Cookie Dough Protein Balls
Having these on-hand when you are racing your little one to extra-curricular activities or when faced with the dreaded “hangries”, will save you from choosing high-sugar snacks from a drive-thru or vending machine when in a rush.
When we feed high-glycemic-load snacks such as processed bagels, or high-sugar donuts, blended drinks, chips, or chocolate bars, we end up having our kids get instant energy that crashes within 20 minutes causing low moods and low energy. As a Harvard study found, eating high-GI foods can cause blood sugar levels to rapidly rise, stressing the pancreas and insulin stores, and then quickly fall. “This can promote cravings and overeating. Repeating this cycle frequently may lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, factors associated with type 2 diabetes and higher cardiovascular risk” (https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/high-glycemic-diets-could-lead-to-big-health-problems).
Choosing lower-glycemic foods such as whole-grains, nuts, seeds, milks, and yogurts, then you are helping your child:
concentrate better
stay fuller longer, which helps maintain a healthy weight since they will be less likely to snack on unhealthy foods
maintain energy for longer, especially if they are in endurance sports.
Make these protein balls ahead of time and keep them in the fridge or freezer for easy to grab options when your kids need some fuel.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup of protein powder
3 tbsp of carob chips
2 tbsp of coconut flour
1/2 cup-3/4 cup of natural honey
1 1/2 cup of natural peanut butter
2 tbsp of non-dairy milk
2 tsp of vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients and mix well.
When mixture is a thick batter and all dry ingredients are mixed, scoop a tbsp of batter and form 1” balls
Lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Freeze them for 20 minutes and put them in an air-tight storage bin.
Keep in freezer up to 6 months and in the fridge for up to a week.