Recipe: Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls
We’ve all been guilty of a last-minute panic buy at the supermarket till or coffee shop and sometimes it’s essential to grab something healthy on-the-go. (FYI, a personal fave - Deliciously Ella snacks). However, this can get quite expensive to keep up and doesn’t help you when you need a pre or post-workout snack readily available at home. Make a batch of these and store them in the fridge to grab and go or take to work as the perfect afternoon snack. They are just 60 calories per serving (over half that of most store-bought protein snacks) and they happen to taste delicious too! Plus, they can even be frozen so you can bulk-prep plenty to have in!
Ingredients:
Makes 15 protein balls
20g organic unsweetened cocoa powder
2 scoops of chocolate protein powder (50g) (I use MyProtein Natural Chocolate Whey Isolate, as its low in sugar and the natural chocolate flavour is delicious for baking. However, any chocolate protein will work!) If you are unsure which protein to buy, just be careful as some are higher carb/calories based on different goals - I always opt for a whey isolate which is a purer, more refined form of protein. They also do vegan and lactose-free options too!
2 tablespoons of coconut oil (I use GroovyFood Co. - always!)
3 tablespoons of crunchy organic peanut butter (I use Meridian as it comes it giant tubs - perfect for baking! however you can sub for almond butter, cashew butter and other brands if you prefer)
1 tablespoon of honey
20g flax seeds
40g shredded, unsweetened coconut (plus a little extra kept to one side)
30g dark chocolate chips
Splash of unsweetened almond milk - I use this according to consistency of the mixture so always add in last if needed. You want to be able to form the mixture into balls so only add if the mixture seems a little to dry and use sparingly - you only need a splash to help bring the mixture together
Method:
Melt the coconut oil and peanut butter in the microwave for 30 seconds
Add to a bowl along with all other ingredients (except for the almond milk)
Use a splash of almond milk to get the mixture to desired consistency if needed - you need the mixture to be soft enough to form into balls but still relatively dry
Using your hands, form the mixture into 15 balls
Use some of the additional shredded coconut and pour out onto a plate or chopping board
Roll each protein ball in the coconut to lightly cover the outside
Place in the fridge to set for up to an hour
Store in an air-tight container in the fridge. These can even be frozen (ensure to freeze straight away if you are doing so) and eaten within 2 months.
Nutrition:
Makes 15
Per protein ball:
63 calories
4.3g Fat
2.9g Carbohydrates
3.5g Protein