Smart snacking is an important way to keep your body fueled throughout the busy day. A healthy snack should include both protein & carbs – the carbs give you that extra boost of energy needed & the protein will keep you full longer. My mom has been in the kitchen making protein balls this week, so I thought I would share this tasty recipe for all of our followers. If you are a client of mine, you have probably received this recipe as it is one of my favorites! I love the added benefit of the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats from the pistachios & the sunflower seed butter. Enjoy!
Chocolate Pistachio Protein Balls:
6 oz. Dark Chocolate, roughly chopped
1/4 cup Cocoa Powder
1.5 tbsp. Vanilla Protein Powder
2/3 cup Sunflower Seed Butter
1 cup Pistachios (removed from shell, divided)
1. Add the dark chocolate, cocoa powder, protein powder, sunflower seed butter, & half the pistachios to a food processor and blend until well mixed and sticky. Add more sunflower seed butter if the mixture is too dry, or more pistachios if too wet.
2. Transfer to a mixing bowl and form into even balls with your hands, roughly one-inch in diameter.
3. Crush the remaining pistachios and coat each ball evenly. Store in the fridge or freezer until ready to enjoy.
Makes 15 servings.
1 serving = 1 ball.
For more flavor, add vanilla extract.
189 calories, 11g carbs, 5g protein, 4g saturated fat
-Courtney