Rosie McAuliffe Nutrition brings you Raw Chocolate Protein Balls

My name is Rosie McAuliffe and I am a qualified Holistic Nutritionist with a Higher Diploma in Holistic Dietetics and Nutrition from the IAHM.

I have always been extremely interested in the workings of the human body and how through good nourishment you can prevent and heal lots of conditions while laying the foundations for a long and healthy lifestyle.

Christmas is a time when it is more difficult to stick to healthy eating. The festive season brings with it an abundance of treats, snacks, drinks and meals.

It is so important to enjoy this time of year, spending time with friends and family, making memories. It is very possible to find the happy medium between putting yourself into a food coma and depriving yourself of treats

I always advise to keep well hydrated during the festive season. Being even slightly dehydrated can trick us into thinking we are hungry and therefore you may be more likely to over snack.

Keep Active, go for nice walks with family and friends.

On Christmas Day eat a healthy breakfast and include at least one fruit or Vegetable and a source of Protein.

Poached Eggs, Smoked Salmon and Mashed Avocado on Sourdough is a delicious combination or make Pancakes with Eggs and Banana and top with Greek Yoghurt and some crushed Nuts.

Choose the white Turkey meat, without skin. Turkey is rich in Protein, low in Fat and full of B Vitamins.

Half fill your plate with Vegetables and try roasting your Potatoes with a little Oil instead of Dripping or Goose Fat

Calories, Added Sugar and Fat in snacks such as Canapes and Crisps can be high.

Try fresh vegetable sticks with Hummus/Guacamole/Salsa. Also, Popcorn, Chestnuts, Dates and Oranges can make healthy seasonal snacks

My Raw Chocolate Protein Balls and the Raw Chocolate Sauce are made from all natural ingredients and contain no added sugars or sweeteners.

Impress your friends and try these as a healthy and delicious alternative to processed Chocolate.

Chocolate when highly processed loses most of its nutrient and antioxidant strength, ultimately providing you with nothing more than excess sugar and fat.

Cacao Powder is the raw, unprocessed form of chocolate and contains many important vitamins and minerals. These include Magnesium, Calcium, Sulphur, Zinc, Iron, Copper, Potassium, and Manganese.

It is rich in Protein, Fibre, Antioxidants, Vitamin E, B Vitamins and oleic acid a monounsaturated heart healthy fat.

RAW CHOCOLATE PROTEIN BALLS

INGREDIENTS

1 Bag of Dates- Available in Aldi
1 Bag of Mixed Nuts- Available in Aldi
25 Grams of Raw Cacao Powder- Available in Aldi
25 Grams of Vanilla Pea Protein- NUZEST – Available in Health Stores and Online at https://www.nuzest.co.uk/ (If you do not have Protein Powder increase the Raw Cacao to 35 grams and add 1 TBSP of Pure Vanilla Extract)

Optional Add In:

1-2 TBSP Peppermint/Vanilla Extract
2 TBSP Organic Almond/Peanut/Cashew Nut Butter
2 TBSP Desiccated Coconut
I TSP of chopped Orange Zest and the juice of an Orange
1 TSP of Cinnamon and ½ TSP Nutmeg

METHOD

Place the Nuts in a blender and blend for about until they resemble a crumble
Add the Dates and weigh out the Protein Powder and the Raw Cacao Powder

Place the Nuts in a blender and blend for about until they resemble a crumble
Add the Dates and weigh out the Protein Powder and the Raw Cacao Powder

Add the Protein Powder and the Raw Cacao to the Nuts along with your optional add in. Here I added 1 ½ TBSP Peppermint Extract and approximately 50ml of Water
Blend for 2-3 minutes, until a ball forms in the blender- (you may need to add an extra 1-2 TBSP of water to help it blend)