Saturday, March 31, 2018

Keto Energy Balls

We all have those days where we just need a little extra energy.  You know those days; the ones where you just need to grab a chocolate bar or a McDonalds' burger.  Something quick and fast that will get you through the next hour or so.

The problem with this is that it's often unhealthy foods that we run to, and they definitely are not Keto foods.



That's where my Keto Energy Balls come into play.  These are super quick and easy to make, you can just pop them in the fridge and grab one when you need it as a snack to hold you over between meals.  You could even take a couple and have that replace your entire breakfast!

They are packed with good fats and proteins and are low on carbs (1.4 net carbs each!), so you really cannot go wrong with them.

The following are the items I used in this recipe, but you can really add whatever you would like.  I think in the future, I might switch the peanut butter for almond butter.  I also wanted to add chia seeds, however, just my luck, I could not find them anywhere!  

Peanut Butter: First of all, let be clear here.  I'm not talking about Jiffy Peanut Butter or any of those other so called 'peanut butters' that are loaded with crap - included hydrogenated oils and sugars.  I'm talking about the real stuff.  The stuff that is literally just grounded up peanuts.  You'll know it because when you look at the ingredients, it should just say 'peanuts'.

Peanuts are great source of monounsaturated fats - which is great for your heart, as well as weight loss!  They are filled with fibre for healthy bowel, as well as electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium. Not only that, studies have shown that eating peanuts lower your risk for cardiovascular and coronary heart disease.

Coconut: This recipe uses two forms of coconut - coconut butter and shredded coconut.  If you have never tried coconut butter, I suggest you do.  It's delicious!  You can use it in the same way you use peanut butter or other nut butters.  It's great just off the spoon as well!  The thing with it, however, is that it is solid at room temperature, and like other natural nut butters, the oil rises to the top.  Therefore, you need to melt it before you can really enjoy it.  You can do this by letting the jar sit in a warm water bath for about 10 minutes.  Then you can stir and enjoy!

Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower seeds are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients which can lower oxidative stress and help to reduce amounts of damaging free-radicals within the body.  They are high in nutrients such as Vitamin E, manganese and selenium. They also help to prevent cancer, help with thyroid issues and reduces risk for heart disease.

Hemp Hearts: These little seeds are a great protien source! A 30 gram serving has 10 grabs of protein! Not only that, but they are a great source of omega fatty acids, including GLA.  GLA helps with cholesterol, heart health, inflammation, hair, skin and hormone balancing.

Flax Seeds: Flax seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as protein.  They also contain minerals such as manganese, thiamine and magnesium.

Walnuts: They look like brains because they help your brain!  These nuts are filled with your good fats - omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as proteins and fiber.  Don't forget all the vitamin and minerals that are packed in their - magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, just to name a few!  You really can't go wrong with a few walnuts added to your diet.

So what do you get when you mix all these items up into one bite size ball?  My Keto Energy Balls, of course!

Here's the recipe:

 

Ingredients:
1 cup walnut
1/2 cup coconut, shredded
1/4 cup coconut butter
1/4 cup peanut butter
3 tbsp hemp hearts
2 tbsp flax seeds
2 tbsp sunflower seeds
2 tbsp cacao powder
1 tbsp truvia (or sweetener of choice, to taste)
1tsp cinnamon





 



1) Mix all ingredients together and put through a food processor or blender.  I have this Ninja blender and it was able to combine everything well.


2) Make into little balls (I made 17)

3) Refrigerate until firm (about 1 hour) and enjoy!





 



And of course, the nutrition facts:

Servings 17 balls
Per 1 ball: 
Protein = 3.6g
Fat = 12.7g
Carbs = 4.4g
Fiber = 3.0g
Net Carbs = 1.4g








No comments:

Post a Comment