This week marks the start of my clean eating journey. I’m doing an awesome 8 week program with the fabulous ladies at Tone It Up (because…have you seen them?!). And I’ve really had an internal struggle this week about how to blog during this time. I even considered (gasp!) not featuring cooking recipes. BUT I decided that was just dumb, and that I would take the next 8 weeks (at least) to feature some healthy snacks, meals, and goodies that are helping me stay on track. So this week I bring you balls…Chia Peanut Butter Protein Balls, that is (get your head outta the gutter!). Haha!
So why did I choose protein balls, you wonder? (Or maybe you don’t). Well I wanted to make a great snack that is packed with good for you food, is a cinch to make, and makes multiple servings (for multiple snacking moment). And one thing that I know is protein is important to have and these treats are perfect morning or afternoon and especially keeps you fueled pre and post workout. I have a feeling I’ll be visiting the Vegan Family Recipes site where I came across this snack quite a bit in the future.
4 ingedients, you say?! Yes, I did. The first item you need is natural peanut butter. Yes it’s a little oily on top so give it a really good stir and then give the counter and the jar a good wipe down cuz this part can be messy. But it’s so worth the extra effort as it’s full of the goodness that peanut butter offers without the added fat and sugars.
Next up are dates. Now this recipe calls for Medjool Dates or regular dates. I couldn’t find the Medjool variety and opted for Prunes instead. I figured they might have a smoother consistency than the regular dates that were at the store. I’m happy with this decision and would say if you can’t find Medjool Dates, then Prunes would be a great substitute.
The other 2 items are great to have on hand when you’re trying to eat well. Protein powder (a good, natural one that you can find) and Chia seeds. I could go into a whole rant on how great chia seeds are for you, but there’s no time for that. Another great chia seed snack I did is this fabulous Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding that I LOVE to snack on or eat for breakfast. And these Chia Seed and Blueberry Muffins are crazy good! Seriously good!
So just grab a food processor and pulse all of the ingredients together until they’re well combined and can easily form into balls. Then roll about a teaspoon worth of the mixture into balls and eat right away or refrigerate. I refrigerated mine in layers in a storage container using waxed paper to separate each layer as I stacked. They make about 10 or so small-sized protein balls. I had some this morning for a snack and they were fabulous! Can’t wait to snack on them more tomorrow!
I cannot wait for you to try these healthy, totally guilt-free Chia Peanut Butter Protein Balls! Click away for the recipe and step by step instructions.
A look back:
One year ago: Quinoa Strikes Again with a Quinoa Berry Breakfast Bowl!
Two years ago: Sweet and Savory Appetizers
Three years ago: In the Name of Tuna
Four years ago: Paella…A Gastronomic Delight
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