Brownie Batter Protein Balls
Holy. These things were delish. So much so that I ate the whole thing as soon as I made it. Oops. Don’t do that. You’ll get sick. It wasn’t fun. Plus, despite these protein balls containing healthy ingredients, eating the whole thing at once is by no means low calorie. I pretty much had two meals in one. Definitely not recommended. I think this was a good opportunity to have practiced the “everything in moderation” rule, but alas, sometimes you just fall off the wagon. That’s ok though, because you just hop right back on and keep living that healthy lifestyle. If you’re dieting and do something like this, just adjust your next meal to account for the extra carbs and fat you ate earlier. It’s not perfect, but just make an effort to eat more protein and veggies in your next couple of meals and it will balance out for the most part.
Pleeeease do not subscribe to the “all or nothing” mindset. Like, you breakdown and eat a cupcake and a bunch of pizza, so you figure your healthy eating is already busted, so you just might as well keep going. No. Definitely no. You eat the cupcake if you really, truly want it and only if it totally rocks your world. If you take a bite and it’s just eh… then don’t finish it. Save your indulgences for the stuff that you really, really LOVE. Enjoy it, have no regrets and move on. Then right back on the healthy eating train. I think this is really the best, most sustainable approach to making a fit and healthy lifestyle really work. It’s the only way to stay committed, stay happy and be confident about your choices. š
So, anyhoo… back to the brownie batter! This isn’t your typical brownie batter. Meaning it’s not stuffed with butter, sugar and over-processed flour with no nutritional value and a big ol’ ugly insulin spike. These balls (um…haha) have protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and a dose of healthy fats. And it’s almost eerie how much they taste like real brownie batter. The ingredients might seem like a lot , but it really was worth it. I think it would be great to make a big batch of these and stick them in the freezer for whenever the “sweet tooth” strikes. Being prepared with something healthy to “indulge” cravings really helps to prevent going overboard with unhealthy snacks. Just remember that moderation mantra!
- 2 1/2 slightly rounded tablespoons chocolate protein powder (I used Bluebonnet Dual Action – get it on Amazon)
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon coconut flour (I use Nutiva from Vitacost or Better Body Foods from Sam’s Club)
- 2 tablespoons oat flour
- 2 slightly rounded tablespoons raw honey (NOT the runny kind in the little plastic bear!)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons flax, almond or coconut milk (I like Good Karma Flax milk -great mild, creamy flavor)
- 1 rounded tablespoon almond butter
- 1 3/4 teaspoon Stevia in the Raw or coconut sugar (can add a smidge extra if you like)
- 1 big teaspoon vanilla extract
- Big pinch of sea salt
- Finely shredded coconut (optional, but recommended!)
- In small bowl, combine all ingredients well. Can start with dry ingredients first if you like and break up any lumps, then add wet ingredients. You may need to microwave the coconut oil 10-15 seconds to melt first.
- Once you have a doughy texture, you can either refrigerate the whole bowl, or place rounded, heaping spoonfuls into a container lined with wax paper.
- Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to solidify.
- Once firm, roll into balls.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of each protein ball. Alternatively, you can roll the balls in coconut by placing coconut on a flat surface and lightly rolling balls for a thin coating.
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Calories: 126
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 12g
- Protein: 4.5g
- I used Let’s Do Organic reduced fat finely shredded coconut and the sprinkles add negligible calories (it’s about 1 calorie).
