Raw Crunchy Cacao Almond Protein Balls

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The most popular question I get asked about being vegan is “Where do you get your protein?!” I can list a million a one meat less ways that are excellent sources of protein but I’ll let this recipe do the talking. 

One of the things on that list is sprouted brown rice protein. It’s a perfect protein supplement for vegans, vegetarians, lactose intolerants and even meat eaters! I currently have a strong relationship with Heartland Gold’s Sprouted Brown Rice Protein Powder. It’s non GMO and allergy friendly. Here are 5 Fast Food Facts about sprouted brown rice (protein):

  • Helps to promote a healthy balanced sugar as it’s considered to be a low glycemic food 
  • It’s allergen friendly – no gluten, wheat, dairy, sugar, soy and whey!
  • Excellent in amino acids containing all 9 amino acids that are essential to your health and it’s high in iron!
  • Low in calories and carbs per scoop (depending on the brand you get) 
  • It’s a great (and better) alternative to soy and whey protein powders. Some studies have shown that brown rice protein has the same athletic benefits as whey protein. Suitable for someone on a plant based diet who also needs to build muscle and also for muscle recovery and healing!

It has a smooth taste and it’s easy on the stomach. A few years back, I tried Vega’s protein powders and all of their products made my stomach hurt and run to the washroom. I’ve read about many people who complained about it hurting their tummies too and were told that they “would get used to it” after a few uses. I gradually added it to my everyday diet and it still left me with the same results. Maybe it was because of their abundant amount of ingredients mixed together that took a hit at my digestive system?  

So I stopped and gave up on protein powders because of them! 

One of the most popular health snacks right now are raw protein balls. You can buy them (various health brands) or you can make them yourself and control what’s inside of them. I’m always a big fan of homemade. Plus, they’re super easy to make and since it’s raw, they’re easily accessible! So that meant giving protein powders another chance. Heartland Gold’s Non GMO Sprouted Brown Rice Protein powder is a fantastic brand especially if you’ve just started to introduce protein powders into your diet. I bought this one for $15.99 at my local health store in Toronto. 

A great component of this particular protein powder is that it only has one ingredient: Organic Compliant, Sprouted, Non-GMO, Brown Rice Protein Concentrate! With 80 calories per scoop and 16 grams of protein, it’s the perfect addition to your smoothies, blends, hot cereals, pancakes and in this case, protein balls! And the best part? My stomach doesn’t hurt afterwards! Take that Vega! 

Now, let’s get our protein on…..

What you’ll need: 

1/2 cup of pure roasted almond butter 

1 scoop of sprouted brown rice protein (Heartland Gold Sprouted Brown Rice Protein vanilla or unflavoured) 

1 cup of raw almonds sliced in halves (or you can use almond shreds but it won’t have that super crunch we want!) 

2 tablespoons of organic maca powder

1 packet of stevia 

1 teaspoon of organic vanilla extract (alcohol free if possible!)

1 tablespoon of organic coconut oil 

2 teaspoons of organic chia seeds 

1/2 cup of organic almond flour 

1/4 cup of raw cacao powder (you can use carob powder if you want to reduce your caffeine intake!) 

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. You can use a food processor if you have it if anything. Blend thoroughly. Take a spoonful and roll into a ball shape using your hands. 

Take a spoonful and roll in the palms of your hand in a ball shape. Refrigerate and grab when you need one! 

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