Vegan Protein Balls

No bake, high in protein balls made with other ingredients that are high in omega fatty acids and fiber.  A very satisfying, healthy snack.

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These balls are heavenly delicious, rich and decadent. A very satisfying snack without the guilt.  They’re vegan and gluten-free.  The chocolate chips and nuts added some crunch as well as the Chia seeds.  You don’t even need to add sugar.  The natural sugar in chocolates and peanut butter were enough to sweetened these balls.  You’ll forget that they’re even healthy.  You may also add quinoa in this recipe.  However, I was going for a low-carb or no carb snack that is why I didn’t add any quinoa.

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I was hungry and feeling under the weather, so I did not want to cook anything.  Fortunately, the children already had their lunch. I wanted to eat something healthier, so I took anything and everything “healthy” out of our pantry.  There were Chia seeds, Sesame seeds, Flax seeds, mini chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, almonds, and organic peanut butter.  I had some leftover chocolate ganache that hardened because it was so cold in the house last night.  I started measuring and mixing the ingredients (except the Chia seeds) and formed them into balls.  The balls were a little sticky and I didn’t have anythings in the pantry I could add to rid of the stickiness except oats, so I added some then rolled them in Chia seeds.  Perfect!

The good thing about these balls is you can make them ahead of time and freeze them.  A healthy emergency snack when you are on-the-go or too lazy to prepare anything.   They will help overcome your cravings for empty calories.  Why?  Because of the nutritional value of the ingredients such as protein.  According to WebMD,  protein is an important component of every cell in the body. Hair and nails are mostly made of protein. Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues. You also use protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals.  Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.

Along with fat and carbohydrates, protein is a “macronutrient,” meaning that the body needs relatively large amounts of it. Vitamins and minerals, which are needed in only small quantities, are called “micronutrients.” But unlike fat and carbohydrates, the body does not store protein, and therefore has no reservoir to draw on when it needs a new supply.  However, you can’t eat protein all day long.  To  much protein is harmful to the body.  So balance is the key.  Having protein in your diet, helps you curb your appetite.  For more information, read it here.

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I ate two protein balls at lunch with half a cup of blueberries and a glass of low-fat milk.  It was enough to curb my appetite or cravings.  It’s been five hours and I’m still full.  I don’t feel hungry at all.  They are so easy to prepare too.  All you have to do is mix all the ingredients and form a ball then roll in Chia seeds.

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The recipe yields four balls.  For a large quantity, triple the recipe.  Place them in the refrigerator or freeze them for later consumption.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon chocolate ganache, hardened (cooled in room temperature for hours or overnight)
• 1 Tablespoon peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon Flax seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon Chia seeds
• 1/2 Tablespoon sliced almonds
• 1/2 Tablespoon walnuts, chopped (about 4 pieces)
• 1/2 teaspoon Sesame seeds
• 1 Tablespoon quick old fashion oats
• 1 Tablespoon mini chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl.  Shape to form a ball.  Refrigerate for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Note:  If this recipe inspire you to create your own, please be considerate and credit annascuisine.wordpress.com.  Thank you.

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©annascuisine.wordpress.com (2013-2014), unauthorized use and/or duplication of material herein without expressed and written consent from this blog’s author, Annabelle Bedell, is strictly and completely prohibited.

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