Want a snack that’s not only healthy, but tasty and full of nutrition? One that will maybe even help you to whittle your waistline?

Introducing…. The protein ball.

These bite-size snacks are the perfect way to enjoy something yummy while also packing a whopping nutritional punch.

 Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (about 175g) dates, pitted (if dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes then drain)

  • 3/4 cup (about 70g) rolled oats

  • 1/2 cup (about 130g) natural peanut butter or almond butter (ensure it's vegan and unsweetened)

  • 1/4 cup (about 30g) vegan protein powder (pea, hemp, or rice protein work well)

  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds

  • 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • A pinch of salt (if your nut butter is unsalted)

  • Optional: 1/4 cup (about 45g) vegan dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs, shredded coconut, or nuts for coating

Instructions:

  1. Blend Dates: In a food processor, blend the dates until they form a dough-like consistency. Remove and set aside in a bowl.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: To the food processor (no need to clean after the dates), add the rolled oats, vegan protein powder, chia seeds, flaxseed meal, and a pinch of salt. Pulse a few times until the mixture is evenly combined.

  3. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the peanut or almond butter and vanilla extract to the mixture in the food processor. Pulse again until the mixture starts to come together. Then, add the date paste back into the food processor. Process until a sticky dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

  4. Add Extras: If using, fold in chocolate chips or cacao nibs by hand.

  5. Roll the Balls: Using a spoon, scoop out the dough and roll into balls using your hands. If the mixture sticks to your hands, wetting them slightly can help.

  6. Coat: Roll the balls in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or extra protein powder for a finishing touch, if desired.

  7. Chill: Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

Nutritional Information:

Each protein ball (assuming the recipe makes about 20) will vary in nutritional content based on the specific ingredients used. On average, each ball may contain:

  • Calories: 100-150

  • Protein: 5-7g

  • Fat: 6-8g

  • Carbohydrates: 10-15g

  • Fiber: 2-3g

This recipe is not only nutritious but also highly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different types of nut butters, protein powders, and mix-ins to suit your taste preferences and nutritional needs.

You can use any kind of protein powder for these balls, but I highly recommend giving hemp protein powder a try. Living Harvest and Nutiva are two great brands of unrefined, pure hemp protein.

This protein ball has a lot of healthy ingredients. In one serving, you’re getting:

·      Antioxidants from raw cacao

·      Omega-3s from flax seeds

·      Magnesium for muscle relaxation from sunflower seeds

·      Anti-parasitic and anti-viral properties of shredded coconut

·      Metabolic boost from coconut oil

 

Try whipping up this tasty treat to satisfy your taste buds AND provide a whopping nutritive punch!

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