Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

<article> <section> <p align="justify">When the mid-afternoon slump hits, it’s tempting to reach for a candy bar or cup of coffee for the jolt you need to finish out the day. Instead of relying on sugar or caffeine to do the trick, though, plan ahead and have some good-for-you protein balls on hand! Made with only a handful of ingredients, they’re rich, creamy, and loaded with essential energy-boosting vitamins and minerals—like Vitamin B6 and phosphorus. These treats will keep you going longer, and without that pesky carb crash to suffer through!</p> <h2>Creamy and Dreamy</h2> <p align="justify">Peanut butter is a wonder food! Use it as a spread, mix it into Asian sauces, or just lick it off a spoon (we promise we won’t tell!). No matter how you eat it, peanut butter is sure to please. Opt for natural varieties with no added sugar or oils and you’ll get a heaping helping of heart-healthy fats. A single serving provides more than 15% of your RDA for phosphorus, an essential nutrient for creating healthy cells. This delicious nut butter even helps boost energy!</p> <h2>Sleek, Supple, and Snackable</h2> <p align="justify">As we age, many of us worry about keeping our joints flexible and our skin soft and wrinkle-free. You could turn to invasive medical procedures to stay supple—or you can use natural collagen foods instead! <a target="_blank" href="https://www.warriormade.com/content/diet/collagen-protein-the-missing-link-of-the-modern-di/" rel="noreferrer">The most abundant protein in the body</a>, collagen forms the structure of your cartilage and ligaments and keeps your skin and hair healthy. Though we naturally lose collagen as we age, you can repair the damage and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.warriormade.com/content/diet/foods-high-in-collagen" rel="noreferrer">replenish your body through the food you eat</a>! Besides natural sources of collagen like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.warriormade.com/content/diet/homemade-bone-broth/" rel="noreferrer">bone broth</a>, you can get an extra boost through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.warriormade.com/content/diet/protein-powder-is-for-more-than-just-body-builders/" rel="noreferrer">collagen protein powders</a>. Adding a dash to your baked goods in place of flour or flour alternatives increases muscle-building protein <i>and</i> skin-smoothing collagen. And it often improves the texture of keto baked goods and snacks!</p> </section> <hr class="divider-15 divider-thick mx-auto"> <section class="recipe"> <h2 itemprop="name" align="center">Peanut Butter Protein Balls</h2> <div class="prep"> <span> <meta itemprop="prepTime" content="PT10M">Prep Time: 10 minutes</span> <span> <meta itemprop="cookTime" content="PT10M">Cooking Time: 10 minutes</span> <span> <meta itemprop="recipeYield">Serves: 24 </span> </div> <h3>Ingredients:</h3> <ul class="ingredients no-bullet"> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">1 cup natural creamy peanut butter, no sugar added</li> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">½ cup collagen protein powder (try <a target="_blank" href="https://www.warriormade.com/go2protein/shop/" rel="noreferrer">Go2 Protein</a>)</li> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">⅓ cup granulated monk fruit sweetener</li> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">1 tablespoon natural cocoa powder</li> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li> <li itemprop="recipeIngredient">½ cup roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped (optional)</li> </ul> <hr class="divider-50 divider-medium"> <h3>Instructions:</h3> <ol itemprop="recipeInstructions"> <li><p align="justify">In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the peanut butter, collagen protein powder, monk fruit sweetener, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Pulse until a smooth, dense paste forms. </p></li> <li><p align="justify">The mixture should be very thick, but able to hold its shape when pressed together. If it seems thin, add a little extra collagen protein and cocoa powder, then blend again.</p></li> <li><p align="justify">Scoop a heaping teaspoon of dough and roll into a ball with your hands, pressing to make a dense ball about an inch in diameter. If the mixture becomes too sticky and difficult to work with, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up again. Keep your hands cold while working by occasionally rinsing them under cold running water, then patting dry.</p></li> <li><p align="justify">Put the chopped peanuts (if using) on a plate. Roll each protein ball in chopped peanuts, pressing to ensure they stick.</p></li> <li><p align="justify">Repeat the shaping and coating process until you’ve used up all the dough. You should get about 24 protein balls.</p></li> <li><p align="justify">Store in the fridge or freeze.</p></li> </ol> </section> </article>