For those of you gym,
health & fitness freaks here is an easy peasy snack you can make packed
with protein. They are great as a post training snack. One of the main
ingredients in these protein balls is Chai seeds which are among the healthiest
foods on the planet. They are loaded with nutrients and can have important
benefits for your body & brain. Here is some great info on these little
miracle seeds:
Chia seeds are tiny black seeds from the plant Salvia
Hispanica, which is related to the mint. This plant grows natively
in South America. “Chia” is the ancient Mayan word for “strength.” Despite
their ancient history as a dietary staple, only recently did Chia seeds become
recognized as a modern day superfood. Don’t be fooled by the size… these
tiny seeds pack a powerful nutritional
punch.
Health Benefits include:
·
Deliver a massive amount of nutrients with very few
calories
·
Loaded with antioxidants
·
Almost all the carbs in them are fibre
·
High in quality protein
·
Due to high fibre & protein content should aid
with weight loss
·
High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
·
May improve certain blood markers which should lower
risk of heart disease & Type 2 diabetes
·
High in many important bone nutrients
·
Can cause major improvements in Type 2 diabetes
·
Can improve exercise performance as much as a sports
drink
·
Are easy to incorporate into your diet
·
Among the few trendy “superfoods” that are actually
worthy of that term
And now for the recipe J
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh dates (pitted)
- 1 Tbsp Nut butter (any flavour)
- ¼ cup Chia seeds
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 1 tsp Peppermint Essence
- 1/3 cup Maca Powder (optional)
- ¼ cup Cacao powder
- 1/3 Cup Almond flour
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
Toppings:
- Dessicated coconut
- Cinnamon
Method:
Blend all ingredients together in a food processor or blender
Roll into any size balls you choose (smaller /bite size is usually best) and place on a tray
Add toppings (I rolled
half the batch in desiccated coconut and the other half I sprinkled with
cinnamon)
Place in the fridge or Freezer to set
Eat & Enjoy J
