A client asked me for snack ideas so I asked my colleague Ruthie to share with me her protein snack bite recipe.  I’m including that recipe under this one for reference.  I had a friend ask me what to substitute oatmeal for in these kinds of recipes and it got my wheels churning.  Here is what I came up with and they are really delicious.  Bonus, these are also grain free, gluten free and dairy free. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (almond butter will work too)
• 1/4 cup raw honey or maple syrup
• 3 scoops of protein powder (96 grams) – I used vanilla but any will work
• 4 teaspoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup almond flour
• 3 tablespoons cacao powder
• 3 tablespoons mini semi-sweet / dark chocolate chips OR cacao nibs
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• a pinch of salt

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a bowl until well incorporated.  If it feels too crumbly add a teeny bit of water.  Too wet, add a bit more protein powder.  Roll into balls with about a spoonful of dough and place in a parchment lined container.  Store in the fridge for up to a week (they won’t last that long).

Ruthie’s fave: Protein Chia Seed Balls via Camp Makery!

 

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut lengthwise
• 1/4 cup liquid aminos or low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup minced apples, mashed with a fork
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• green onion and lime for garnish

Directions:

1. Pound chicken breasts with a meat mallet until 1/2 inch in thickness.  You can use plastic wrap or a ziplock bag to accomplish this task.
2. In a glass bowl combine liquid aminos or soy sauce, apples, onion, sesame oil, coconut sugar, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds.  Whisk until combined and scoop out about 1/4 cup of the mixture to set aside.
3. Marinate chicken in the mixture bowl, turning to coat, and let marinate for 1 hour.
4. Using a grill pan or an actual grill on medium heat, lay chicken flat and let cook for 3 minutes then flip.
5. Pour the 1.4 cup of marinade you saved on cooking chicken after you turn it and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
6. Top with green onions and a squeeze of lime juice.
7. Goes great with brown rice, quinoa, veggies or salad.

Makes 4 servings. Recipe adapted from SkinnyTaste.com