I am not sure about you, but the last few days have left me without much of an appetite. For me that is bizarre. I generally have a raging appetite. It goes to show that underlying stress can rear its ugly head in ways that we donÕt necessarily expect. Even if I do not feel like eating, I know I need to find ways to get some goodness into my body. During a time like this, we all need to take care of ourselves. We all handle situations like this in different ways and in a time that feels like we have zero control, this is one thing that we can take a hold of. Our food intake.
Since I have been riding a caloric deficit from my lack of appetite, (and feeling it energy-wise and anxiety-wise) I know I need to prep some foods that give me a solid bang for my buck, nutritionally and calorically speaking.
I decided to try this awesome recipe using only 5 ingredients, most of which are common pantry items. If you do not have these items, do not rush out to get them. There are so many great recipes for similar balls that have oats and other common pantry items, so if you need some guidance or another recipe based on what you do have, please let me know!
These balls are a great afternoon snack to have when you are feeling low energy. They are fairly high in fat, which will assist with keeping you satiated during those afternoon hunger pangs and they have a decent amount of protein in them per serving! If you have a lower fat prescription in your macros, try not to eat too many at once – these are around 10 g of fat per ball!
These balls are rich in omega 3 fatty acids (the good fat,) essential amino acids, calcium, magnesium, potassium, fiber and vitamin b6. They store in the fridge or freezer and are perfect for all of your social distancing needs.
You can also top these babies with a variety of toppings which can offer different flavours and textures. Have fun with it! Who doesnÕt love a ball, am I right?
Makes apprx 24 balls.
Protein/Fat Bombs
1 cupÊnut butterÊ(almond, peanut, cashew or sunflower)
7ÊpittedÊmedjool dates
1/2ÊcupÊhemp seeds
1/4ÊcupÊchia seedsÊ(or sub other seeds, such as sesame or flax)
4 tbsp protein powder ( vanilla orÊchocolate, or other flavour of choice – I used Iron Vegan salted caramel)
FOR TOPPINGÊ
Melted dark chocolateÊ
Hemp seeds
Unsweetened desiccated coconut
Sea salt
Sesame seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
Add nut butter, pitted dates, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and protein powder to aÊfood processorÊand blend until all ingredients are well combined and it starts to resemble a dough. If you can pinch the ingredients together between your fingers and it sticks Ð this is perfect.
If too wet, add more dry ingredients of choice, such as protein powder or hemp seeds. If too crumbly or dry, add a little more nut butter. Compared to oat based balls, these ones are on the tender side, so they might seem a little wet. If you are counting macros, just make sure to make note of any changes so you can enter them properly in My Fitness Pal. Toppings as well!
Scoop out rounded 1 Tbsp amounts and roll into balls. Place on a parchment-lined plate or platter.
Decorate/top balls as you wish.
Transfer balls to the freezer or refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes to firm up.ÊÊ These store these in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer up to 1 month for best texture.
Macros (Approximately):
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fat: 10 g (can vary depending on nut butter)
Protein: 5 g (this can vary depending on protein powder)
Let me know if you make these and how you like them!
Remember, please reach out to us in any way you need with regards to nutrition, motivation, recipes etc.
We are here for you CFSTC family!
Coach Shannon
