-date & chocolate protein balls-
So, what's the buzz & fuss about protein balls these days? I first made these
last year, as a means of having some fun in the kitchen with my youngest sister who is also
a health foodie. We were excited about the end product & thought it looked visually stunning
(as you can see). I was skeptical (like you) at first, but soon realised the benefits of having
these snack balls tucked in the fridge/in my bag.
last year, as a means of having some fun in the kitchen with my youngest sister who is also
a health foodie. We were excited about the end product & thought it looked visually stunning
(as you can see). I was skeptical (like you) at first, but soon realised the benefits of having
these snack balls tucked in the fridge/in my bag.
i. Shape & size-friendly: Easy to grab, pack & pop into your mouth when you're on the go
ii. Healthier snack option: Instead of reaching for 'energy-dense, nutrient-poor' snacks (a.k.a junk foods) to satisfy the mid-day hunger
iii. Ingredients: No added nasties, purely homemade & natural in comparison to in-store protein balls
iv. Great energy booster pre & post-workout
v. Storage: Keeps well up to 7 days, which means that your snack supply is covered for a whole week.
ii. Healthier snack option: Instead of reaching for 'energy-dense, nutrient-poor' snacks (a.k.a junk foods) to satisfy the mid-day hunger
iii. Ingredients: No added nasties, purely homemade & natural in comparison to in-store protein balls
iv. Great energy booster pre & post-workout
v. Storage: Keeps well up to 7 days, which means that your snack supply is covered for a whole week.
Needless to say, I'm convinced!
yield 8-10 balls
prep 5 mins
make 10-15 mins
ingredients
- 10 dates, pitted
- 1 cup unsalted almonds, soaked (4 hours) & drained
- 1 scoop whey protein powder, vanilla/choc flavour
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes
- 1 tbsp cacao powder
- 3 tbsp water
method
- Combine dates, almonds and water in a food processor and blend until a coarse mixture forms.
- Add protein powder, flaxseed, coconut flakes and cacao powder to the mixture & blend until well incorporated. You should get a semi-wet, paste-like mixture. (If the mixture is too dry, add more water as needed & blend)
- Remove the mixture and place in a large bowl.
- Using your hands, roll mixture into balls.
- Refrigerate the protein balls on a tray/plate lined with baking sheet (uncovered) for an hour to let it set.
- Transfer to a container/jar for storage.
- Eat it whenever, wherever :)