These nut free protein balls make a delicious energy boosting snack. Keep them in your freezer for when you get a craving for a sweet treat.
Cinnamon is not only delicious, it can actually help regulate blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity, making insulin more efficient at moving glucose into cells.
Oats a high in fibre and a good source of protein, both of which also help balance blood sugar, improve gut health and keeps us feeling full. Oats have been shown to help manage healthy cholesterol levels, but ensure you use the traditional oats, not the quick oats, as they are processed and will not have the same positive impact on blood sugar or gut health.
Medjool dates have a delicious caramel taste, they are high in magnesium, selenium, calcium and potassium, while they are high in natural sugars, they are also a good source of fibre slowing the glucose response and making them a better choice than palm dates. Enjoy in moderation.
Ingredients:
2 cups of traditional rolled oats or quinoa flakes for a gluten free option
8 Medjool dates – seed removed
2 tablespoons of coconut flakes
1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
¼ teaspoon of sea salt, optional but recommended
Instructions:
Add the oats and coconut flakes to a food processor and pulse a few times to break down into a grainy flour.
Add the remaining ingredients and mix until it forms a thick, sticky dough you can easily press between your fingers. If your dates were on the dry side and the mixture seems too crumbly, just add 1 teaspoon of warm water and process again.
Use your hands to roll the dough into about 20 balls or press into a baking tray and cut into 2 cm cubes once set in the fridge or freezer.
Keep in the fridge or freezer.
Enjoy!