HEALTH

Granola bars are arguably the perfect snack. But an essential nutrient that most standard granola bars lack? Protein.

PSA: Everyone needs protein, especially for growth and muscle repair. But protein-packed granola snacks can get pricey. The solution is simple: Make your own protein balls at home! 

Protein balls are incredibly customizable, since most have just a few simple ingredients like nut butter, oats, protein powder and maple syrup. Plus, homemade protein balls don't include extra additives or preservatives like the ones you find in the grocery store. 

Ready to get cooking? (Psst: For all these recipes, store 'em in the fridge for up to two weeks.)

Chocolate Brownie

Ingredients:

+ 1 cup oats
+ 1/4 cup protein powder
+ 2 tbsp cocoa powder
+ 2 tbsp flaxseed meal
+ 1/2 cup nut butter
+ 2 tbsp maple syrup

Directions:

1. In a blender, combine oats, protein powder, cocoa powder and flaxseed meal. Pour the mixture into a bowl.
2. Stir in the nut butter and maple syrup until a crumbly dough forms. You can add a splash of almond milk if it's too dry.
3. Roll into balls and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Matcha

Ingredients: 

+ 1 cup puffed rice cereal
+ 1/2 cup almond flour or oat flour
+ 1/4 cup protein powder
+ 2 tbsp shredded coconut
+ 1 tsp matcha powder
+ 5 dates

Directions:

1. Soak 5 dates in hot water for 5 minutes or until soft.
2. Add puffed rice cereal, almond flour, protein powder, matcha powder and shredded coconut to a blender and mix until combined.
3. Add in soft dates and blend until a dough forms.
4. Roll into balls and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Trail Mix

Ingredients:

+ 1/2 cup oats
+ 1/4 cup protein powder
+ 2 tbsp shredded coconut
+ 1/4 cup nuts (we heart almonds and pistachios)
+ 1-2 tbsp raisins or dried cranberries
+ 1-2 tbsp maple syrup
+ 1/4 cup peanut butter

Directions:

1. Combine oats, protein powder, coconut, nuts and raisins in a bowl.
2. Stir in peanut butter and maple syrup until a crumbly dough forms. Add a splash of almond milk if the mixture is too dry.
3. Roll into balls and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Strawberry Almond Butter

Ingredients:

+ 1/2 cup oats
+ 1/4 cup protein powder
+ 3/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries
+ 1 tbsp chia seeds
+ 4 dates
+ Heaping 1/4 cup almond butter

Directions:

1. Soak dates in hot water for 5 minutes, then mash into a paste with a fork.
2. Blend freeze-dried strawberries in a blender until a powder forms.
3. Combine freeze-dried strawberry powder, oats, protein powder and chia seeds in a bowl.
4. Stir in date paste and almond butter until a crumbly dough forms. You can add a splash of almond milk if the mixture is too dry.
5. Roll into balls and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Snickerdoodle

Ingredients:

+ Heaping 1/3 cup oats
+ 1/2 cup protein poweder
+ 1 tbsp chia seeds
+ 2 tsp maca powder
+ 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
+ Pinch of salt
+ Splash of vanilla extract
+ 1/3 cup peanut butter
+ 1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup

Directions: 

1. Combine oats, protein powder, chia seeds, maca powder, cinnamon and salt in a bowl.
2. Stir in peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract until a crumbly dough forms. You can add a splash of almond milk if the mixture is too dry.
3. Roll into balls and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Tag @girlslifemag on Instagram if you try any of these delicious recipes!

Want more healthy recipes? Check out these posts!
🥗 4 easy (and healthy!) chia seed pudding recipes
🥗 5 smoothie recipes if you're always in a morning rush
🥗 3 nourish bowl recipes for your next post-workout meal

All photos by Frankie Smith

by Frankie Smith | 7/26/2023