Coco-Nut Balls Recipe

Ingredients
1/2c raw almonds
1/2c raw cashews
3/4c unsweetened, coconut flakes
7 dates (pitted)
1T coconut oil, melted
1-2T water

Directions
1. Food process almonds, cashews, coconut flakes, and dates.
2. Add coconut oil and 1-2T of water (depending on texture).
3. Roll into balls (will be sticky) and refrigerate.


This is one of those recipes where you can alter it to your taste buds (and pretty easily). It has a nutty-coconut flavor (a little strong). If you are not that big of a coconut fan, I would suggest dropping the flakes to about 1/4c. This will also cut back on some of the sugar. The dates give it a sweet taste; however, this is another ingredient you can cut back on if you are not the sweet tooth. Since the balls are a bit sticky, you can add in some extra nuts for some more healthy fats and protein (It will also help to firm it up). Hope you enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Per serving of 2 balls)
Yield: 35-40 balls
Calories: 94
Fat: 5.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 1.4g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 1.4g

**Calculated using sweetened coconut flakes. If using unsweetened flakes, calories/carbohydrate/sugar content will decrease.

Lemon Protein Bites

A few blog posts ago, I posted a recipe for Peanut Butter Protein Balls which are a quick boost of protein for you if you are on the go. One of the best things about that recipe is it is so versatile. Have a sweet tooth? Add some mini chocolate chips! Want some more protein? Add some chopped nuts and chia seeds! I love taking the protein bites with me to work/the gym. After finishing a work shift, I will pop a few in my mouth before heading into the gym. This helps to keep me fueled for my workout and cross the bridge between breakfast and lunch.

I am also a huge fan of lemons, as in I will eat a raw lemon :), so the last time I made this recipe I bumped up the lemon juice to 2-3T! I also ran out of dates before making this a second time, so I subbed cranberries. You can also try raisins or another dried fruit (I always go with the unsweetened dried fruit)!

Lemon Protein Bites
Ingredients
1c raw cashews
1c raw almonds
9 dates (pitted) or 1/4c dried, unsweetened, cranberries (You can cut back on fruit depending on how sweet you want it; this will cut back on the sugar in the nutrition facts portion).
1T lemon juice

Directions
1. Food process cashews and almonds.
2. Add dates/cranberries and lemon juice.
3. If mixture is dry, add more lemon juice or water.
4. Roll into balls and refrigerate.


Nutrition Facts: Per lemon bite
(yield about 40 balls)
Calories: 54
Fat: 3g (1g MUFA, .5 PUFA)
Carbohydrates: 5.5g
Fiber: 1.2g
Sugar: 3.5g
Protein: 1.5g

Quick Protein Power-Up Balls

Are you looking for a quick, no-bake protein snack? Well, you came to the right place. My Protein Power-Up Balls are simple to make and delicious to eat!

Protein Power-Up Balls
Ingredients
-1 cup of quick-cook dry oats (gluten-free if needed)
-1 cup of peanut butter
-1/4 cup maple syrup
-1/2 cup ground flax seeds
-1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)

Directions
-Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and form into small balls.
-Refrigerate for 1 hour or eat as is. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe Notes & Substitutions
-If your recipe is a bit dry and crumbly, add a bit more peanut butter until you can form balls. If too soft, add in more oats or flax.
-Instead of oatmeal, try protein powder, almond flour, or coconut flour.
-Instead of peanut butter, try SunButter (sunflower seed butter), almond or cashew butter.
-Instead of flax seeds, try hemp seeds or ground almonds.
-If you are not dairy-free, you can use semi-sweet chocolate chips.
-Additional mix-ins can include: dried cranberries or walnuts.

These protein balls are great for between meals or if you are on-the-go. It is super fun to make with children too! Try different types of ingredients every time you make it for a fun surprise!