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

Avocado Pudding Recipe

A friend of mine suggested I try out her Avocado Pudding recipe she found in a magazine (not a clue which one). I'm always one to try new things, especially if they are healthy. You get a boost of unsaturated (healthy) fats and some protein! The recipe was really simple and quite good. It took me less than 10 minutes to make, so great to make in a pinch!

Just some forewarnings:
1. It is not sweet! If you are more of a sweet tooth, add some type of sweetener.
2. The recipe I used called for dates (10-12), which I did not have, so I used some honey instead.
3. It tastes much better after it sits in the fridge and gains the "pudding-like consistency."
4. I topped mine with some Reddi Whip, which gave it a little more sweetness and more of a dessert feel.

Avocado Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
1 Avocado (ripe)
1T Honey
1/2c Almond milk
4T Unsweetened cocoa
1/2 tsp. Vanilla

Directions
1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl or blender. Chill for 1 hour and enjoy!

Easy Chia Seed Recipes

My new adventure this week and last was with Chia seeds. If you are thinking, "Chia seeds, like Chia pet?" You are indeed correct! These are the same seeds featured in the Chia Pet. So, what are Chia seeds? According to WebMD, "Chia is an edible, unprocessed seed (and whole-grain), that can be absorbed by the body (unlike flaxseeds)." You can sprinkle raw Chia seeds on cereal, sauces, vegetables and yogurt. You can also use Chia seeds in baked goods. Chia seeds are a good replacement for eggs (if you have an allergy), just mix with water! Chia seeds are a good source of fiber, protein, calcium, Omega-3s, and antioxidants.

Last week, I made Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding. To be honest, once you get over the weird texture, it is actually pretty good. I found it to be an easy snack with a boost of fiber.

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding 
Ingredients
2T Chia Seeds
1/2c Milk (I used almond milk)
1T Cocoa Powder
1tsp Honey

Directions
1. Place all ingredients in a jar or container with a lid. Shake vigorously.
2. Refrigerate overnight and enjoy!

**I made the mistake of trying to stir it all together and it did not go well. Shaking is the way to go!

Today, I ventured to make Chia Seed Crusted Chicken, in a few different forms (recipes below), since I wasn't sure how it would turn out. Again, I was pleasantly surprised with the great flavor. A definite must-try recipe!

Picture taken while I was still cooking, note the raw chicken :)

Chia Seed Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
2T Chia Seeds
2T Coconut Oil
3 Chicken breasts, cut into pieces
2T Unflavored Bread Crumbs or 2T Almond Flour
1T Parmesan Cheese
1 Egg, beaten lightly

Directions
Option 1: Dip chicken in egg then chia seeds. Fry in coconut oil.
Option 2: Dip chicken in egg then bowl with bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and chia seeds (mixed). Fry in coconut oil.
Option 3: Dip chicken in chia seeds. Fry in coconut oil.

**My personal favorite was the chia seeds with parmesan cheese.




http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/truth-about-chia