The Best Protein Balls: My Favorite Naturally Sweet Treat!
I knew that sugar leads to sickness.
That it would age me well beyond my years.
But I was afraid.
I was afraid of change, afraid to quit.
Yes, I had given up gluten and dairy, but sugar? Nope, I didn't have it in me. I couldn’t imagine giving up my daily Reese's Mini Peanut Butter cups, could I?
Deep down I knew it wasn’t doing me any good.
My gut was a hot mess. I was bloated, distended and had indigestion all the time. I was exhausted and had debilitating insomnia. And the sugar was just feeding my problems.
It wasn't until I learned that there were plenty of healthy alternatives that could eat that would still satisfy my sweet tooth. I didn't have to feel deprived!
But I wasn't confident in the kitchen. I was no Betty Crocker. But I chose to be brave and try something new.
I tapped into my creative side and experimented in the kitchen.
I had a long learning curve and a lot of disasters but eventually figured out how to make some pretty yummy treats that satisfy my sugar cravings today.
Here's one of my favorite quick and easy, naturally sweet recipes that won’t throw you off balance:
The Best Protein Balls
1 cup almonds (any nut will work!)
1 cup protein powder (I prefer hemp)
1/4 cup cacao powder, plus extra for dusting
1 tablespoon stevia
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons coconut oil
5 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup light coconut milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup coconut flakes, plus more for coating
Blend all ingredients
Form into balls and roll in coconut and raw cacao powder
Freeze for a few hours before eating (optional)
Enjoy!
Naomi Nakamura is a Functional Nutrition Health Coach. She helps passionate, ambitious high-achievers who are being dragged down by fatigue, burnout, sugar cravings, poor sleep, unexplained weight issues, and hormonal challenges optimize health, find balance, and upgrade their energy so they can do big things in this world.
Through her weekly show, The Live FAB Live Podcast, programs, coaching, and services, she teaches women how to optimize their diet, support their gut health, reduce their toxic load, and improve their productivity, bringing work + wellness together.
Naomi resides in the San Francisco Bay Area and can often be found exploring the area with her puppy girl, Coco Pop!
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