Nothing beats a quick and delicious snack for on the go, and the growing demand for healthy bites means that the world of protein balls is rapidly expanding into every cafe, all the health food stores and of course onto the coveted foodie social media feeds.
These little gems pack a much needed hit of protein and nutrients, but they can put a squeeze on your wallet if you develop a habit of getting one every morning with your daily coffee, so we have the ultimate recipe to kill two birds with one stone, as they say.
Our coffee protein ball recipe will give you not only the substance you need to power through any midday slump, but a caffeine boost to keep you going even more. Save some money, fuel your body and mind, and enjoy these stimulating and tasty creations.
The Power of Protein
Being fit and healthy is something we can all attain, and it’s easy to keep your body and mind strong when you have an easy and nutritious option like these protein balls on hand!
Perfect for a midday work snack, something for your next hike or walk, or when entertaining your friends.
Protein is the quintessential component for building and retaining muscle in the body, but not all of us consume adequate protein for optimal growth and muscle repair.
Protein is broken down by enzymes in the stomach and small intestine, so that the amino acids it contains can be effectively used where required throughout the body. That means that after your weight lifting, cardio or other exercise, your body has the tools to build new muscle and repair any muscles that need a little TLC.
Consuming an adequate amount of protein is essential to ensure your body can perform optimally, and it will keep you strong and healthy on the inside and out!
Without the proper intake of protein, you can begin to develop immune system issues, weakness, hair loss and fatigue. This is especially important if you are active or trying to lose weight, anyone in a calorie deficit needs more protein than someone maintaining their weight!
Boost Your Brain with Coffee
The morning cup of joe is a coveted part of the morning for most people, and essential for some! Coffee, and the caffeine it contains, helps to give you an energy boost to power through the day, and it has some magical benefits, when consumed in moderation. And lots of fun facts!
Caffeine is a stimulant, which gives your brain the jolt of energy you experience after sipping on your latte or otherwise, but that’s not all. Caffeine also blocks the receptors for the chemical adenosine, which allows for a surge of energy and mental clarity that is otherwise hindered.
The addition of some cold brewed coffee in these energy balls elevates the game with the extra caffeine hit on top of the protein and carbohydrates you need to overcome any obstacles the work day may throw at you.
The Case with Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee requires a little more patience than your typical french press or espresso coffee, but the taste is well worth the wait! Making cold brew coffee is pretty simple and it only requires three things: Water, freshly ground coffee beans, and some self-restraint.
The process is different from making traditional coffee because you pour cold or room-temperature water over the ground beans, place it in the fridge and let it sit overnight so the flavour profile can develop into the smooth masterpiece it will become. The next day, you can strain the liquid and enjoy your cup of cold brew, either black or with some milk or a milk alternative, and some sugar or stevia if you have a sweet tooth (like me!).
If you are close by to Coffee For the People Roasting Co. pop in and grab one of our cold brews.
Coffee Protein Balls Recipe
Equipment:
+ Food processor
+ Baking tray
+ Baking paper
Ingredients
+ 1 cup medjool dates
+ 1 cup oats or quinoa flakes
+ 1 tablespoon peanut butter
+ 1/4 cup cold brew coffee
+ 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
+ 1 tablespoon of your protein powder of choice
+ A pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Chop up the dates (if they are whole the food processor might struggle).
Step 2: In the food processor, add the oats, peanut butter, cold brew coffee, cocoa powder, protein powder and salt.
Step 3: Blend the ingredients until the mixture is combined and has a dough-like texture.
Step 4: Place baking paper on a baking tray and use your hands to make small balls out of the dough. Put the tray in the freezer for one hour, then store the balls in an airtight container in the fridge.
Alternate Ingredients
The Oats: If you are gluten free, you can use certified gluten free oats if you prefer the texture of oats to quinoa flakes.
The Peanut Butter: If you have an allergy to peanuts, or enjoy other nut butters more, sub the peanut butter for almond, walnut or cashew butter.
The Sweetness: Sweet Tooth? Add in a few drops of liquid stevia or a few teaspoons of granulated stevia or monk fruit to enhance the sweet flavour profile of the ball.
FAQs you might have about our protein balls
How much caffeine can you consume per day?
The recommended maximum intake is 400 milligram per day, which is roughly 4 to 5 cups of coffee a day, depending on the strength of the brew and type of coffee (dark roast has less caffeine than a light or medium roast!).
What is the adequate protein intake per day?
It’s advised to consume 1.2 – 1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, however, this depends on your activity level, if you are in a calorie deficit or maintaining, and other contributing factors.
We depend on an adequate nutritional intake to thrive at our peak performance, so fueling our body with healthy and minimally processed foods can help to ensure we have the essential elements the body needs to flourish on our path through life.
Learning what we need as an individual, and understanding what we put in our body, and the effects it has downstream, is an integral part of the constant development of our livelihood.
