What healthy snack recipes for athletes would you make to include in a care package for a star? ‘Power balls’ of course!
This past week I got to wizz up some protein balls for athletes to ship off to my BFF’s daughter Christy, who just arrived from South Africa to study at university in Missouri.
Already feeling the effects of the change in diet, she was struggling to find healthy snack choices for that would give her the energy for her feats at track and field, jumping to amazing heights!
So I modified one of my protein energy ball recipes, with plenty of healthy fats in the coconut oil for lasting energy, fiber from the gluten free oats and flax, and sweetened with organic maple syrup and chocolate chips for the quick energy release. I now present to you healthy protein balls for athletes.
Plus they taste absolutely delicious!
Protein balls are perfect for athletes. They are quick and easy to consume but pack a mean punch of the nutrients they need to maintain stamina. The next time you need to make healthy snack recipes for athletes make sure to add these protein balls to your list.
I put these protein balls for athletes in a recycled egg box lined with mini paper cupcake holders made for fun packaging to get them shipped to her in one piece.
Enjoy!
PrintChristy’s ‘Power Balls’: Athlete’s Energy Food
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 1x
Description
The perfect athlete’s protein energy snack.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips, 60% Cacoa
- 1/2 cup Almond Butter
- 1/4 cup Coconut Oil
- 1/3 cup Grade B Organic Maple Syrup
- 1 cup Rolled Oats, Gluten Free
- 3/4 cup Pecans, diced
- 1/2 cup Dates, diced
- 1/4 cup Raw Sunflower Seeds
- 1/2 cup Ground Flax Seeds
- 1 tsp. Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
Instructions
Place the chocolate chips, almond butter, coconut oil and maple syrup in a small saucepan, and melt over low heat, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
Place the dates, 1/2 cup of the pecans and all remaining dry ingredients in a food processor, and pulse until finely ground.
Combine the ground oats mixture with the melted chocolate mixture until well blended.
Using a small ice cream scoop, measure out balls of the mixture. Roll by hand, and finish with the additional chopped pecans.
Line an empty egg carton with mini paper cupcake liners and fill with the power balls for a fun presentation.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
Step One: Melt the chocolate chips, coconut, almond butter and maple syrup
Step Two: Grind the remaining ingredients in a food processor, and blend with the chocolate.
Step Three: Scoop with a mini ice cream scoop, roll in the remaining pecans.
Made these for the first time but it won’t be the last. Really like them – delicious!
★★★★★
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, thank you for letting me know!