Protein Snack Balls

I've been working with my health coach for a little over a month now and I'm happy to say that I'm on track with my goals.  I've also lost a few pounds, which to me is a bonus because my goal is to be healthy.

In addition to making changes for myself, I'm making changes for my family.  I've cut out the juice boxes and the sugar cereal.  I'm looking forward to baking my own bread and I'm experimenting with some spiced nut recipes for my husband.

What I'd really like to replace are the granola bars.  They are such a handy snack but some all of them have  excessive amounts of sugar and things that I can't pronounce.  I'd love to make a protein filled snack for my kids that don't load them with up with processed sugar!

Here are a couple snack ball recipes that I've made this week.  Unfortunately, neither of them can be sent to school because they contain peanut butter and/or nuts but they are a wonderful after school snack!

Almond Date Balls
adapted from midliferoadtrip.tv

8 oz package pitted, unsweetened dates
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup shredded coconut
2 tsp chai seeds
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/2 tsp salt

Chop the dates into smaller pieces so you don't break your food processor.

Blend together all of the ingredients in the food processor.  If you have a small processor, you may need to do this in batches.

Roll mixture into about 25 balls. 

Serving size: 3 balls
Calories:161
Carbs: 30 g
Fat: 5 g
Protein: 2 g
Fiber: 3 g

Peanut Butter Balls
adapted from gimmesonoven.com

1 1/4 cup dry old fashioned oatmeal
2/3 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1/4 cup ground flax seed 
2 tsp chia seeds
1/3 cup honey

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until completely mixed together. 

Let sit in the fridge for a half an hour or so so that the mixture can chill.  

Roll into balls.  Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.  Makes 25 balls.

Serving Size: 2 balls
Calories: 159
Carbs: 18 g
Fat: 9 g
Protein: 4 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar 11 g