Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond meal
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder (for a chocolatey flavour without added sugar)
• 1/2 cup natural almond or peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons water (if needed for consistency)
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons collagen powder

Instructions:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almond meal, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, raw cacao powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to mix evenly.

Wet Ingredients: Add almond or peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and collagen powder (if using) to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a sticky, uniform mixture forms. If the mixture seems too dry, add water, a tablespoon at a time, until it holds together easily.

Form Balls: Take small portions of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form bite-sized balls. If the mixture is too sticky, slightly wet your hands to make rolling easier.

Chill: Place the formed balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Storage: Once firm, transfer the protein balls to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Nutritional note: These tasty treats are packed with essential fatty acids, and nutrients such as fibre key for gut health, metabolism,  glowing skin and hormonal balance. Nut consumption is also associated with a 15% reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Research shows nuts are one of the natural plant foods with a unique profile high in beneficial unsaturated fats and low in saturated fatty acids (4-16%).

Contact the Athlete Sanctuary and learn how we can help you to increase health, wellbeing and performance.