If you’re an early morning exerciser, or up early with the kids/work/life you might find you like a morning snack. I know I do! I like to make sure I’m getting some protein and fibre in my snacks to keep me nice and full. I also like to make sure I’m adding in some nuts for some heart smart vitamins and a fibre boost. I have a fig, date and cocoa protein ball recipe which I make quite often but I today I thought I’d show one of the recipes I developed for my Metabolic Reset clients. I wanted a lower carb snack with plenty of protein. I had the idea of using some vanilla matcha protein powder to give the balls a beautiful green colour plus a hint of matcha. Now I realise not everyone has matcha protein powder in their cupboard, so you could make these with vanilla protein (which I’ve tried and is delicious) and you could also add 1/2 - 1 tsp of matcha to the mix too. You can use any nuts you like, I use a mix of almonds, brazils and cashews. Brazil nuts give the balls a shortbread like consistency and they are a great source of selenium for thyroid health.

p.s if you can’t face making your own protein balls I’ve written a review of supermarket protein balls! Or you could have some nuts and a piece of fruit

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ cups mixed nuts, i like a mix of cashew, almond, brazil

• ¾ cup desiccated coconut

• ½ cup (7) pitted medjool dates

• zest of 1 lemon

• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla essence or paste

• pinch salt

• ¼ cup vanilla matcha protein powder (or vanilla protein powder)

METHOD

1. Combine the nuts, protein powder, salt and coconut in a food processor and blend until the ingredients are finely chopped.

2. Add the dates and lemon zest - blitz again to combine.

3. Pour in the lemon juice and vanilla and mix one last time to combine. Add more lemon juice or a little boiling water if they aren’t sticking together.

4. Roll into small balls (I get 18 out of this mix) and coat in coconut.

5. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

NUTRITION

107 calories per ball, 3.5g of protein, 7 g carbs, 7 g of fat, 2g of fibre

Do you need more ideas for snacks? Check out these suggestions here.

Rachel is a university qualified Clinical Nutritionist based in Balmain. She is also the busy working mum of two teenagers, so is practical and realistic with her advice . Rachel offers private consultations to improve your family's health and well-being. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram for more healthy tips and tricks.