Pumpkin Protein Balls!

Delicious and Nutritious: Pumpkin Protein Balls for a Healthy Snack

Are you looking for a delicious yet healthy snack to fuel your active lifestyle? Look no further! We’ve got the perfect treat for you – Pumpkin Protein Balls. Packed with the goodness of pumpkin and the power of protein, these bite-sized snacks are not only a delight for your taste buds but also a smart choice for your fitness goals.

The Pumpkin Powerhouse

Pumpkin is a superstar ingredient when it comes to health and nutrition. Here are some reasons why you should consider adding pumpkin to your diet:

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Pumpkin is loaded with essential vitamins like A, C, and E, along with minerals like potassium and magnesium. These nutrients play a vital role in maintaining overall health, including strong bones and a robust immune system.

Fiber for Digestive Health: Pumpkin is an excellent source of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness. This can help you control your appetite and make healthier food choices throughout the day.

Antioxidant Properties: The orange hue of pumpkin is indicative of its high beta-carotene content, which acts as a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Low in Calories: Pumpkin is relatively low in calories, making it a fantastic addition to your diet if you’re conscious of your calorie intake. It allows you to enjoy a satisfying snack without guilt.

The Importance of Protein

In your 40s and beyond, maintaining muscle mass becomes increasingly important for overall wellness and longevity. Protein is a key player in this game, and it’s crucial to prioritize it in your snacks. Here’s why:

Muscle Maintenance: Protein provides your body with the building blocks it needs to repair and maintain muscle tissue. As you age, preserving muscle becomes vital for mobility and strength.

Satiety: Protein-rich snacks help keep you feeling full and satisfied, reducing the temptation to reach for less nutritious options between meals.

Metabolic Boost: Protein has a higher thermic effect than carbohydrates or fats, which means your body burns more calories digesting it. This can support weight management as you age.

Our Pumpkin Protein Balls are designed to provide you with the best of both worlds – the nutritional benefits of pumpkin and the muscle-loving power of protein. These delightful snacks are not only easy to make but also versatile. You can customize them with your favorite protein powder and additional ingredients like nuts, seeds, or spices.

There are a LOT of protein powders on the market. You want to look for one that is 3rd party tested, contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or food dyes. Legion protein powder is analyzed for purity and potency. This is the protein powder I am currently loving!

Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Pumpkin Protein Balls

Course Snack
Keyword high protein, protein balls, pumpkin
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 16 balls

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup all natural nut butter (I used almond)
  • 1/4 cup pumkin puree
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
  • pinch sea salt
  • 1/2 cup large flake oats
  • 1/4 cup ground flax seed
  • 1 1/2-2 scoops vanilla protein powder

Optional Drizzle

  • 1/8 cup Lily's white chocolate chips for drizzle (melted)
  • 1/4 tsp coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Combine all of the ingredients together until well combined. Start by adding 1 scoop of protein powder, then gradually add more as needed. This really depends on how liquidy your nut butter is at the time of use.

  2. Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.

  3. If you're using the Lily's chocolate to drizzle, melt white chocolate and coconut oil together. Either drizzle over the balls with a spoon, or place the chocolate into a ziploc baggie. Snip the end and drizzle over the balls.

  4. Place in freezer until the balls are firm.

  5. Store in freezer for up to 3 months.