You may remember my weekly meal list including the yummy balls that I had never tried before from the Fitnessista. Well, last week I was able to to make and try them and let me just say, they are incredible! I first made them the way the usual recipe says to, then decided to mix things up a bit. These protein bites are a bit different but oh so yummy! They are also filled with tons of proteins, good fats, and a small amount of carbohydrates. Because of the types of protein filled ingredients used, they also have the two types of protein that will help muscles recover directly after a workout and build muscle long after the workout is complete.
Soy and whey proteins are two of the biggest protein components for these and each ball boasts about 13 grams of protein! Whaaatt?! So much, I just do not know what to do!!! They are also filled with omega and saturated fats from both the coconut and almond butter. Cinnamon and local honey add to sweeten the pot with plenty of good taste and allergy fighting capabilities. If you have issues with seasonal allergies, get some locally sourced honey and the localized pollination with help fend off those unwanted histamines much like vaccines fend off illness.
As for the cinnamon? Well, cinnamon also helps with clearing up those pesky allergies. It can also help fight off the flu and aid in digestion. Cinnamon is a wonderful sweetener as well! I like putting a bit of cinnamon in my coffee to sweeten it without sugars and to kick my metabolism into gear on those sleepy mornings!
But, something even better than all the healthy effects of these is, possibly, how easy they are to make! I have increased the recipe and make about 15 at a time. Then, I have more than enough for an entire week of post workout eating!
Ingredients
Yields: 15 Protein Bites
- 5 1/2 Tablespoons Protein Powder. I like this one.
- 6 Tablespoons almond butter
- 7 Tablespoons dried coconut flakes
- 3 Tablespoons honey
- 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 Teaspoon salt
- A pinch of your sweetener of choice (Stevia works well!)
- 1/8 A cup dark chocolate morsels
Recipe
- Combine the protein powder, almond butter, and coconut flakes in a food processor. Pulse until coconut is in pieces and all ingredients are mixed well. It may look a bit crumply at this point, that is totally fine!
- Add the honey, cinnamon, salt, and sweetener to food processor. Pulse again until all ingredients are combined.
- Add the chocolate morsels and pulse again. The mixture should start to bunch and may even form into a giant ball of it's own!
- Roll the mixture into balls about an inch in diameter. Set on a plate and place in the fridge for a few minutes or hours. This will help them keep their consistency and can be moved to a plastic baggie after a few minutes.
These bites should be ready to eat and good luck not eating them all at once! We have put the bites in plastic baggies when out for the day and they have lasted just as good as when they were first made!