Almond Butter Protein Balls

Craving something sweet? At MTMM, we understand the effects sugar can have not only on our physical health, but our mental health as well.

It’s not uncommon for many of us to reach for a sweet treat when we’re feeling down, and while we all know we should limit sugar for “health,” the link between sugar and mental wellbeing is often overlooked or misunderstood. So what actually happens in our bodies when we consume sugar?

The reason eating sugar, particularly when we’re feeling stressed, anxious, or low, feels so good is because there IS a direct physiological reward!

Abrupt increases in blood sugar (glucose) triggers the release of insulin – helpful in that it moves glucose into the cells, not so helpful in that insulin also drives increased amounts of tryptophan into the brain. Tryptophan increases the level of serotonin in the brain (our “happy hormone”), causing a soothing effect and that instant rush of calm. Sound familiar?

So why is this such a problem? First, the body responds to the glucose-mediated insulin release by increasing levels of epinephrine and cortisol (our “stress hormones”), which in turn trigger significant emotional changes and increase erratic behaviour. This increase in hormonal stress can also lead to inflammatory responses and muscle tissue breakdown. Secondly, because of the positive chemical feedback we encounter, the natural response is to consume more sugar, further fuelling the cycle and causing long term negative metabolic effects.

So what can we do?

One of the many strategies MTMM nutritionists might recommend is to try swapping your usual sweet treat for a small amount of high-quality fat: EPA in particular has been shown to improve mood, anxiety, and depression.

So next time you’re yearning for the candy jar, consider perhaps one of these almond butter protein balls instead!

Ingredients:

• 2.5 tbsp almond butter

• 1/3 cup oats

• 1 scoop whey protein powder (chocolate)

• 1/4 cup water or unsweetened almond milk

• 1 tbsp cinnamon, optional

Directions

1. Mix all contents in a bowl.

2. Add the 1/4 cup of water

3. Roll up the paste into 12 evenly sized balls

4. Let sit in the freezer for 45 mins

5. Enjoy!

These little treats are great to have post-workouts or when you're on the go during the day.

Nutrition Information per ball: Cals: 43 / Protein: 4g / Carbohydrates: 2.5g / 2g fat