Easiest Protein Balls Two Ways (Higher Cal and Lower Cal options)
Protein bites are one of the easiest grab and go snack. They take 10 minutes to prepare and can be kept in the fridge all week for whenever you need a quick bite. Have some left over at the end of the week? They also freeze well for up to two months.
The higher calorie option is an amazing option for breastfeeding mama’s. It’s packed with healthy fats and an easy way to get calories in with all three macronutrients.
INGREDIENTS:
HIGHER CALORIE OPTION
1 cup quick oats
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 scoops protein powder
1/4 cup flax seeds
54g chopped walnuts (~1/2 cup)
1 tbsp maple syrup/honey
2 tbsp dark chocolate chips
1/2 tsp salt (iodized is recommended if breastfeeding to support Mom’s thyroid health)
LOWER CALORIE OPTION
1 cup quick oats
1/3 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
1/3 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter of choice)
2 scoops protein powder
2 tbsp chia seeds (can sub with flax seeds if preferred)
1 tbsp maple syrup/honey
2 tbsp dark chocolate chips
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
DIRECTIONS:
Add all ingredients to a large bowl (except the chocolate chips) and mix well until combined.
If the mixture is dry, add almond milk or water 1 tbsp at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Fold in the chocolate chips and divide equally into 12 balls.
Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 2 months.
Makes 12 servings
Nutrition (Higher Calorie):
Cals: 183 calories
Protein: 9g
Carbs: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Fat: 11g
Nutrition (Lower Calorie):
Cals: 126 calories
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 11g
Fiber: 2g
Fat: 6g