Go ahead and get your jokes out of the way. These are protein power balls are the perfect post workout snack. They’re gluten free, dairy free, and chock full of goodness.
When you workout, it’s important to fuel yourself properly. That means you have to EAT!
It’s extra to important to have something to eat after a long, hard workout, especially to help you recover for your next workout.
I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to do after a hard run or weight-lifting session is use extra energy to chew. {That sounds silly, but try being utterly exhausted and out of breath, and still manage to eat gracefully…}
I love the idea of these guys:
Little, pre-packaged protein bites. They’re portable, convenient, and are filled with protein for recovery. But they’re processed and full of stuff I don’t need. Plus, they’re incredible difficult to chew.
Power protein balls are the perfect solution. I wasn’t the first one to come up with blending fruit and nuts together and rolling them into balls, but most people use Medjool dates. Have you ever tried to buy fresh Medjool dates? Hello, $$$ price tag! The last thing I’m going to do with those guys is blend them into oblivion so I can’t taste them.
So I dug through my dried fruit stash and pulled out one of my favorite snacks. Dried apricots!
Dump everything in a food processor and blend. It may not all come together, but as you roll small sections into balls, it’ll stick, I promise.
My favorites are the ones rolled in extra coconut. They taste like cookies. Or doughnuts. Or something yummier than balls of fruit and nut.
So what does this have to do with ease of eating after a workout?
My secret: I make mini balls. What’s better than protein packed snacks? Mini protein power balls. Smaller than bite-size. Effort-free chewing. Just pop them in a baggie and stick them in your gym bag. Problem solved.
Cashew Apricot Balls
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1/2 cup dried apricots
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder (I use Sunwarrior)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp powdered ginger
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1 Tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend.
Roll into balls.
Serve as is or chilled.
Like these? Try these no-bake oatmeal truffles.
What do you like to eat after a workout?
Click here for more Gluten Free Dairy Free Recipes that won’t leave you trapped in the kitchen for hours or hunting down a million bizarre ingredients.
22 Comments