Most of us like or need to snack. For me, it’s a necessity pre-workout. I can’t stomach a full meal and know I will perform a lot better with a blood sugar boost. My usual fare (green apples, almonds, carrots and hummus) can get old and processed, packaged snacks are not an option for this whole-foodie. Enter the homemade protein ball.
The blogosphere is currently teeming with Bliss Balls – cookie dough, carrot cake and all manner of naughty but nice creations. Most contain a large portion of dates, rice malt syrup or nut butter; making them expensive to make and high-calorie in either carbohydrates (read: fructose!) or fat.
My recipe is protein-rich and uses cupboard ingredients while still achieving that too-good-to-be-true taste.
xx Nikki
- ½ cup almond meal
- ¾ cup oats
- 3 scoops unflavoured NZ grass-fed WPI (or use 3 tablespoons chia seeds)
- 1 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1½ tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons water
- Blend the oats into a flour and combine with the other dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl whisk the melted coconut oil and honey until well incorporated.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the oil and honey, then add the water gradually.
- Divide into equal portions and roll into balls.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before enjoying.
- Balls will keep in the fridge for 7 days of decadent snacking.
[line]Nikki works in public liability law by day and health fanatic all other times. Her philosophy is plant-based, completely unprocessed, natural and mostly paleo, however she still enjoys the occasional red wine or chocolate. Olympic lifting, CrossFit and yoga are all activities that complete her lifestyle. She loves her hobbies so much she has launched her own blog Wellness Republic[line]
Note from Cat:
When I first got this recipe from Nikki I was very excited. I love protein balls (see my recipes for Healthy Nut Balls and Raw Chocolate Chip Superfood Orders), and I love having Nikki on the blog (her past recipes for Satiating Sides and Devine Detox Salad were freaking delish!). So those two things combined makes me super excited. As she lives in Sydney, and I live in Melbourne and unfortunately my current technology doesn’t allow me to taste through the screens, I knew I had to make them for myself. Also, because I don’t have WPI, I had to find a substitutes to give your guys another option – which ended up being chia seeds. Perfect!
As you all know, I have now been between places since December after a combination of holiyaying, staying with friends and house sitting. As I write this I have just accepted a new place in Richmond! This photo shoot took place in the house I am cat-sitting for my friend Mandy in South Yarra – I think it is a nice way to document all these difference places I have been as apart of my journey. Last weekend, as mentioned on Instagram, I had a bit of a melt down. But I came across Lisa Messenger‘s book ‘Life and Love’ which gave me a lot of insight and inspiration to carry on. So the photo shoot is dedicated to the book, and a nod to all of it’s beautiful inspiration and love throughout. I don’t mean to hijack Nikki’s amazing post, but it is all worth mentioning as I stayed at Nikki’s lovely place when I was in Sydney getting over my heartbreak – it is nice to come full circle and have her here on the blog at this point in time. Much love to her! Enjoy her balls, I sure am.
xx C
