Hello friends! It’s been a while since I posted. I have just been scattered the past week. Weekend was full of painting, family visits, and cleaning.
It also rained, hailed, snowed all three on Tuesday.
I tried to capture the hail as it came down. There were some pretty intense moments to it. The hail balls got as big as my pinky nail. It got so cold [really, really cold] around these parts that we actually got some snow on the eastern hills/mountain. I didn’t snag a picture of it since it melted before I could, but it’s rather pretty seeing white caps over the valley.
This week, thus far, has been a blue of painting, working, and the gym. I managed to go to water aerobics on Monday night [LOVE!!!], ran Tuesday morning for 3.5 miles and ran 2.5 before Zumba last night. Tonight I have yoga on the mind.
Oh, and I have been busy eating. Seriously. I can’t stop eating. I feel full, but my hunger is there. I have been drinking plenty of fluids, but my brain keeps saying “Feed me!”
So I have. With as much moderation as I can. Here’s a few samples of what I had so far. . .
Yeah. That’s about it. I have been inhaling food faster than my camera can capture photos. And I have no idea as to why. Some other foods I have been noshing on have been: turkey wraps (in a collard leaf), smoothies, pinto bean soup, oatmeal, and protein balls.
Behold! My balls!
The balls are really really good. I made two versions. One was a cookie dough recipe and the other, I just threw things in to see what would work and amazingly enough, it came out pretty well.
Surprisingly, the Husband even enjoyed the balls. I have seen the stash in the fridge slowly diminishing in number, and I know it’s not just my doing. He prefers to cookie dough version. I actually really like my mixed up mess.
Chocolate Cherry Coconut Chia Protein Balls
-1/2 cup raw almonds
-1/2 cup pitted dates
-1/2 cup unsweetened coconut shavings
-1/4 cup oats
-1/4 to 1/2 cup dried cherries
-1 tbs coconut oil
- 1 – 2tbs chia seeds
-1- 2tbs of favorite chocolate powder (I used Ghirardelli)
- 1 scoop of favorite protein powder (I used a vanilla flavored one)
In a food processor, mix together the almonds until mealy. Add in dates until somewhat pasty. Then add in rest of ingredients. Mix until combined.
Carefully scoop out mixture into a bowl and knead together until it’s one clump. Then tear into equal sizes and roll into balls in your hands.
Edit to add: Make sure you put the balls in an air tight container and place them in the fridge to keep them firm and fresh.
Very simple and tasty. And they hold off hunger pangs. 
You can omit the oats if you want. I think they work fine without as well.
Have a good day!
Tell me. . .
-do you ever get the bottomless pit feeling where you can eat the entire day??
-Have you had a protein ball? What’s your favorite type? Link away!
-Have you done water aerobics??
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
These protein balls sound really good! I need something like these to eat before working out in the morning.
I think they would be a good before or after workout snack, though I have been eating them as a snack between my main meals. the cherry balls have loads of protein, fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats, which I think would be good for fuel and recovery.