Chocolate coconut nut-free protein balls
Do you get the afternoon crash and cravings for a "pick me up"?
It could be your blood sugar is crashing which can cause low energy, brain fog, mood changes, lower motivation and more.
Reach for a protein snack to help you get energized and reduce those pre-dinner cravings!
Homemade protein balls are one of my go-to snacks, and they're great for busy days or travel!
As I'm intolerant to nuts, I make them nut-free, but you could easy substitute some nut butter for some of the dates!
Because these are nut-free they're a great option for school lunches.
What I love about these protein balls:
combat cravings: because they’re high in protein fat and fibre, these protein balls keep your blood sugar steady which reduces cravings.
boost metabolism: when your blood sugar is steady, this helps support a healthy metabolism.
gut health: high in fibre, these protein balls feed your healthy gut bacteria which helps manage gut symptoms, but also supports immunity, mood and metabolism.
Intense sugar cravings? It could be your gut bacteria!
Yes, your gut bacteria contribute to your cravings!
Having dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria or an infection) can cause you to crave more sugary foods as the bacteria are sending signals to your brain to feed them their preferred food - sugar and carbs!
Your gut bacteria are constantly communicating with your brain, which is one of the reasons they have a huge impact on your mental health, too!
If your sugar cravings are out of control, let’s talk - I’ve had clients crush intense cravings in as little as 1 to 2 weeks by balancing their gut bacteria!
Chocolate coconut
nut-free protein balls
Servings: 5
Prep time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups pitted dates
2 cups shredded, unsweetened coconut (1 cup reserved for rolling)
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup hemp seeds
1/4 cup hemp protein powder
Directions:
Simmer dates in a small saucepan with a few tbsp of water with the lid on until softened, about 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and mash with a fork, set aside to cool.
Once dates are fully cooled, in a medium mixing bowl, combine dates, coconut, chocolate chips, cranberries, hemp seeds and hemp protein powder. Mix together and then taste. If not sweet enough, add some maple syrup
Roll into balls and roll in shredded coconut.
Store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Enjoy!
