By Guest Writer Julie Germaine

Grab one of these when cravings strike – some would call them chocolate cookies!

Protein balls, or energy balls as some people call them are little snack-sized balls of goodness. When you make them yourself, you can be sure they are free from additives or sweeteners and are totally raw. What this means is that the enzymes and nutrients that are in the ingredients are not affected by the heat of cooking, therefor provide your body with a natural source of energy.

You can eat them pre-workout, after your workout, between meals and at anytime you are feeling the craving for something sweet and “bad for you”. Instead, reach for these protein balls and satisfy your sweet tooth guilt-free. Kids like them, adults like them and athletes – always on the hunt for the next ‘great-tasting’ and ‘good-for-you’ snack like them. They are a winning combination all round. Try them out and let me know how you like them.

Chocolate Protein Balls

Ingredients:

1 cup powdered peanut butter

1 cup chocolate protein powder

½ cup no sugar added maple syrup

¾ cup large flake oats

½ tablespoon liquified coconut oil

1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder

½ teaspoon low-carb sweetener (optional)

Directions:

1. Mix together peanut butter, protein powder, syrup, and oats. Using a wax-paper-lined cooking sheet, drop by spoonful to form lumpy balls.
2. Combine the remaining ingredients and pour over each ball.
3. Freeze pan for half an hour, then either eat immediately or store for later use in a freezer-friendly container.

Pro Tip: Enjoy these guilt free, please! Dark chocolate is good for you in moderation, and allowing yourself to savour a sweet snack will help you stick to your diet and avoid binging.

Learn more about Julie Germaine and her insight on healthy, simple recipes that make achieving your fitness goals possible.