Thursday, September 1, 2011

PB Balls Gone Healthy

Are you sick of eating packaged protein bars?  This is my new favorite homemade, healthy before or after workout bar (or ball)! It's also a great after school snack!!  It's loaded with protein from the peanut butter. Also, by adding flax meal you are getting some omega 3's, oats are giving you numerous benefits but more importantly fiber and phytochemicals, unsweetened coconut is giving you lots of vitamins and minerals, and if you use local honey, you'll be helping your allergies as well!!  Go ahead, throw anything in these babies!  This is the way I like them for those of you who like to follow a recipe:

PB Protein Balls
1 c. peanut butter, natural (organic)
2 1/2 c. rolled oats or quick oats
1/2 c. flax seed meal
1/2 c. honey
1/2 c. unsweetened coconut
1/2-1 c. chocolate chips
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.  It does get quite sticky, so if you'd like to, just get your clean hands in there and mush it all together.  It definitely works best that way!  When the batter looks like the consistency of thick cookie dough, it's ready to roll!  Just pour a little canola oil on your hands so the mixture won't stick to you. Then scoop teaspoon size balls into your hand and roll!  I like to put them on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper to set in the fridge for about an hour.  After that, just throw them into some baggies and you're good to go :)  You could also freeze them if it makes too many for you and your family to eat in a week or so. 
Bon Appetit

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4 comments:

  1. Sassy KacieSeptember 16, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    Hey Suzy, I loved these!!! Can you also do a post for your salmon and lemon rice that you made the other night? I loved that!

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  2. Healthy Foodie GirlAugust 28, 2012 at 9:42 PM

    To make them into bars just melt the peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips together on the stove top over medium heat, just until melted. Then mix with other ingredients and put into a 9 x 13 that has been greased with coconut oil or lined with parchment paper. Let cool in fridge then cut & wrap individually. Store them in the fridge or freezer. Enjoy!!

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  3. KatieFebruary 12, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    I make a batch of these every other week. They are the most convenient snack for both my husband and I (we work full-time, so there's not a ton of time to plan and make meals). My husband took a few to work the other day and everyone's asking of the recipe. Of course, we link them to your blog :-)

    I found that using a food processor to mix all the ingredients made everything a lot cleaner. Plus, the food processor helps break down the oats and coconut to make for a smoother ball (if that's your preferred texture).

    I am curious to know your thoughts on almond butter. I've used it a few times as a substitute for peanut butter, just to get a different flavor. I don't do this often because Almond Butter is more expensive, but I'm curious to get your thoughts on the nutritional value.

    Thanks, again, for the recipe. We love it!

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    Replies
    1. Healthy Foodie GirlFebruary 13, 2013 at 4:47 PM

      Katie,
      Thanks for your comments. I am glad you are enjoying these so much! I love the food processor idea. :) I'm going to have to try that next time!
      About the almond butter, I would definitely say yes to using it because almonds are better for you nutritionally speaking. However, it is more expensive and that is why I don't use it much either. I just buy the large Adam's jar of natural peanut butter at Costco. Much more cost effective!

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