Matcha Chocolate Protein Balls

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I have experimented and made quite a few of these energy balls over the last couple of months. Don't think I've shared any of the recipes with you guys, on Instagram you will see a lot more of my daily creations. I realised I have not shared one with you here, so this post is dedicated to my protein snack balls followers. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, guilt-free and delicious.

Make, share and enjoy the goodness!

These little balls are fantastic for a snack and quick pick me up, not to mention the uber {is that even a word?} fantastic nutrient profile.  

Try them out and give your body what it craves!!

All rights to images reserved  copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers

The Low Down:

These little balls of goodness, will not only satisfy a sweet tooth without any added sugars. But, they are fantastic for fibre, protein, MCT, and antioxidants. Not to mention the many vitamins and minerals which will add to your body meeting it's nutritional needs.

Here is the breakdown for you:

All rights to images reserved  copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers


Goji berry: or Wolfberries are from the nightshade family of plants like peppers and aubergines. These little gems are packed full of antioxidants that are proven to help a number of health problems such as cardiovascular health, aiding cell oxygenation, protects the eyes from free-radical damage and can help promote better sleep. 

Matcha: Finely milled green tea traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremony. Matcha has so many health benefits it crosses over into 'almost' every health and well being need. From cardiovascular health, metabolism, relaxation, blood sugar stabilisation, amongst others not to mention the combined vitamins and mineral profile - this is a true superfood.

Raw cacao: This is another antioxidant rich food, chuck full of calming and cell oxygenated minerals such as magnesium and iron amongst others. Because it is unprocessed, it retains a higher concentration of the beneficial antioxidants. 
#Quick Fact# did you know magnesium and iron are the two most deficient minerals in the modern diet? simply adding raw cacao powder or cacao nibs to your daily diet can help reduce deficiency of these minerals.

Maca: want a multivitamin and mineral with amino acids? try maca! this root also boost energy and stamina levels which makes it great for those lacking in energy from fatigue or anaemia while also being great for those participating in sports. It's said to also enhance reproductive function in both men and women; and great for us ladies to balance hormones and those going through the menopausal change.

Flaxseed: or linseeds are a fantastic source of soluble and insoluble fibres, which the body does not absorb, but in fact is great for keeping the gastrointestinal tract healthy and bowl moments regular. Studies have shown diets rich in fibre, have a lowering effect on blood cholesterol. Fibre also suppress hunger making it great for weight management and blood sugar control. These little seeds are also a great source of omega 3 fatty acids that not only lower triglycerides. Omega 3 is also helpful to joint flexibility, brain  and eye health.

Almonds: are a good source of magnesium, potassium, zinc and antioxidant vitamine E. Almonds have been used for years to help keep skin healthy, but they are also great for cardivascular health and lowering cholesterol.

Protein powder: great for recovery and muscle building, but also for keeping you feeling full for longer. 
#Quick Fact# did you know protein is important for bone health? 
yep, but here's the catch, the myriad of research states that too much protein - especially animal protein, can actually deplete calcium from the body. This is especially so, when your calcium intake is below the recommended amount. And too little can increase fracture risk as we get older.

Sesame seeds: another skin beautifying food due to it's vitamin E content, whilst also strengthening the nervous system and heart. The plant hormones sesamolin and sesamin have been shown to have liver protective properties and lower blood pressure. Sesame seeds are also very high in the bone mineral calcium.

Coconut: #Quick Fact# did you know coconut is not a true nut, but a fruit?!  
Coconut oil is high in medium chain triglycerides (MCT's), these fats can help with weight management by reducing appetite, increasing fat burning cell activity and boost metabolism. MCT's are also great for reducing the risk of heart and alzheimer's disease. It also contains lauric acid which helps to combat bacteria, virus and fungal infections. And to top it off the water is a rehydrator which can be used as emergency IV to balance or replenish electrolytes!

So now that I have more than convinced you that these balls are more than good for you, let's get on with the recipe. 

All rights to images reserved  copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers


Matcha Chocolate Protein balls

Ingredients
makes 12 


All rights to images reserved  copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers


Coating:
All rights to images reserved  copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers


#As with all recipes on this blog unless otherwise stated they are my own; be kind enough to, link back to original, make, share and highlight - happy sharing #



Preparation

Place all the dry ingredients in a large clean bowl, and mix together well.


All rights to images reserved  copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers
Stir the coconut water or milk with nut butter and mix well, add this to the dry ingredients.


All rights to images reserved  copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers

The mixture should start coming together, add the coconut oil and using your hands work the mixture till it is just forming a dough. If you find the dough too dry, just add a tablespoonful of water at a time till you get the consistency you want.



Leave to rest, and start melting the chocolate for the coating. Put a sauce pan on medium heat with water and a clean bowl on top. Break the chocolate up and place in the bowl over the saucepan with water. 

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Stir the chocolate pieces to help them melt uniformly, be careful no water from the steam get into the chocolate! this should take about 5 minutes, remove from the heat, give it a final stir to make sure all the chocolate has melted. Now you are ready to start the fun!

All rights to images reserved  copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers

Pour some desiccated coconut in  a small bowl, do the same with the sesame seeds and chopped mixed nuts in separate bowls. 

All rights to images reserved  copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers

Take a teaspoon full of the mixture  at a time, roll it in the palm of your hands to form a small ball, you should get about 12 from the mixture, put the balls on a large clean plate.

All rights to images reserved  copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers

Using a couple of spoons place the balls one at a time in the chocolate first, then coat in the various toppings.  

All rights to images reserved  copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers
I left two with just dark chocolate and the rest with different toppings.

All rights to images reserved  copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers

Put the plate in the fridge with the balls, they will need about an hour or more for the chocolate to set fully. Or if you are a bit impatient stick them in the freezer if you have space.



All rights to images reserved  copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers
After an hour they should be ready to handle and eat...Done!

Here is the link  to me on  BBCFood 



 Bon Appétit!!


All rights to images reserved  copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers


Till next time, EAT mindfully, DRINK responsibly, and EXERCISE your mind and body!!!


All rights to images reserved  copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers

***Disclaimer: Any of the information within this blog post and others on this site is for information and educational purposes only and is NOT intended to be taken as diagnosis, treatment, cure or  to prevent any disease. Any reader concerned about his or her health is advised to seek medical advice from their GP or relevant medical professional***

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