I’m a grazer. I’d be just as happy grazing snick-snacks all day than eating three square meals. These little balls of joy fit the bill for the perfect no-guilt grazing snack. There are a lot of variations I’ve seen for protein balls like these online, like adding applesauce, cashews, flaxseeds, nutmeg, cream cheese, almond bark (almond bark? that just became dessert), but I don’t think you can go wrong any way you spin it based on your personal preferences. Protein balls, or peanut butter balls seem to be some of the most forgiving experiments in the kitchen because they always seem to turn out tasty!

This particular recipe is a stand out in that it contains fresh carrots where most protein ball recipes are sticky conglomerations of shelf-stable foods. These will last up to a week sealed in your fridge, or 6-9 months in a freezer.  They’re packed with protein and low in sugar so they’re good enough for breakfast, snack, or dessert, and have the perfect level of sweetness for little mouths too.

Carrot Cake Protein Balls

• Servings: 6-8
• Time: 10 mins
• Difficulty: Easy
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Ingredients

• • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 5 medjool dates
  • ¼ cup raisins
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, divided for rolling
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts
  • 3 Tbsp flaxseed
  • 1 serving vanilla protein powder
  • Extra water as needed

Directions

Start by chopping the carrots and dates together in a food processor. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until finely chopped. Roll into 1 inch balls and coat with unsweetened coconut and cinnamon mixture.

Photos and Content Copyright © Jaclyn Beaty Nutrition, 2018

I’m a sucker for all things lemon. I feel like I can conquer the world when I start the day with a glass of lemon water and lemon desserts transport me a summery state of mind. If you’re with me on the lemon love, you have to try these muffins- and don’t let the chickpeas send you running! The chickpeas replace flour, nuts, or milk in traditional muffins, so by default these bad boys are gluten free, nut free, and dairy free. The peas also give these muffins the most perfectly moist center, somewhat reminiscent of (don’t laugh…) birthday cake. Add two cans of chickpeas to your grocery list right now and plan to make these ASAP.

Let’s talk blood sugar balance really quick. If you’re one of those people who suffers from hanger (and if so, I shamelessly identify with you),  this is a perfect snack to hush that hanger. In most cases of hanger, or hungry anger, your brain chemistry is sending signals to crave high sugar foods, because it knows that glucose or sugar is what will give your brain the most immediate source of energy. With chickpeas being the primary ingredient, they add fiber, complex carbohydrates, and protein which will slow the rate these are digested and absorbed into the blood stream, as opposed to a refined cupcake for example, keeping your blood sugar stable longer (translation; no blood sugar roller coaster to send you into a sour mood). The fiber/protein combo will keep your appetite suppressed, helping you eat less throughout the day, also making it less likely you’ll reach for a high sugar snack which usually perpetuates the sugar-craving-hanger cycle all the more.

Lemon Poppyseed Chickpea Muffins

• Servings: 12
• Time: 10 mins prep, 25 mins baking
• Difficulty: Easy Peasy
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Ingredients

• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 15-oz cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar
• 2 lemons; zested peel of both, and juice of both*
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon xanthan gum** (optional, but recommended)
• 1 ½ tablespoons poppyseeds

Notes:

*I use this microplane grater to make quick work of zesting citrus, and just about anything else that needs finely grated. I also recommend using organic lemons if you are going to grate the peel since all the pesticides reside in the peel of citrus fruits. Juice both lemons once the skin is zested, for about 8 tablespoons, or about 1/2 cup of lemon juice.

**I realize most people don’t keep a stash of xanthan gum in their pantry. I recently bought a small bag at Kroger for $5.99 and I think it has revolutionized gluten-free baking for me. Xanthan gum acts as a binder and thickener, and is a very common and safe food additive (you’ll see it on everything from toothpaste and salad dressing to soups and ice cream). It’s produced by fermenting a sugar, usually lactose, sucrose, or glucose. If you are looking to up your game of gluten-free goodies, I highly recommend this small investment.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a standard-size muffin baking tray with paper baking cups or spray with a non-stick spray.
2. In a high-speed blender, add all ingredients, except for the poppyseeds. Blend until a smooth consistency is created, then add in the poppyseeds and pulse just enough to incorporate.
3. Pour the batter into prepared muffin tray. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean.
4. Remove from tray and let cool. Refrigerate or freeze or eat them up as they can spoil easily. (If refrigerated, you can heat them in the microwave for 15 seconds or so. Longer if frozen, obviously.)

Photos and Content Copyright © Jaclyn Beaty Nutrition, 2018