Well, I’ve got a treat for you all today! It’s one that will leave you satisfied, calm that sweet craving, and contains protein and healthy fats to keep you energized and your metabolism up so you don’t go home and binge eat chips and salsa (c’mon, we’ve all been there). I bring you: dark chocolate coconut protein balls!

These little treats are raw, gluten free, and paleo….and delicious! I’ve made these twice in the past week, they are so good! You could even swap out the honey for agave nectar and they are vegan friendly, too.

Dark Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls
adapted from this recipe
makes about 9 balls

Ingredients

1/4 cup chia seeds
4 Tbsp. almond butter
3 Tbsp. protein powder (I used vanilla)
3 Tbsp. dark cocoa powder (or cacao powder to keep it raw)
1/8 tsp. sea salt
1 Tbsp. honey or agave nectar
1 Tbsp. coconut oil (melted, but not hot)
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Additional 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut for rolling

Preparation:

Mix all ingredients together, either by hand or in the food processor. Roll the dough into 1-1/2″ balls and then roll each ball in shredded coconut. Pop in the refrigerator to set up. These will keep covered in a Tupperware in the refrigerator for up to a week, but I doubt they will last that long. Enjoy!

*UPDATE* Some of you have asked for the nutritional info on these, so here it is!  Please keep in mind that the protein powder you use may alter the calories/carbs.

Per ball: Calories: 122 grams; Carbs: 5 grams; Fat: 9 grams; Protein: 4 grams; Sugar: 2 grams

*UPDATE* I made a lower calorie version of these this morning that I thought would be worth sharing.  Both versions are delish, but if you are really watching your calories, try the following instead:

Ingredients

3 Tbsp. protein powder (I used vanilla)
3 Tbsp. almond butter or peanut butter
3 Tbsp. dark cocoa powder (or cacao powder to keep it raw)
1 Tbsp. chia seeds
1 tsp. honey
dash of sea salt
1 tsp water

1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut for rolling

Preparation

Combine first 7 ingredients in a food processor and pulse until combined.  If the batter seems too dry, add more water 1/4 tsp at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Roll the dough into 1-1/2″ balls and then roll each ball in shredded coconut. Pop in the refrigerator to set up. Makes about 7 balls.

Per ball: Calories: 65 grams; Carbs: 4 grams; Fat: 5 grams; Protein: 2 grams; Sugar: 1 grams

My suggestion: To make peanut butter, just whiz up some peanuts till they release oil and become a smooth or chunky butter, as you prefer. Do not opt for commercial preparations, which normally contain large amounts of sugar. Same for any nut butter.

Be Healthy!