Choc-Mint Nut Butter Protein Balls

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