Almond Fig Protein Balls {let's celebrate the 100}

Tags

cacao nibs, dry figs, earthalmond, healthy snack, high protein, protein balls, raw, tiger nut, vegan

Post number 100! What a milestone, isn’t it? And what better way to celebrate than sharing a healthy recipe with you? It is one of my favorite snacks ever and pretty versatile – Protein Balls. Today’s variation is especially amazing, since it is vegan, raw (if you are using a raw protein powder) and full of health benefits.

Almond Fig Protein Balls

• 1/4 cup figs (tightly pressed)
• 2 generous T almond butter ( I used earthalmond butter, but I would prefer the normal one)
• 1 scoop vanilla protein (I used soy, for raw variation use an alternative)
• dash of salt, vanilla and cinnamon
• 1 T cacao nibs*

Mix the figs in a food processor or magic bullet until you got a homogeneous paste. Add them to all the other ingredients in a bowl and start kneading. Don’t worry – the dough will be crumbly at the beginning. But it gets better while kneading.

Finally form 5 ping pong sized balls – you might want to wet your hands, to get an even shape.

And done. Keep them in a closed box in the fridge – they should be keeping for at least a week. (Probably longer, but mine were always gone by then.) If you want to bring them to work/class, just wrap them up in some foil or take a smaller box.

*Hint: Of course you could substitute the cacao nibs with dark chocolate chips – but following I would like to present you a list of benefits of raw cacao nibs, that will probably change your mind.

Mood-Food:

• cacao nibs contain phenylethylamine, the chemical your body releases when you fall in love
• they also increase the amount of endorphins in your body
• and anandamide, which triggers a very slight high
• and tryptophan, which is known to increase the brain’s production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps to reduce stress, relieve anxiety and fight depression

(source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/462015-benefits-of-cocoa-nibs/#ixzz2IPdwUPun)

High in Antioxidants:

• Promote cardiovascular health
• Protect from environmental and metabolic toxins

Rich in Essential Minerals:

• Magnesium, helps building strong bones and regulate the heartbeat and blood pressure
• Sulfur, known as a beauty mineral, builds strong nails and hair, promotes beautiful skin and detoxifies the liver

Essential fats:

• contain oleic acid, a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, that may raise good cholesterol
• plus, substances found in cacao are known to help reduce appetite
  

(source: http://livesuperfoods.com/raw-cacao-nibs.html)

So why not just use dark chocolate chips?

You can, and I make my protein balls often with dark chocolate chips. Dark chocolate is great for you – don’t get me wrong. But if you want to have a clean, unprocessed food, without added sugar, using raw cacao nibs is a great option. They do have a quite unique taste, which I like, and they are crunchy!

Regarding a completely different topic:

Pour Lou was operated yesterday. She got neutered – and what was the first thing she did coming home? Exactly what the doctor forbid: lick all the silver spray from the wound and bite the seam. So first thing we are doing this Saturday: visiting the doctor again and getting a collar. And I can tell you: she is not amused. Promises to be a fun weekend around our flat. Me and boyfriend studying while Lou is going nuts.

Have you ever made your own snack bars/balls? What is your favorite kind?

Do you like cacao nibs?

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