Chai Oat Protein Balls

Welcome to the first recipe of 2018!

I can't believe how fast 2017 flew by. But, here we are in January - a fresh start. I'm not really much for New Year's resolutions, but I do have a few this year that I've made for myself. Since I'm all about sharing goals and have no shame in doing so (HELLO Figure Prep) I will share one with you. One of my goals is to gain back my running endurance that I had at one time long ago and be able to run 3 miles in 30 minutes. Not only does this mean working up to running 3 miles consecutively with no walking breaks (something I currently can't do...whoops), but it also means running 10 minute miles (I currently am running about a 10:45 mile). This is coming from a gal who ran a 1/2 marathon at an average 10:00 pace 10 years ago. My, how things have changed...

What are your resolutions for this year? Do you have any? If one of your's happens to be eating healthier than you are in the right place!

Recently, I've been SUPER busy with all aspects of life: personal, social and career wise. I love it, I thrive off it actually. However, sometimes it does get the best of me and I don't have the time I'd like to prepare the meals I would like to be eating. I'm willing to guess that some of you struggle with the same problems I have. 

This is exactly why I created these Chai Oat Protein Balls! These are super easy to make (no bake!) and are great for on-the-go. These are made with just 4 major ingredients...FOUR! (OK so if you count spices and vanilla extract it is technically 6, but you should seriously already have those on hand) All you need for these balls are dates, cashews, chai oats and vanilla pea protein, plus a little extra cinnamon and vanilla extract. Not only are these tasty, they are also gluten free and dairy free!

I am using True Nutrition's Gluten Free Quick Oats, sweetened with monk fruit and the chai latte flavor. If you don't have these on hand (although I highly recommend their products!) you can substitute with your own chai spice blend. Each ball packs 4 grams of protein and just 2.5 grams of fat. 

I hope you gives these a try and let me know what you think!

Chai Oat Protein Balls

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 12 balls

Ingredients: 

• 6 Medjool dates, pitted
• 2 oz cashews
• 2/3 cup True Nutrition Chai Latte Gluten Free Quick Oats (sweetened with monk fruit)
  • If you don't have the TN oats, use plain quick oats and add 1 teaspoon of chai spice blend below and 1/2 tsp calorie free sweetener of your choice, i.e. monk fruit
• 1 scoop True Nutrition Vanilla Pea Protein (1/4 cup)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• Water as needed

Chai Spice Blend (if substituting TN oats)

• I like this blend by Fit Foodie Finds (DIY Chai Spice Mix)

Baking Accessories:

• Food processor

Directions:

1. In your food processor, combine pitted dates, cashews and 1 tbsp water. Pulse on high until a smooth paste of dates and cashews forms. 
2. In a medium bowl combine oats, protein powder, cinnamon, vanilla and date/cashew paste. Mix with a spatula to combine all ingredients. You should have a dough like consistency. If it is too dry, add water 1 tbsp at a time to reach the desired consistency. We want the dough to hold and shape into balls so don't add too much liquid.
3. Place into the freezer for about 15 minutes for the dough to cool and come together. 
4. Remove from freezer and roll into 12 equally sized balls. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutritional Information (1 ball):

95 calories - 4 g Protein, 13.7 g Carbohydrates, 2.6 g Fat

Vanilla Chai Protein Granola

Yum

Rarely do I ever eat granola or oatmeal, for that matter. I don't see it as a health food as most store-bought brands are loaded with sugar. No thank you! 

Recently, however, I've seen more and more Instagram posts on homemade granola and I got a hankering for some! I'd never ventured to make my OWN granola. Truthfully, the thought never even crossed my mind. But I found myself with a serious craving for some and set out to make a healthier alternative to what you find on the shelves of your supermarket. First step: obtain oats.

The inspiration for this granola came from my Custom Oatmeal Mix I'd gotten a while back from True Nutrition, Chai Latte flavored. Remember, I rarely eat oatmeal so I hadn't really made a dent in this mix.

I then thought about when I would eat granola and most likely it would be after a workout, meaning I would also prefer some protein. This recipe includes both oats AND whey protein from True Nutrition. Talk about one-stop-shopping for your ingredients! (Pssst...remember you can save 5% off your order when you use the code 'MYENG' at True Nutrition)

This granola is surprisingly easy to make! On top of that, it is a much better option than what you find store bought. The only sweetener is pure maple syrup and the sweetness that comes from the vanilla whey protein. This granola is definitely going to become one of my go-to post-workout snacks...I hope you do the same!

Vanilla Chai Protein Granola

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Bake Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 8 servings (1/2 cup each)

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats, original or gluten free oats
  • Optional: You can make your own Custom Oatmeal Mix with True Nutrition! You can omit the Chai Spice Mix below if you opt to use the 'Chai Latte' Custom Oats.
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes, unsweetened
• 1/3 cup almonds, raw/unroasted
• 2 scoops True Nutrition Vanilla Whey Protein (1/2 cup, 60 g)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp water
• Chai Spice Mix:
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Baking Accessories:

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Prepare baking sheet by lining with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl combine oats, coconut flakes, almonds and Chai Spice Mix. Set aside.
3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, vanilla extract and coconut oil. Stir until the coconut oil has melted. Turn off heat and add protein powder, mixing continuously until incorporated. It is important to make sure you turn OFF the heat before adding the protein as to not over cook it and make the mixture too dry. Add 1 tablespoon of water to thin mixture. 
4. Pour wet mixture into mixing bowl with dry. Stir with spatula until the oat mixture is covered with the wet mixture, ensuring no clumps have formed.
5. Dump mixture onto baking sheet and spread into a single layer. Place into oven.
6. Bake for 35 minutes. To ensure an even toasting, give granola a stir every 10 minutes or so the oats do not burn. Once granola is golden brown remove from oven and allow to cool before eating and/or storing. Granola keeps well for a week if stored in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. 

Nutritional Information (1 serving, 1/2 cup):

215 calories - 11 g Protein, 23 g Carbohydrates, 9 g Fat