remove) – use Deglet Nour or Medjool dates
• 30g of ground almonds
• 30g of nut butter (peanut or almond – smooth variety) - here on the Isle of Wight I very much recommend Pink's Food Smooth Peanut Butter (it’s just so creamy!)
• 20g of goji berries
• 15g of desiccated coconut
• 5g of cacao powder
• 1 tsp of maple syrup
• Toppings (optional): dark chocolate, cacao nibs, desiccated coconut and goji berries

 Method

1. Place all the ingredients (minus the toppings) into a blender. Blend for approximately 1-2 minutes (depending on blender speed). You want to be able to pinch some of mixture between your thumb and index fingers and for it to hold together.
2. Place the mixture in the fridge for approximately 30 minutes (so that it firms up slightly).
3. Roll the mixture into 9 evenly sized balls.
4. Now if you want to make them feel just a little bit indulgent, melt some dark chocolate and drizzle over the top. Decorate with cacao nibs, goji berries, and coconut.
5. These will keep in the fridge for approximately 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

For more recipe inspiration check out Evelyn’s website (www.trainwithevelyn.com) and make sure you are following @trainwithevelyn on Instagram and Facebook.

Evelyn is currently running her usual group fitness classes online via Zoom, as well as offering virtual and in-person (following social distancing rules) one-to-one coached sessions. She is also offering special food deliveries and is running several virtual ‘pop-up’ events with business partner, and yoga teacher, Jenny Stewart.

For more information on these and to ensure you are kept up-to-date with future island retreat opportunities, make sure you are following @balanceandglo and check out their website (www.balanceandglo.com) for further information.