Fig, Vanilla & Orange Energy Balls

This fall inspired fig, vanilla and orange energy balls are a fresh flavor twist on the classic fig newton bar! 

Classic fig newton inspired energy balls were developed for some friends that are hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim. 

Key points that had to be achieved for this recipe: 

1| to provide energy

2| clean carbohydrate source

3| fig newton-like flavor that tastes good! 

And that is how these fig, vanilla and orange energy balls came about! So if you are hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim or just simply about to start a workout, need an afternoon snack pick me up or a healthy dessert alternative, then you are at the right place! 

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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This fall inspired fig, vanilla and orange energy balls are a fresh flavor twist on the classic fig newton bar! 

18-24 balls | Prep Time: 10 Min | Cook time: N/A

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried figs

• ½ cup medjool dates

• ½ cup pecans

• ½ cup almonds

• ½ cup walnuts

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ cup ground cinnamon

• Zest of orange

• Splash or two of orange juice

Directions

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse on high to combine. You may need to stop in between to scrape down the sides of the processor with a rubber spatula. 

2. Blend and pulse for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture starts to clump. Depending on how fresh your dates or figs are, you may need to add 1 Tbsp increments of water to help break down the mixture. 

3. Using a cookie scooper or 1 Tbsp measuring spoon, scoop mixture out and roll into balls. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Can store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Apple Pie Protein Yogurt Bowl

Apple pie protein yogurt bowls are such an easy and nutritious start to your day, afternoon snack, post workout snack/meal and even as a dessert! 

Apples are my favorite fall produce and pairs well with most anything, really! So far, I have apple pie granola, cinnamon apple streusel muffins, adrenal cream cider, apple butter, apple cider churro donuts and gut nourishing stewed apples on the site. Needless to say, I’m mildly obsessed with all things apples! 

You can enjoy this apple pie protein yogurt bowl for breakfast, an afternoon snack, post workout snack/meal and even for dessert! The beauty about this recipe is that it’s macro balanced which means it will not spike your blood sugar. 

Lately, I have been enjoying these apple pie protein yogurt bowls post workout. Mainly, because it is so important to have a macronutrient balanced post snack or meal to replenish glycogen stores, support muscle recovery, support muscle growth and optimize performance for the next gym session! 

After a workout, it is best to consume carbohydrates, protein and fluids! 

Carbohydrates - Are able to replenish stored glycogen and initiate the recovery process. 

• Apples, oats, and granola 

Protein - Vital component in recovery as it helps to repair and rebuild muscles.

• Plain greek yogurt (particularly the highest in protein) and protein powder

Fluids - Help to replenish the body with fluids lost through perspiration during exercise. 

• Water, electrolytes, and fresh fruits (apples!)

Apple pie protein yogurt bowls are a winning combo! 

Other great post-workout snacks include eggs and sourdough or ezekiel bread toast, yogurt and granola, cottage cheese and fruit, protein shake, hummus and veggie sticks, tuna and crackers, and a meat stick and fresh fruit. 

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Apple pie protein yogurt bowls are such an easy and nutritious start to your day, afternoon snack, post workout snack/meal and even as a dessert! 

Servings: 1 | Prep Time: 5 MIN | Cook Time: 0

Ingredients 

• ¾ cup plain greek yogurt (lactose-free version)

• 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder

• ½ honeycrisp apple, diced

• 1 Apple Pie Stuffed Oat Bite Bobo’s, or ¼-½ cup apple pie granola

• Dashes of cinnamon

Optional add-ins

• 1 scoop creatine

• 1 scoop inositol 

Directions

1. Either in a single serving yogurt cup or small bowl, add protein powder and optional add-in powders to yogurt and mix well. 

2. Top yogurt bowls with a dash or 3 of ground cinnamon, crumble or slice up a Bobo’s (or granola) on yogurt along with diced apples and serve! 

Notes

• My favorite protein powder is Equip Foods! Use code ROOTS for 15% off your first order at this link. 

Medjool Date Snacks

Medjool Date Snacks - 10+ easy and healthy ways to create the perfect mates for dates! 

Snacks don’t have to be complex and include every ingredient in your pantry. If anything, snacks need to be simple. They need to be a quick grab-and-go and something to whip up fast as you need something ready before or after your workout, to help stabilize blood sugar, or to tie you over before a late dinner reservation. 

So that is why I’m showing you my favorite carb source - medjool dates and the many medjool date snack ideas you can do to make sure your date is macro balanced, less than 5 ingredients, and is a quick grab and go snack! 

The OG lately, medjool date + goat cheddar cheese + prosciutto. The perfect blend of sweet, smokey and salty! I also like it because it’s very reminiscent of having a charcuterie board in one bite! (*bonus if you elevate it with honey or balsamic glaze drizzle and crushed nuts like pistachio.)

Other great medjool date snack combinations are: 

salted chocolate peanut butter date

Ex: stuff the date with peanut butter and top with an almond and some crunchy sea salt and dip the bottom in dark chocolate

Cheese + nut combo date

Ex: Stuff the date with cheese like a slice of brie and a nut like pecan.

Italian inspired date

Ex: Stuff the date with goat cheese and some sun-dried tomato pieces, and top with basil chiffonade.

Wrapped in bacon date

Ex: Stuff the date with cheese of choice like goat cheese, wrapped in bacon and cook in the oven for 350 degrees - 10 min on both sides or until bacon is crispy! Sprinkle with pistachio and honey if desired.

Energizing Morning Smoothie Bowl

Energizing Morning Smoothie Bowl - A fun and healthy “create your own” smoothie bowl made with nourishing ingredients that will get you pumped for the day! 

"Everybody's working for the weekend..." Now, every day feels like the weekend! At least working from home it has! On a Saturday, I would spend extra time in the morning to create a nourishing meal as I would lounge around with a cup of coffee in hand. Well, since it is getting warmer here in Kentucky, I’ve been making refreshing smoothie bowls that double as my morning cup of coffee! 

Smoothie bowls are great for breakfast, post-workout meals, or for that 3pm slump since we are elevating our smoothie bowl with caffeinated bar bites! I love using Eat Your Coffee caffeinated bar bites for this recipe. Chocolate mocha flavor pairs perfectly with the subtle berry chocolate flavor from the smoothie bowl. Just add other fun toppings that add texture and variety like coconut flakes, granola bits, and dark chocolate chips. 

If you are wanting to try Eat Your Coffee out for yourself, use code: ROOTS20 for 15% off your first order + free shipping. 

If you don’t have these bars on hand but still want that caffeine boost, that’s okay! You can also use a single serving of instant coffee, or replace half the milk mixture with room temperature coffee or cold brew. 

If preparing a nourishing and caffeinated smoothie bowl doesn’t get you going while #workingfromhome, here are some tips for successfully working from home: 

• Getting dressed every day. Okay, some most of the time, I am going back into yoga pants but at least make an effort to change into something different. 

• Create an office environment. It’s getting warmer outside so why not work outside or work in a space where you have a view with natural lighting. 

• Work around your ebbs and flows. In the morning, I tackle the highest priorities on my list because that is when I’m most productive. 

• Movement. I sprinkle multiple breaks throughout the day by taking my dogs out for a walk, light stretching, and quick 20 minute workouts. 

What are ways that you stay productive while working from home? If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with! 

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Energizing Morning Smoothie Bowl - A fun and healthy “create your own” smoothie bowl made with nourishing ingredients that will get you pumped for the day! 

Ingredients

• 1 large ripe banana (frozen)

• 1/2 medium ripe avocado (fresh or frozen)

• 1 large handful choice of greens

• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk

Add-Ins 

• 1 scoop plain or flavored protein powder/collagen powder

• 1/2 tsp adaptogen of choice (maca, ashwagandha, etc)

• 1/2 cup frozen berries

• 1 Tbsp nut butter or seeds of choice (hemp, flax, chia, etc)

Toppings

Chia seeds, coconut flakes, dark chocolate chips, bee pollen, caffeinated energy bar bites, granola pieces

Instructions 

1. To a high-speed blender, add all the ingredients, including any desired add-ins, and blend until creamy and smooth. If the smoothie is too thick for your taste, add more milk or water to thin. If too thin, add more frozen fruits or ice cubes. 

2. Taste and adjust flavor as needed. Top with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Notes

• If you don’t have these bars on hand but still want that caffeine boost, that’s okay! You can also use a single serving of instant coffee, or replace half the milk mixture with room temperature coffee or cold brew.