These days, healthy eating has become a top trend across the country – and it’s no surprise why. Incorporating high-protein foods into your diet has so many health benefits.
It can help you maintain weight loss, boost your energy levels, and support strong muscles and bones.
And lucky for us – there are tons of protein packed, d’lish options that not only taste great, but are easy to make and totally portable.
My go-to snack are Energy Nut Balls – chock full of dates, sesame seeds, cacao nibs, and nuts. No baking required! It’s the perfect grab-and-go bite that keeps you feeling full and energized. You can even customize it with your favorite ingredients – nut butter, a drizzle of honey, goji berries or oats. Get creative with it! I love to roll mine in coconut flakes for an added crunch.
Or how about roasted chickpeas – tossed in olive oil, seasonings, and baked until crunchy perfection. These healthy legumes are packed with fiber.
So get snacking! Happy cooking everyone.
-Kathy
Lemon Chia Energy Balls
Be sure to look for moist, soft dates when shopping for this recipe.
Makes: 24 balls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
24 large pitted Medjool dates (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup freshly squeezed Sunkist® Lemon juice
1 cup gluten free rolled oats
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
4 teaspoons Sunkist® Lemon zest
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
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1/4 cup desiccated coconut, for rolling
Directions:
Tear the dates and put in a small bowl and toss with the lemon juice, press the dates into the liquid with a fork. Let soak for 10 minutes.
Place the date mixture and liquid, oats, coconut oil, lemon zest and chia in a food processor and process until mixture just comes together.
Add the pumpkin seeds and pulse until seeds are broken down and chopped into the mixture.
Portion the mixture into heaping tablespoons and roll into balls, then roll in desiccated coconut to coat.
Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature before enjoying.
Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios® for Sunkist®
