Protein Power Balls

I love taking a "healthy" recipe and trying to make it even healthier!
My biggest issue with most Power Ball recipes I see is that they add so much honey, chocolate chips, dried fruit that it just seems so high in sugar. And my goal is to help you steer away from excessive amounts, but still enjoy sweet treats!
Plus I figured out a way to sneak in some of the Plant Fusion protein powder to increase the protein content. So it's a pretty good balance between protein, healthy fat, and energizing carbs! (You can certainly use your own preference of protein powder, just see my *special note below)
These Power Balls can pretty much be eaten any time. As a snack, after your workout for a quick pick-me-up, or a healthy dessert after lunch or dinner to curb a sweet tooth.
They're also a portable on-the-go snack. Put a few in a ziplock baggie or small container to take with you in the car or stash gently in your purse.
I must warn you though...just because they are a healthy option does NOT mean you can pig out on them! Moderation my friend. They can become addicting!
This recipe requires NO baking, NO cooking, NO mixer. So enjoy![Side Note] If you notice any different digestive issues or noticeable bloating after eating these, you may want to consider it a reaction to the oats. It's not necessarily an "allergy" to oats but a "sensitivity or intolerance" to them. I'm not totally against oats, it just depends on the person. Which is my answer to a lot of foods and how they react differently with each one of us. So just be mindful of that.
These Protein Power Balls have been an absolute HIT for the ladies!! And KIDS LOVE THEM!!! Put 1 or 2 in their lunches for a healthy sweet treat they will enjoy.



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Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry Oats (Gluten Free if you want)
- 1/2 cup Ground Flaxseed (Either buy it already ground or buy whole flaxseed & grind in a blender or food processor)
- 1/2 cup Natural Peanut Butter (I used crunchy but you could use creamy also)
- 1/3 cup Dark Chocolate Chips (OR the brand "Enjoy Life" dairy & soy free chips which I LOVE!)
- 1/4 cup raw Honey (local is best)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 TB Chia Seeds, (Optional)
- 1 TB Unsweetened Coconut Flakes (Optional)
- **(Optional) 3/4 scoop of Plant Fusion Chocolate or Cookies n Creme protein powder (or other chocolate protein powder - SEE note below)
- 3 TB water (Omit if not adding protein powder and use less than 3 TB if using a whey protein powder)** If you use a whey protein powder instead of a plant-based powder, you will need LESS water added! Maybe try 1 TB and add more if needed. Plant-based protein soaks up water a lot more than whey does.
Directions
1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl using a spoon, spatula or dig right in with your hands!
Because the mixture is sticky & messy, I recommend covering the bowl and put in the fridge for about 20 minutes. This will make it easier to roll into balls.
2. Press & roll small amount of mixture into a ball, about golf ball size.
3. Store in an air tight container in the fridge.
