cashew protein boost balls

I love being outdoors…for a nice walk, a picnic or a bonfire party. But when it comes to exercising being outdoors is not my thing. I like a mud-free, climate controlled environment.

Regardless of the environment being fit is very important to me, especially when I feel stressed, running and boxing are great ways to release stress.

With an increase in my exercise routine in the last few months I have noticed that my body is asking me for more food, and it’s very hard not to oblige.

If you are a serious gym goer, protein intake is no joke. A lack of protein in your diet can causes muscle weakness, fatigue and lethargy. And I ain’t got time for that.

A gym buddy introduced me to protein balls, the popular brand I tried tasted nice but felt a little like a jawbreaker and were incredibly dry. 

I liked the idea of a high protein snack so decided to start playing with a few ingredients. This is a great recipe, and it is not only for gym lovers, these little balls are a good pick me up for the slump in those hours between breakfast and lunch. Chia seeds is my favourite ingredient at the moment, and they are packed with protein, fibre and omega 3.

If you don’t like the idea of whey protein you can easily omit it.

Cashew protein boost balls (yields 14-16 small balls)

100g cashews

50g sunflower seeds

30g whey protein

20g chia seeds

20g milled linseed

30g honey

60g coconut butter

Coconut flakes

1. In a food processor mix the cashews and sunflower seeds until it becomes the consistency of peanut butter, this will take a good 5 minutes. Remember to  stop every minute or so to scrape the sides

2. To the cashew mixture add the goji berries and give it another quick blitz

3. Place cashew mixture in a bowl and add chia seeds, whey protein and linseed, making sure you incorporate all ingredients well

4. Melt the coconut butter and stir it into the honey, pour this over the dry ingredients and mix it using your hands

5. Place coconut flakes on a plate and grease your hands with a little coconut butter. Now all you need to do is turn the mixture into little balls, I feel 10g for each ball is the perfect amount for a bite. Roll them around the coconut flakes