Chocolate Protein Bliss Balls – the perfect “allergen friendly” sweet for the school lunchbox or a ravenous breastfeeding mum to support post-partum recovery. Pretty much all processes in the body require protein – it’s so important for our rapidly growing kids, It’s also what kids need to stay mentally alert and physically energised at school, it keeps them feeling fuller for longer, and reduces the need to constantly snack between meals and incessant ‘I’m hungry’ nagging.
These protein balls are nut free and date free – I’ve spoken about why I prefer to use prunes over dates here, mainly because they contain half the sugar, are full of fibre and a natural laxative, are high in antioxidants, vitamin K (healthy bones and teeth) and a little non-heme iron.
I often get asked what protein powder I recommend for kids, and my answer is always to use whole foods first – for bliss balls/smoothies try nuts/nut butters, chia seeds, hemp seeds or collagen powder. Collagen – has the same amino acid profile as gelatin, except it doesn’t set like gelatin does – supports healthy joints, bones, skin, nails and hair as well as hormone balance, digestion, detoxification, aids sleep and boost mood. I like this and this.
Chocolate Protein Bliss Balls
Makes: Approx 12 – Prep-time: 15-mins
Ingredients:
200g preservative-free pitted prunes
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 hemp seeds
1/2 cup preservative-free desiccated coconut
30g collagen powder
1 heaped Tbsp cacao powder
2 Tbsp melted coconut oil
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch sea salt
Extra for rolling: Shredded coconut or cacao powder
Instructions:
Whizz all these ingredients together in the food processor, roll in to balls (12), and then in shredded coconut or cacao powder. Store in the freezer and they’ll be nice and chewy.
