Try this healthy snack recipe: Cinnamon Almond Protein Bites

By Gillian Ronald, Registered Dietitian and Health Coach

As a Registered Dietitian in private practice, one of the questions I get asked a lot is, “Can you give me some ideas for healthy snacks?”

This is a great question. “Snacks” are for those times in between meals when we need nourishment and energy to help us coast along to the next meal. 

We want to fend off that hangry afternoon slump so we aren’t rummaging in the pantry while we are cooking dinner. 

The best combo for a small snack is a protein choice and a high fiber carbohydrate choice. Carbohydrate will fuel your brain and muscles with energy, and protein and fiber will sustain your blood sugar levels to avoid an energy crash.

Protein bites make a great healthy snack

Protein balls or “bites” are an easy snack that can be made at home, they taste like a cookie and can be loaded with things that make your body feel fabulous.

Try this recipe below! It's only 15 minutes prep time and makes 8 bites.  A serving is 2 bites or 1 bite with a small piece of fruit (try a small banana with these, yum!)

Cinnamon Almond Protein Bites Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup flaxseed meal
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/4 cup protein powder of choice* (I like Vega One vanilla!)
• 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Maldon sea salt, for sprinkling

*Note: if using flavoured protein powder decrease honey to 2 tablespoons to avoid overly sweet protein bites!)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together almond butter, honey, vanilla and cinnamon until well combined.
2. Next add in flaxseed meal, chia seeds, protein powder and chocolate chips. 
3. I like to use my hands to mix everything together as I find it is the most effective.
4. You should get a dough that will stick together to from balls.  If you are finding they are not sticking together well, you can try adding more nut butter or more honey.
5. Hand roll dough into 8 balls, sprinkle with sea salt, then transfer to the bites to the fridge to firm up (about 15 minutes). 
6. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Makes 8 energy bites.