Are protein balls still a thing? 

With summer approaching, I know that many, myself included are being a bit more mindful of our health. Personally, food just seems more exciting to cook and eat during the warmer months and so I’m putting a real focus on what goes into my body lately. In no way am I subscribing to any notions of diet culture but I do think it’s important to eat smart.

That is why I have fallen in love with this protein ball recipe. It’s easy to make, filling, perfect for a sweet tooth and doesn’t have an overbearing date taste. If you want to compare this to anything, these bad boys taste like a birthday cake flavoured Quest bar and I am hooked. For someone who never eats breakfast, this is a great way to get in the habit of doing so.

The base of this protein ball is oatmeal, macadamia nuts, agave, and a few dates for texture which leave for endless possibilities that suit your taste, buuuut this is the recipe for my go-to start to the morning.

I N G R E D I E N T S

• 1 cup of raw macadamia nuts

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1/2 cup vegan vanilla protein powder

• 10 Medjool dates

• 1/4 cup agave

• 1/4 tsp almond extract

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 salt

• (optional) 2 tbsp sprinkles

 

I N S T R U C T I O N S

• In a blender or food processor add nuts and blend until it turns into a butter.
• Add oats, protein powder, dates, agave, almond extract, vanilla and salt and blend until combined. (the mixture should be sticky)
• Add sprinkles and pulse to mix.
• Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for 30 mins. (this is crucial to the batter keeping its form after you make the balls)
• Using a 1-inch cookie scoop or spoon, form the mixture into your hand and roll into a ball and place on a plate. Repeat until all the batter has been rolled.
• Cover and refrigerate balls for another 30 mins and then place in a sealed container for up to one week or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

This recipe serves 12 balls and takes around 15 minutes to prep outside of the hour spent in the fridge. 

Note: I recommend using a vegan protein powder because whey options are usually too chalky to enjoy. My favourite is the Lean Protein powder in vanilla by Tropeaka, it’s gluten free, dairy free, soy free, non-GMO, organically grown…it’s just hard to hate and tastes great.