Add a little Protein

So, I'm trying to make sure that I eat enough protein. Yup. I am just not a meat lover! Sometimes, a really good steak tastes amazing, and I do like chicken, but I just don't "crave" it, you know? Not the way that Eli wants meat in every meal. That's just not me! Carrots and hummus? Why, yes, I'll take it. A bowlful of roasted veggies? Delish.

But as I also dedicate time in many of my days to working out and trying to incorporate some good weight lifting as a part of my workouts, I got a nudge from a trusted source to make sure that I'm getting enough protein, and to probably up how much I have been eating. I think I ate more protein when I was pregnant ... I did crave it then, come to think of it! But, now, not as much.

So, each day, looking and making sure that protein is in there. The other morning I got home from the gym, poured yesterday's leftover coffee that I had stashed in the fridge in a cup, iced it, and added some protein powder. And that, my friends, was good! I don't do that everyday, but I was feeling too lazy to make a smoothie, I was hot, thirsty, and it worked!

And then I've been keeping THESE around lately:

Completely re-did a recipe I stumbled across for a type of peanut butter ball, and turned into a protein ball with ALL good ingredients! Loving them. Took some to the gym to share, and Eli has grabbed a couple to have with apples in the morning. The best part about them is that you can really make them any way you want. I've used whole wheat flour, I've been currently using peanut flour because I happen to have it, you could add in mini chocolate chips, raisins, etc etc.! Don't like coconut? Leave it out? It is one of those that can be customized to fit anyone - at least, if you like peanut butter!

But, here's my original recipe ...

PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BALLS

1/2 c. peanut butter

1/4 c. applesauce (I used homemade)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3 T. protein powder (I use vanilla because that is what we have)

3 T. whole wheat flour

1/2 c. rolled oats

2 T. flaked coconut

 

*Mix your first three ingredients together and then stir in the dry ingredients. Once you've got the texture you like, roll into balls!

Try and enjoy! And if you ARE one of those, like me, who finds themselves working out frequently, double check your protein intake and make sure it is sufficient!