Energy balls seem to be cropping up everywhere, from health food stores to yoga studios. They make a great raw, vegan alternative to sugar-packed cereal bars and other unhealthy snacks. Often they contain lots of protein and healthy fats too! Did you know that once you have the ingredients (which are readily available from shops such as Arjuna on Mill Road) these are a piece of cake to make? All that's required is a food processor. Here's one simple version to get you started, but the possibilities are endless - try experimenting with coconut, spirulina, dried cranberries and cashews. Let us know your favourite energy ball combination using the comments section below!

1 cup dates, pitted

1 cup almonds

1/2 cup walnuts

2 tbsp chia seeds

1 tbsp sunflower seeds

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 tbsp raw cacao powder

1 tbsp hemp protein powder

1 tbsp water

extra cacao powder for dusting

Method

1) Blend the nuts and seeds in a food processor until almost flour-like. This could take up to a minute depending on the power of your blender. Add the remaining ingredients and continue to blend.

2) Roll the mixture into little balls. Place the remaining cacao into a dish and roll each ball in this until coated.

3) Place the balls on a sheet of non-stick baking parchment and place in the fridge until chilled.

These tasty energy bars make a toothsome snack at any time of day - perfect with a mug of tea. They also keep really well so make a big batch at the weekend and store them in an airtight container so they're on hand throughout the week for whenever you need a little something sweet!

2 large, ripe bananas, mashed | 2 cups oats | 1/2 cup coconut or almond milk | 1/4 cup apple sauce | 2 tbsp oil | 1 tsp vanilla extract | 2 tbsp agave | pinch salt | 5 large dates, chopped.

(Try also adding vegan dark choc or perhaps even some walnuts too!)

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

2. Pour the mixture into a greased and floured square baking pan.

3. Bake for around 30 mins or until golden brown. Leave to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars and removing from tin.