Protein Power Balls

Clean BUT Tasty Chocolate deserts to make in advance and keep in your fridge when that ‘pesky chocolate craving’ hits you.

Chocolate Power Balls

makes 24-27 balls (depending on the size)

One of my favorite clean treats when I need a ‘chocolate fix’ are these “Chocolate Protein Power Balls” . I’ve made these protein power balls a few times, and my hubby goes into the fridge and eats one as he is looking for the . . .”jam” :)) These babies are filled with nourishment, and are packed with protein and healthy fats. They are a little ball of energy. So delicious and very satisfying. It’s hard to just have 1 but usually 2 is enough for me. Enjoy them as a snack or pre/ post workout. Also please read the ‘ Smart facts about Cacao powder’ at the end of this recipe. It’s so much more satisfying when you KNOW what you are eating and you’re eating it for it’s health benefits not just taste.

What you need:

7 Tbsp. Almond Meal ( Bob’s Red Mill Almond Meal- the BEST quality!)
4 Tbsp Raw Almond butter ( see nut-free option below)
3 Scoops Chocolate Protein Powder ( I use North Coast Protein Powder – in Chocolate flavour)
2 Tbsp. Organic Coconut Butter (OR 1.5 Tbsp Coconut Oil, melted)
2 Tbsp. Holy Crap Cereal ( or Skinny B- has no raisins or dried cranberries)
4-6 Tbsp. Maple Syrup (to taste) OR Stevia to taste – for a no sugar option
1 -2 Tbsp. Raw Cacao Powder
1 tsp Organic Cinnamon
1/3 Cup Slivered Almonds (or sliced Almonds)
1/4 Cup Raisins ( optional – I didn’t have any this time )
4-5 Tbsp. Almond Milk ( or Dairy Free Milk of Choice, OR Water)
1/3 Cup Shredded Unsweetened Coconut ( add to the mixture)
1/2 Cup Shredded Unsweetened Coconut – (extra for topping)

Directions:

In a bowl, add all of the ingredients.
With your hands, mix it all together until well incorporated. Add 2 Tbsp of Almond Milk at a time.
Now add the 1/3 Cup Shredded Unsweetened Coconut, and mix in well until it forms a sticky dough-like mixture.
Form into balls.
Pass through the extra shredded coconut to coat. Form into balls some more and set in a tray to cool in the fridge.
Cool in the fridge for 1 hr or over night. Then eat ! SOO Good

Not to mention when you mixing these it smells JUST like a freshly opened jar of Nutelllaaaaaa YUM!!

Place in a tray and in the fridge for 1 hr or over night

I went to grab the iPhone to snap a picture and 2 balls are missing .. ..hmmmm it’s not the cat – I know better.. Who did this?

Just out of the fridge and look at them – so yummy

***Nut Free Option: If you are allergic to nuts, then you can just substitute the almonds for a mixture of pepitas and sunflower seeds or tahini butter or sunflower butter.

Nutritional Information per 1 Power Ball

Aprox: 84Cal. per Power Ball

Cacao Powder vs Cocoa Powder ??

WHAT Is the Difference:

“Cacao powder” specifically refers to raw, unsweetened powder. On the other hand, “Cocoa powder,” may still have a very small amount of cocoa butter present to enhance the flavor subtly.

Some Smart facts about Cacao powder.

Cacao is cold pressed without solvents, and the nutrients are preserved much better than in cocoa – in fact, organic cacao has over 360% more anti-oxidants than regular cocoa! It has 21 times more anti-oxidants than green tea, and 7 times more than dark chocolate! Cacao does not raise blood cholesterol, it contains a fair amount of protein, and all three types of energy: fat, carbohydrates and sugar. It also contains high levels of catechin, fiber, carbohydrates, B vitamins and anti-oxidant-like substances. Calcium, Phosphates, Vitamins A, C and D occur in smaller quantities. (Read some really interesting facts about cacao here !)
Since Cacao contains fat, sugars, carbohydrates and protein, it has historically been used as energy food — there is no caffeine in cacao (or chocolate, contrary to popular opinion), but it does contain small amounts of theobromine, which is similar to caffeine in that it stimulates the mind, muscles, kidneys and heart – but it has less effect on the central nervous system than caffeine does. Theobromine is not addictive, and is a much gentler stimulant than caffeine (see more finding here) – It’s important not to overdo it, because it does keep you alert and wide awake. I don’t have right before bed time. (And if you’re breastfeeding, don’t eat too many power balls or your baby will happily stay awake for hours )

Hope you find this recipe/article it interesting. I love making clean recipes and researching health benefits of ingredients used. Makes me feel more knowledgeable when eating them.

Ciao Cristina ♥