Eating healthy is not always easy. One thing that derails my regular eating habits is letting myself get too hungry. When that happens, I lose my mind and eat anything in sight. In the past, this has included french fries, candy, bagels, potato chips, and huge bowls of pasta just to name a few.
To combat this, I love to have quick and healthy snacks on hand. Some of my favorite snacks are my Chocolate Protein Balls. They are easy to make and are filled with nutritious ingredients to keep me satisfied until my next meal. You can roll them in any topping you like. I'm partial to coconut flakes and chia seeds which give them a little crunch.
Chocolate Protein Balls
(Makes about 12 1-inch balls)
½ cup plant based protein powder
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
3 tbs unsweetened raw cacao (or cocoa) powder
2 tablespoons maple syrup, agave, or coconut nectar
¼ cup of nut/seed butter of choice (I use almond or peanut butter or tahini)
2 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil (melted)
Shredded coconut, chia seeds or other toppings (optional)
Combine all dry ingredients in a small bowl. Add wet ingredients to the bowl and mix thoroughly until well combined. Use a large spoon or tablespoon to scoop batter and roll into balls. Roll in coconut if desired.
You can serve as is or refrigerate before serving. These will keep for 5-7 days in the fridge.
Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them. Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.
Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them.Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.
Julie Wunder says
yum! These look so tasty!
Jennifer says
Just stopping by to say HELLO and hope you have a great week!
Annmarie says
I love anything chocolate and these look amazing! Must make! Thanks for linking up 🙂
Confessions of A Mother Runner says
That does look like an easy snack. I always need to have healthy snacks around too. Thanks for linking up with us today
Rachel says
This looks really great. Thanks for linking up for Meatless Monday! http://www.runningonhappy.com
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Rachel!
RockMyVeganSocks says
Ooh I used to be really good at having healthy snacks on hand so I didn't eat a ton of junk food. These are the perfect snack to have on hand so I don't get derailed ;p
Mary Ellen says
This summer I got derailed too much so I'm trying to keep these around more so I don't go for those french fries!
Kyra @ Vie De La Vegan says
I totally know what you mean about going off the rails when you get too hungry...these protein balls are perfect to keep stashed away for a healthy snack! I especially love the chia seed coated balls, they look gorgeous!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Kyra. After taking the picture for the post I wanted to redo them because I didn't think they were nice enough but I was too busy eating them!
Jennifer says
YUM!!!!
It was so great getting to know you this MoFo! I would LOVE to keep a bunch of us in touch year round! Check out this specific post on my blog
http://blissfulyogajourney.blogspot.com/2015/10/end-of-vegan-mofo-15-off-season.html
CHEERS!
Mary Ellen says
I'd love to keep in touch! Is it okay to join though I didn't get to do many MOFO posts?
Jennifer says
Sure!!!!! All welcome! Just a way to keep active and keep in touch 🙂
Mary Ellen says
Great! I'll definitely sign up!
Christine says
These look wonderful, thanks! It's so fun to create variations of protein dessert balls, I like them right out of the freezer too, yum!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Christine! Yes, they're amazing out of the freezer, especially in the summer to cool off. It kind of tricks my brain into thinking I had some real chocolate. 🙂