Protein Balls

Ingredients:

Powdered Peanut Butter: Use this to get that same peanut butter taste with less calories, less fat and more protein per serving than regular peanut butter.

Serving size - 1 cup

Protein Powders: Choose a vanilla protein powder for this recipe. Try to get one that has 20-30g protein per serving and is low in carbohydrates/added sugars. 

Serving size - 1 ½ scoop

Milk: We used an almond milk for this recipe to keep calories low.  

Substitutes: Low-fat dairy milk, oat milk or soy milk if using a different plant-based option (more protein). 

Serving size - ½ cup

Oats: Oats provide a good source of complex carbohydrates that also has plenty of fiber and protein.

Substitutes: Steel cut oats, old fashioned oats. 

Serving size- 1 cup quick oats (plain)

Nuts/Seeds: Adding ground flaxseeds is a good way to add some healthy omega-3 fatty acids and some fiber to the meal.

Substitutes: Walnuts/chia seeds (high in omega-3), pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds (high in protein).  

Serving size - 2 tbsp ground flaxseeds

Monk Fruit Syrup: This is a natural and zero calorie sweetener making it an excellent choice to provide the sweetness that other high calorie/carb sweeteners provide, all while keeping carbohydrates low. 

Serving size - 3 tbsp

Cinnamon: Serving size - ½ tsp

*Per serving (4 protein balls):

Calories: 227

Macronutrients: 20g protein, 17g net carbs, 6g fat

Fiber: 7.3g

Sodium: 323mg

Directions – Protein Balls

• Mix dry ingredients

  In a bowl, combine oats, protein powder, flaxseed, cinnamon, and powdered peanut butter.

• Add wet ingredients

  Add monk fruit syrup and slowly mix in almond milk until a thick dough forms.

• Form balls

  Scoop and roll into small balls (about golf ball size).

• Chill

  Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes until firm.

Power Nutrients of this Meal:

Protein: The building blocks of our bodies. Protein also has the ability to satiate you longer as well, making it important to get adequate amounts of protein at each meal. Protein is also important for muscle building and muscle retention, especially while in a calorie deficit. 

Omega-3 Fats: These fats are very important for our body because they perform many important functions. These fats can lower your triglyceride levels, increase HDL cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and help lower your blood pressure. 

Iron: Important for oxygen transport, preventing iron deficiency anemia, and muscle function. A serving of these protein balls contains over 50% of the recommended daily amount of iron.