Sunflower Seed Balls

Sunflower seeds are high in protein and vitamin E, and oats are high in fibre, helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Wrap up a few of these and take them on your next hike for a sweet, nutritious energy boost.

2 cups (500 mL) pitted dates
1 lb (450 g) unsalted, all-natural sunflower seed butter
3 cups (750 mL) quick-cooking rolled oats
1/2 cup shelled unsalted sunflower seeds (optional)

Put dates into food processor and process. You may need to add a few tablespoons of boiling water to help chop them up. Add sunflower seed butter to food processor and mix until smooth.

Put combined dates and sunflower seed butter into large bowl and add oats 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. With clean hands, form 1 in (2.5 cm) balls and place on plate. Cover and refrigerate. Enjoy!

Makes 25 servings.

Each serving contains: 222 calories; 7 g protein; 11 g total fat (1 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 27 g carbohydrates; 3 g fibre; 1 mg sodium

Source: alive #330, April 2010

source: "Healthy Indulgence", alive #330, April 2010