Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

While working from home, I love having snacks already prepared that are convenient and balanced. When advising clients on which snacks to reach for, I always recommend that your choice includes at least 5-10g of protein and a little fiber and healthy fat is an added bonus! You see, protein, fat and fiber all take longer to digest and will keep you satiated for hours rather than being hungry in 1 hour after eating straight carbohydrates (ie) chips.

These protein balls are delicious and contain all three powerhouse ingredients that will keep you feeling full for hours.

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup nut butter of choice
1/4 cup chocolate chips or cacao nibs
1 scoop protein powder
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil

To Make:

Oven on High Broil.
Combine oats, melted coconut oil, protein powder and chocolate chips. Place in oven on high broil for 3 minutes.
Remove and then add in 1/2 cup peanut butter. Mix.
Place in fridge for 15-20 minutes to allow for mixture to cool down. Add extra chocolate chips if you want some more crunch :)
Roll balls and place back in the fridge.

Pro Tip: I typically use cacao nibs, but if you use chocolate chips, they will get all melty in the oven (yum) and then I add extra chocolate chips before rolling the batter to add some crunch and texture. If using chocolate chips, you could also add 1/4 chocolate chips before broiling and 1/4 cup after they come out of the refrigerator.

Recipe by Laura Dickens MS RD LDN

Registered Dietitian and Owner of Love City Nutrition LLC

Enjoy, and Tag @Lovecitynutrition if you try them. I would love to see!