Healthy, delicious, easy, and only takes 5 minutes to make. Make this Cookies and Cream protein balls recipe for a great protein boost after a tough exercise. A great post-workout snack or when you need something healthy on the go.
Cookies and Cream Protein Balls Recipe
Keep reading below for the protein ball recipe plus more healthy tips for your protein intake.
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If you are anything like me, you are always on the lookout for ways to sneak more protein into your diet. Increasing your protein intake is a good way to feel full longer (and thereby decrease excessive eating/snacking and cravings).
Your body is also better at utilizing protein as an energy source which results in decreased “storage” (i.e. fat cells and “problem areas”).
I’m always looking for quick, easy, and delicious ways to consume more protein in my day – and this one is absolutely my favorite go-to.
Today I have teamed up with BodyTech and Vitamin Shoppe to bring you these “Cookies And Cream Protein Balls“. They literally take less than 5 minutes to prepare and provide you with 5 grams of protein per ball.
Trust me – this one will become a standard at your house!
We’ll get to the recipe below; first I want to mention more about the key ingredient that makes this recipe so delicious and protein-packed.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein
At 24g protein and only 3g of sugar per serving, this is one of the highest-quality proteins available and my personal favorite.
As a married father with 4 children, I’m always looking to keep costs as low as possible. Most 2lb proteins will cost you around $35 a tub and 5lb proteins cost about $65 per tub. This pack from Optimum Nutrition is only $27 for 2lbs and $52 for 5lbs. That completely rocks! You get big-time protein at a rate that won’t leave you broke.
Really any “Cookies and Cream” protein powder you buy will suffice, but I often get asked which one I have in my house and so I wanted to give you that detail up front. Okay! On with the post!
WHY DO YOU NEED PROTEIN AFTER A WORKOUT?
Proper nutrition is just as important as training when it comes to exercise and performing at your best ability.
Protein is an essential macronutrient to help your body function properly. Appropriate protein intake is essential for someone who exercises regularly. After a workout, you need protein to repair and build muscle tissue.
Protein helps boost your metabolism which means you’ll burn more calories at rest. Protein also increases your satiety so you’ll feel full longer after you eat high-protein foods.
The most effective way to repair and build muscle is to space your protein intake throughout the day. If you regularly exercise, you need to have a plan to make sure you are effectively getting enough high-quality protein at meals and snacks in order to maintain or build muscle tissue.
Check out my post 30 of The Best Protein-Packed Foods for some ideas to help you reach your protein intake.
HOW MUCH PROTEIN DO YOU NEED AFTER A WORKOUT?
Within 2 hours after a workout, you should aim for 15-25 grams of protein. Your body can effectively use this amount of protein to repair itself and refuel.
That’s why I love protein balls, they give me the protein I need after a workout. These cookies and cream protein balls are a delicious and healthy snack, not to mention they are so easy to prepare. Make a little batch ahead of time and then you’ll have the perfect snack for when you are on the go and need some protein.
And now on to the recipe. Hope you enjoy!
Cookies and Cream Protein Balls
Ingredients
1/2 Cup dry oats (Quaker instant work great)
1 heaping scoop Cookies and Cream Protein Powder
1 tbsp chia seed
2 tbsp ground flaxseed
2 tbsp natural peanut butter
1/4 Cup honey
2 tbsp dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all dry ingredients (everything listed above down to peanut butter) until well-mixed
- Add peanut butter and honey. Stir until well-combined (the “dough” should all come together and not stick to the sides of the bowl. You might need to add 1-2 tbsp water depending on the brands of your oats and peanut butter.
- If desired add chocolate chips at this time. Keep in mind – this will alter nutrition information listed below.
- Roll into 1-inch balls; I got 8 protein balls using the quantities of ingredients above.
- Place in the fridge 30-60 minutes until they’re well set-up.
- I prefer to store these in the fridge so they hold their shape a little better.
Looking for more amazing foods that will increase your protein intake? Check out these delicious recipes:
Chocolate Mint Protein Brownies.
20 of the Best High Protein Snacks
Baked Blueberry Oatmeal Protein Cups
Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites
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Make it happen,
Jared
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