The ingredients for these chocolate & peanut protein balls are treats made from store cupboard items. They have some sweetness from the dried dates and maple syrup (equivalent to approximately 1 teaspoon of sugar per ball) so don’t eat too many at once! Dates are naturally bone friendly thanks to the phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium and Vitamin K. Dried fruit always contains more sugar though so that is why we should eat in moderation. You could halve the sugar content from the dried fruit by replacing the dates with dried apricots or just additional peanut butter. However the other ingredients in these protein balls are also packed with nutrition and the protein and fibre in particular help to slow down the release of glucose into the blood. But still…in moderation!!
Peanut butter contains protein vitamin E, magnesium, iron, selenium and vitamin B6. Maple Syrup (100% Pure) has a lower score than processed sugar on the Glycemic Index and actually contains anti-oxidants and nutrients including Manganese, Zinc, Calcium, Potassium, Iron and Magnesium. The oats provide beta glucans (fibre) and B vitamins. The coconut provides fibre, potassium, iron and healthy fat. The pumpkin seeds provide nutrients including protein, manganese, zinc and vitamin K. The flaxseeds provide protein, omega 3, lignans, antioxidants and several other vitamins and minerals including Vitamin B1, Copper, Manganese, Magnesium and Phosphorus. Cacao powder is a good source of antioxidants, iron, fibre, potassium and magnesium. And guess what? They taste like a delicious chocolate treat… By the way, I have added in vegetable powder from healthtea.ie to add some plant goodness!
Ingredients
Oats – 1 Cup
Peanut Butter – 1/2 Cup
Dates – 1/2 Cup
Vegetable or Protein Powder – 1/4 Cup
Mixed Seeds – 1/4 Cup
Cacao Powder – 1/2 Cup
Flaxseeds – 1/4 Melted Coconut Oil – 1/4 Cup
Maple Syrup – 1/8 Cup
To Finish
Desiccated Coconut – 1 Cup
Method
• Blitz the oats in the food processor
• Add the rest of the ingredients and blitz until mixed
• Roll into ball shapes (approx a heaped teaspoon of mixture but whatever size you like – may need to be pressed together and add more coconut oil if needed)
• To finish, roll in desiccated coconut
Pop your chocolate and peanut protein balls on a plate in the fridge for about half an hour to settle. You can play around with the ingredients depending on what you have to hand. As mentioned already, share them around and don’t eat them all at once! They will keep in the fridge for up to a week.