You know those ‘Bounce’ balls which are wheedling their way into mainstream supermarkets having migrated from the likes of Holland and Barretts and Whole Foods? Well this is a hack. A hack which will save you pennies. No not pennies, pounds (£). These treats are aptly named as they are magic balls of energy – can’t face the gym after a long day at the office? Pop one of these and you will be sprinting your way to the treadmill! Also, minor detail, they are tasty…

The balls are primarily constructed of nuts – yes ‘nut balls’ (my inner 14 year old is snickering!). This is a massive change from the average energy ball which is packed full of dried fruit (!). Dried food is the dark horse of ‘healthy food’, because it basically isn’t that healthy; for example 30g of raisins is 17g of sugar. So this hack ditches all that sugar and provides a sustainable pick me up for any situation (I find them particularly handy before Thursday night drinks with friends!).

For efficiency purposes its great to make a large batch of these as they are freezable. Simply store them in an airtight container in the freezer and grab one on your way out of the door! Don’t forget your trainers.

Ingreidients Makes 15

• 125g mixed nuts
• 100g oats
• 30g unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp protein powder (optional)
• pinch salt
• 2 tbsp brown rice syrup
• 200g nut butter (I use a mix of peanut and cashew)
• 3 tbsp milk

Method

1. Place nuts and oats in a food processor and process until coarsely chopped. The mix should be slightly chunky
2. Place the mixture in a bowl and stir through the cocoa, cinnamon, protein powder and salt
3. In a separate bowl, combine the nut butter and syrup. Add this to the dry ingredients, using your hands to rub the ingredients together
4. The mix will be dry so add in the milk, using your hands again to work the moisture through the mixture
5. Shape the mixture into balls and chill – store in an airtight container