After our recent blog post on improving gut health, these date and almond protein balls are packed full of healthy ingredients and nutrients.
In particular, they’re a great source of fibre, healthy fats, vitamin A, protein and iron.
Fibre – found in the walnuts, almonds, carrot, all bran, tahini, dates and desiccated coconut.
Vitamin A – found in carrots. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin essential for normal vision, immune function, reproduction and the functioning of our kidneys, lungs, heart and other important organs.
Omega 3 fatty acids – found in walnuts, almonds and tahini. Omega 3 fatty acids are an essential fatty acid i.e. cannot be produced by the body and need to be obtained from food. They are important for hormone production, fighting inflammation and improving mental health, eye health and heart health.
Iron – found in tahini paste. Iron is a mineral that is required by the body to make haemoglobin; a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body. Iron is also involved in the production of some hormones.
Protein – found in almonds, walnuts as well as the added protein powder. Read our previous blog post on why protein is important, particularly after weight loss surgery.
These protein balls work great as a post-workout snack, as well as a mid-morning or afternoon snack.
Date and Almond Protein Balls: Ingredient List
- 1 ½ scoop whey protein (Boomers protein powder available from the supermarket) or 1 scoop Feel Good Tasteless Protein Powder
- 60g walnut halves
- 115g almonds
- 150g carrot
- ¼ cup All Bran
- 100g tahini paste
- 80g pitted dates
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Desiccated coconut
Healthy Protein Balls: Method
- Wash, peel and grate carrot.
- Add all ingredients to blender and blend until well mixed but NOT smooth.
- Mould about a spoonful of mixture into a ball, then roll in desiccated coconut.
- Refrigerate for a couple of hours and enjoy.
This recipe make approximately 15 balls.
Protein Ball Nutrition Information
Per protein ball:
153 calories, 5g protein, 2g fibre
Healthy Protein Ball Recipes
Looking for other healthy protein ball recipes? View a lemon and coconut protein ball recipe here.
