Low-Calorie High-Protein Energy Balls are your secret weapon for sustained energy and guilt-free snacking. This simple recipe delivers a delicious and nutrient-packed treat perfect for busy lifestyles, offering a healthy alternative to processed snacks.
Key Ingredients for Low-Calorie High-Protein Energy Balls
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond butter (or any nut/seed butter of choice)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 2 tablespoons protein powder (vanilla or unflavored whey, pea, or plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons natural sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 2-3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts for rolling
How to Make Low-Calorie High-Protein Energy Balls
Creating these delightful mounds of goodness is incredibly straightforward, promising a delicious and satisfying experience without any fuss. In just about 15 minutes of preparation time, you’ll have a batch of wholesome treats ready to fuel your day. Their rich texture and customizable sweetness make them a standout in the world of healthy snacks.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, hemp seeds, protein powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well combined. This ensures that all the nutritional powerhouses are evenly distributed throughout the energy balls.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the bowl with the dry ingredients, add the unsweetened almond butter, natural sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar), and pure vanilla extract.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using a sturdy spoon or a spatula, begin to mix all the ingredients together. It may seem a bit dry at first, but keep mixing and mashing until everything starts to come together into a cohesive, sticky dough. If the mixture seems too dry and crumbly, you can add a small amount of additional nut butter (about 1 teaspoon at a time) or a splash of plant-based milk (like almond milk) until it reaches the desired consistency for rolling. Conversely, if it’s too wet, add a touch more oats or protein powder.
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): For easier handling, you can cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about 15-30 minutes. This will firm up the mixture, making it less sticky and easier to shape into balls.
- Roll the Energy Balls: Once the dough is firm enough to handle, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time. Roll the mixture between your palms to form small, compact balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- Coat Your Energy Balls (Optional): If desired, place the optional coating ingredients (unsweetened shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts) in a small shallow dish. Roll each energy ball in the coating until it’s evenly covered.
- Serve or Store: Your Low-Calorie High-Protein Energy Balls are now ready to be enjoyed! You can eat them immediately or store them for later.
Why You’ll Love This Low-Calorie High-Protein Energy Balls
You’ll adore these Low-Calorie High-Protein Energy Balls for their incredible ability to satisfy your cravings while keeping you energized. The star of the show is undoubtedly the perfect balance of wholesome ingredients – oats for sustained energy, protein powder for muscle support, and healthy fats from nut butter and seeds for satiety. Plus, making them at home is significantly more budget-friendly than buying pre-made energy bars, allowing you to control the ingredients and save money. The subtle sweetness from your chosen sweetener and the hint of vanilla create a delightful flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the slightly nutty undertones of the nut butter and seeds.
Unlike dense, heavy protein bars that can sometimes feel like a chore to eat, these energy balls are light, chewy, and bursting with clean flavor. They’re the perfect antidote to that mid-afternoon slump or a pre-workout boost without the sugar crash. So, ditch the expensive store-bought options and whip up a batch of these delightful morsels today. Your body and your wallet will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Low-Calorie High-Protein Energy Balls store beautifully, making them a fantastic make-ahead snack.
- Refrigeration: Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. This is the best method for maintaining their texture and freshness.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the energy balls. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a zip-top bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: These energy balls are designed to be eaten cold or at room temperature. There is no need for reheating. If they’ve been frozen, simply transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight, or leave them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
Final Thoughts
These Low-Calorie High-Protein Energy Balls are an incredibly versatile and nourishing snack. Give this simple recipe a try for a delicious way to boost your daily protein intake and keep hunger at bay. They are a fantastic addition to any healthy eating plan!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Low-Calorie High-Protein Energy Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, hemp seeds, protein powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well combined. This ensures that all the nutritional powerhouses are evenly distributed throughout the energy balls.1/2 cup rolled oats, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 2 tablespoons hemp seeds, 2 tablespoons protein powder, 1 pinch salt
- To the bowl with the dry ingredients, add the unsweetened almond butter, natural sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar), and pure vanilla extract.1/4 cup unsweetened almond butter, 2 tablespoons natural sweetener, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Using a sturdy spoon or a spatula, begin to mix all the ingredients together. It may seem a bit dry at first, but keep mixing and mashing until everything starts to come together into a cohesive, sticky dough. If the mixture seems too dry and crumbly, you can add a small amount of additional nut butter (about 1 teaspoon at a time) or a splash of plant-based milk (like almond milk) until it reaches the desired consistency for rolling. Conversely, if it’s too wet, add a touch more oats or protein powder.
- For easier handling, you can cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about 15-30 minutes. This will firm up the mixture, making it less sticky and easier to shape into balls.
- Once the dough is firm enough to handle, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time. Roll the mixture between your palms to form small, compact balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- If desired, place the optional coating ingredients (unsweetened shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts) in a small shallow dish. Roll each energy ball in the coating until it’s evenly covered.2-3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts
- Your Low-Calorie High-Protein Energy Balls are now ready to be enjoyed! You can eat them immediately or store them for later.