Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Balls

It's hard to go cold turkey off of sweets so give yourself a healthy dessert like these four ingredient Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Balls.  They have just the right amount of chocolate and sweetness to keep you on the right track.  {gluten free, vegan, dairy free}

How are those New Year's resolutions coming?  Keeping them simple is the best way to win.  It's my way of cheating! I keep it so simple I almost can't fail...

• take vitamins
• work out three days per week
• reduce sugar, gluten, dairy and alcohol

See how easy those are?  And notice I said reduce. Anytime I completely cut something out of my diet, I crave it even more. I've been mostly gluten free for about five years so that's pretty easy for me.

Sugar... that's another story.  I often stop by the pantry multiple times per day to eat small handfuls of chocolate chips.  I'm sure if I put those in a bowl and looked at the serving size, I would be horrified.  I'll never do that!

The holidays were a total booze fest here with all the entertaining we did. That one may be a bit difficult too. It's so nice to wind down with a glass of wine but I am trying to only do that on Friday and Saturday. Contrary to popular belief, Thursday does not count as the weekend.  Sorry ladies!

I've done Whole 30 a few times in the past and I love it.  It really gives you a sense of what is messing up your gut and causing symptoms like bloating and gas.  I figured out fairly quickly that dairy and gluten do a number on me.  

Feeling better is the best motivation for giving up a food group.

Now that I know what bothers me I avoid it when I can and I indulge when I want to, knowing what the results will be. Sometimes, it's just worth it like when I'm having people over for dinner or when I go out on a date with hubby.

So with all that in mind I present you with these four ingredient Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Balls. I've been making these forever and they are great as a sub for an after dinner bowl of ice cream.  They are sweet and full of protein.  Eat them for a snack midmorning or a treat after dinner.  The other thing that helps is not buying ice cream at all ?.

I use Vega One for my protein powder. I'm obsessed with this stuff and have it on automatic delivery from Amazon.  My kids love it and make their protein shakes out of it all this time.

These Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Balls are...

• satisfying
• sweet
• chocolatey
• packed with protein
• gluten free
• vegan
• portable

So give them a try.  I hope they help you stick to some of your New Year's resolutions.

Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Balls

It's hard to go cold turkey off of sweets so give yourself a healthy dessert like these four ingredient Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Balls. They have just the right amount of chocolate and sweetness to keep you on the right track. {gluten free, vegan, dairy free}

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 51kcal

Ingredients

• 2 scoops chocolate vegan protein powder I use Vega One Chocolate
• 4 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 4 tablespoon natural almond butter
• dessicated coconut for rolling balls in

Instructions

• Mix first three ingredients in a bowl. This will take a bit of time. I used a fork to mash it all together.
• Using a small scooper portion out equal sized balls and roll.
• Roll in coconut.

Nutrition

Calories: 51kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 54mg | Sugar: 4g | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @seasonal_cravings or tag #seasonal_cravings and I will repost on my stories.

Adapted from Desserts with Benefits.