You are not alone if you ever feel that mid-afternoon slump in your day. But you still have half the day to go, so what should you do?
Rather than reaching for a caffeinated drink to push you through, a better option is to choose a nutrient-dense snack. The same snack could also work wonders for the kids, who seem to be hungry all day long.
The ingredients of these no-bake chocolate energy balls deliver protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Plus, they are easy to make.
No-Bake Triple Chocolate Energy Balls
Ingredients:
¼ cup almond butter
¾ cup Terra’s Kitchen Chocolate Protein powder
½ cup finely chopped dark chocolate
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon flaxseed
Directions:
Add all the ingredients into a food processor and pulse the mixture until it comes together. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take a heaping tablespoon of the mixture, roll it into balls, and place on the sheet.
Allow the balls to sit for a few hours, and then roll them in cocoa powder before serving.
Big Nutrition in Small Bites
The simple six-ingredient recipe includes four ingredients (listed below) that deliver health benefits, and when combined, you end up with a healthy snack for all occasions.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is loaded with nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and many essential vitamins and minerals. The omega-3 content helps to aid in the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels to support heart and circulatory health.
Flaxseed contains lignans, plant compounds that promote antioxidant capacity in the body to support cellular health and healthy aging. Additionally, the fiber content in flaxseed is both soluble and insoluble, supporting digestive health and healthy bowel movements.
Almond Butter
Almonds are low in saturated fats, which help support heart health by promoting healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Almonds also contain riboflavin and L-carnitine, nutrients that help reduce typical oxidative stress in the brain to promote cognitive health. Almonds also contain probiotic components that can support gut microbiome health.
Dark Chocolate
Not everything sweet has to be bad for you. In fact, dark chocolate can be beneficial in moderation. Dark chocolate contains antioxidant compounds that support healthy cellular processes by reducing occasional oxidative stress. Cocoa also contains flavanols that can help promote healthy blood pressure and brain health.
Whey Protein
The chocolate protein powder used in the recipe contains whey protein, which is packed full of valuable nutrients. Whey protein helps to promote muscle health and contains all the essential amino acids the body needs for optimal function. Additionally, whey protein helps maintain cholesterol within normal levels to support heart health.
The Bottom Line
You can make enough for the day or stock up and store them in the freezer. Keeping these energy balls handy prevents you and the kids from grabbing processed snacks loaded with sugar. No-bake chocolate energy balls are easy to make and are the perfect snack. The great taste keeps you coming back for more, and the nutrients support healthy energy throughout your day.
