Protein Balls

I have found something devilish. It is delicious and, unfortunately, difficult to stop at one. However, with the mildfulness that the main ingredient in this is protein powder and and peanut butter -- I must remind myself to stop.

This recipe was sort of advertised as a "pre-workout snack". If you have a solid digestive track, and can eat on the run (literally) -- great for you!!!!! However, I learned that this is a better "recovery snack" -- when I noshed 2 of these down last week prior to swimming a mile.

I felt like I was going to throw up throughout the entire swim. Or drown. Or both.

So here is my POST-workout Recovery snack! It's a great combination of nutrients as it's high in protein and has a little bit a carbohydrate to keep feeding your brain (I am exaggerating the importance of carbs, as I know some athletes that try eliminating carbs for weight loss. And it's unhealthy. I'm not saying you need to nosh on donuts and spaghetti. But you need a balanced amount of nutrients.) These balls also contain flax seeds - which has omega 3 fatty acids and fiber!

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

• 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• 3 Tbsp ground flaxseed
• (optional 3 Tbsp dark mini chocolate chips) -- this isn't even neccessary, as they taste good without!

1. mix together the ingredients. Roll into small balls. Refrigerate to firm up overnight for best results!

Serving = 1 ball
Calories = 84
Total Fat = 5 g
Saturated Fat = 1 g
Trans Fat = 0 g
Cholesterol = 3 mg
Sodium = 28
Total Carbohydrate = 8 g
Dietary Fiber = 1 g
Sugars = 6 g
Protein = 4 g

 Hope everyone is having a great week! I wish I could send a little of the warmth Arizona is currently hogging up to my family and friends in the Midwest. Or to my husband in Colorado. It's in the mid-90's all week!