Beat sugar cravings with this healthy protein snack!

[This was originally posted in the More Life Health Seniors Community (click to Join), by my sister Lexie].

How are you all? For those who don't know me, I'm Michael's big sister. I've been a bit quiet on here of late because my son, Lachlan, started school this year and my younger son, Joshua, started pre-school and I picked up extra hours at work. So life has been busier but all is going well. I hope you are all well too and keeping as active as possible.

Earlier in the week, Mike said I would post a recipe and here it is:

CHOCOLATE PROTEIN BALLS

PREP TIME

• Prep | 10 m

• Cook | 0 m

• Ready in | 30 m

• Duration | Fridge - 3 days, Freezer - 3 months

INGREDIENTS

• 16 pitted Medjool dates

• 1 tablespoon desiccated coconut

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

• 3 tablespoons almond (or other nut) butter

• 2 tablespoons cocoa

• 1 tablespoon cacao nibs

• 2 tablespoons collagen/protein powder

• Extra desiccated coconut for decorating

PROCEDURE:

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor until smooth-ish.

2. Roll mixture into smaller balls, using hands, and roll in the extra coconut. (Get Dirty)!

3. Refrigerate, or freeze, until set.

4. Sit back and enjoy this guilt free snack with a cuppa!

   Makes 24 Balls

And that’s all there is to it!

It's an absolute favourite of mine for those times when I am trying really hard to be healthy but have a chocolate craving.

I reckon they are a great substitute for chocolate, in fact, I think I prefer them to chocolate. They are sweet and chocolately, rich and filling BUT they are healthy-full of good fats, protein and healthy vitamins and mineral antioxidants.

I make a batch and freeze them. Then, when I have a craving for something sweet, I pull one (or 2 😆) out of the freezer to have with a cup of tea. 

You can play around with the recipe, for example- you don't need to add cacao nibs or you can use any nut or nut butter/spread of your choice etc.

Enjoy! 😊