Balls.
Because they’re not just for Christmas…
…THEY’RE YEAR-ROUND!
That being said, if you’re looking for a healthy snack or dessert alternative during the holidays ( #rn ), I’ve got you!
If you like eating cookie dough, you’ll love this even more!
There are a few different versions of this recipe and I’ll give you the SIX-ingredient, non-Vegan (but still Gluten-free, raw, & organic!) one first, which is the version I made (again) the other night.
THE FIRST VERSION OF BALLS:
- 1/4 C raw, organic Honey
- 1/2 C raw, organic Pumpkin
- 1/2 C organic Nut butter (peanut, almond, mixed…)
- 1/4 C organic Flaxseed, ground
- 2.5 C gluten-free (GF) Oats
- 4 scoops of Whey protein*
Mix all ingredients together. Measures given are approximates only! Feel free to add optional ingredients from the list at the bottom of the post or any other creative choice! (I added carob chips and last time added organic semi-sweet chips because #chocolate )
If you find the “balls” are getting too dry and you want them more…schweaty (sorry, couldn’t resist) then add a few TBs of water.
Freeze the ingredients for about 30-60mins THEN roll them into balls. The freezing helps with the scooping part.
They will keep (if you forget you made them and don’t eat them all) for about a week in the fridge or longer in the freezer!
You can make this recipe completely vegan by using a vegan protein powder instead of whey, and there are many great tasting ones available. However, the research on incorporating whey protein into a healthy, anti-aging diet is irrefutable.
But…options are wonderful, aren’t they?
*If you’re using a natural or unsweetened powder, you may want to increase the honey content or add 1-2 chopped, pitted dates to your mix.
THE SECOND VERSION – FOUR-INGREDIENT, VEGAN, GF, RAW, ORGANIC BALLS:
Take out adding any protein and take out the pumpkin (though it’s low on the glycemic index and a great source of vitamins. But I get it; sometimes you’re “pumpkin-ed out”).
- 2-3 C Gluten Free Oats
- 1/4 C Honey (or maple syrup)
- 1/2 – 3/4 C Nut butter (any)
- 1/4 C Flaxseed (or chia seeds)
With this recipe, I highly recommend adding add-in’s. Yes, that will grow the recipe from “4” to more and if you’re counting any water you may need add to the mix as an “ingredient”…well…
Freeze and roll, per above
THE THIRD VERSION – “HAPPY” BALLS
- 1.5 C Oats
- 1/2 C Chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 – 1 C Nut butter (again, any)
- 4 TBs Honey
- 3-4 TB Flaxseed, ground
- 1/3 C (a healthy type of) Krispy cereal
- 1/3C Carob or Chocolate chips
- 1/3 C Coconut, shredded
Prepare as above
#nom
LIST OF POSSIBLE OPTIONS:
- Maple syrup
- Raisins (or goji berries, dates, cranberries, apricots…)
- Chocolate or carob (nibs or chips)
- Coconut
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts (or almonds, pecans…)
- MCT or coconut oil
- spices i.e., pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon…
- Banana
- Avocado (yes, really)
TRY! No…don’t try – DO! And then report back
Check out my post HERE on muffins including another “optional ingredients” list
And as I said there, it goes without saying that all of these items can be found organic so choose wisely when you have the opportunity! Eating raw, whole foods is the best way (I didn’t ay that there, but you should know this by now from reading my blog and Instagram in general!)
I am more than happy to serve as the official taste tester for any of your creations! You know where to find me…
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Any Questions??
