Peanut Butter Protein & Fiber Balls
3 colorsTHE WHY BEHIND THIS RECIPE
This is my go-to pre-workout bite or post-meal treat when I feel like I need a little something something. After listening to podcast on female-specific exercise and nutrition with Dr. Stacy Sims and Andrew Huberman I’ve been trying to eat 100-200 calories before a workout to drop my cortisol to allow my body adequate access to blood glucose. Her assessment of the research is that if we don’t have enough calories coming in under stress and load, then it down regulates the kisspeptin neurons which then feeds forward to down regulating thyroid, when then is the beginning of low energy availability. I have been noticing I feel stronger if I do have a little snack before my workout!
However, when I eat a pre-workout bite I don’t want it to be something that spikes my blood sugar (like a banana for me for example) so these bites are packed with protein, micronutrients and fiber!
Yields: 12-14 balls (okay maybe 15 but I always eat one when making them)
Total time: 10 minutes
WHAT YOU NEED
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (I use 2 scoops BeWell by Kelly vanilla plant-based protein)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup chia or basil seeds
1 1/4 cup peanut butter (add a little more if needed for texture, everyone’s PB is a slightly different consistency!)
2 tbsp raw honey
1 tsp kosher salt
HOW TO DO IT
Combine everything into a food processor and blend until smooth. Then mold with your hands into small 1 inch balls! Alternatively you can stir it all together in a bowl, but I find the food processor easier.
Keep in the fridge for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for a few months.
*If your peanut butter is a little dry, add a dash of milk.
Nutritional Info
Per serving, makes 12-14 servings
Calories: 260
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 6g
Net carbs: 6g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 19g
Sodium: 280mg
Sugar: 5g
