Balls, Balls, Balls: Vanilla Goji Nut Balls

So many jokes can be made here, but we at FitFluential, very seriously, love our balls. Balls are high in protein, low in added sugars, very minimally processed…and just plain AWESOME. We are talking about nut & date balls…so get your mind out of the gutter.

Many of us are on the quest to find the perfect snack, something with a mix of a good protein, fat & carbs and I’m here to tell you that your call has been answered. Not only do these balls have all of those things, but they also are made with very high quality ingredients and superfoods like goji berries & chia seeds.

A little about goji berries & chia seeds:

“The goji’s solid plant-based protein is packed with 18 amino acids — including all 8 essential amino acids. Goji berries have been used to support the immune system and longevity. Rich in vitamin A and a good source of vitamin C, these berries additionally possess over 20 trace minerals and vitamins including zinc, iron, phosphorus, riboflavin (B2), vitamin E, and carotenoids which include beta-carotene. The goji berry is so powerful, ounce per ounce it contains more vitamin C than oranges, more beta carotene than carrots, and more iron than soybeans or spinach.”
(source)

 

“Chia seeds are an excellent source of dense nutrition with their healthy omega oils, easily digestible protein, and antioxidants. Chia contains eight times more omega-3s than salmon, gram for gram. Also full of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals (especially calcium and iron), chia has much in common with flaxseed, but its natural antioxidants make its delicate healthy fats more nutritionally stable.”
(source)

Vanilla Goji Nut Balls

(makes 8-10 balls)

1 cup almond meal (or 1 ¼ cup raw almonds)
¼ cup agave nectar
2 tbs chia seeds
1 scoop or serving Vega vanilla protein (or any other vanilla protein)
3 tbs goji berries
6 medjool dates
½ tsp vanilla extract

Combine dates and almond meal in a food processor and process until it’s a flour-like consistency. Add in the goji berries and process again until combined with flour. Now add in the remaining ingredients and process until it forms a ball. Form into balls (about 1 heaping tbsp), and store. Freeze or keep them in the refrigerator for a cool treat.

They will keep at room temperature for about a week, but much longer in the fridge or freezer.

These can be eaten as snacks, over a smoothie or yogurt or as cookie dough. Anyway you can figure out to eat them will work! They will keep you fuller longer, give you a healthy dose of protein and give you energy with out the sugar crash!

So what are you waiting for,
go make some of these tasty balls!

Nutritional stats: 170 calories, 2.5g fat, 3g fiber, 4g protein

This guest post is by FitFluential Ambassador Nicole Culver.

Nicole is a nutrition counselor and founder of Pure Bliss Eats. She loves cooking, baking and getting her friends and family to eat delicious healthy foods. Nicole also can be found running or taking classes at her local gym. Check out her other recipes on her blog, Making Good Choices, on twitter @nicoleculver or on facebook.