Dark Chocolate Chip Protein Bites

If you are looking for a classic protein ball, then look no further! These dark chocolate chip protein bites are perfect for treating a sweet tooth, perfect as a pre-workout snack, or to cure that 3pm crash!

In light of the team series and various competitions my CrossFit gym has been doing this past month, I thought it would be fitting to make protein bites. Although I am not competing, I do want to make sure that I have the energy and stamina to complete my workouts successfully. That is why I incorporate this recipe into my weekly meal prep so that I always have a quick go-to snack right before my workout every time.

It can be so easy to purchase protein bars instead because of the convenience but most protein bars are loaded with artificial sweeteners, preservatives and can be high in calories. If it’s convenience you are looking for, these protein bites are super easy to make! Added bonus: if you do swap these out for your regular protein bars but miss the flavor, these taste just like Larabars!

These dark chocolate chip protein bites are made with plant-based ingredients that are nutrient dense and worth every little calorie. They are naturally sweetened with Medjool dates which contain potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and calcium to name a few.

Medjool dates are great workout fuel since they are packed with slow-burning carbs (about 66 calories and 15 grams of sugar). These carbs are in a low glycemic form which means that glucose is released into the bloodstream slower which allows for steady energy during a workout.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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If you are looking for a classic protein ball, then look no further! These dark chocolate chip protein bites are perfect for treating a sweet tooth, perfect as a pre-workout snack, or to cure that 3pm crash! 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups GF oats

• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (vegan)

• 1 cup (packed) or 12 medjool dates

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

• 1/4 cup almond butter

• 2 Tbsp chia seeds

• 1/4 cup cold water

• Couple dashes of ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

1. Soak medjool dates in warm water for 10 minutes.

2. To a food processor or high powered blender, add soaked dates, oats, protein powder, almond butter, chia seeds, cinnamon. While pulsing on low, slowly add the water until the mixture is evenly combined but not overly processed. (may need to use more water for desired consistency)

3. Transfer mixture to a bowl and add the chocolate chips. Fold in the chocolate chips until combined.

4. Using a cookie scoop or 1 Tbsp measuring spoon, roll into 1-inch balls.

5. To set, place balls onto parchment paper lined baking tray and place into the fridge or freezer for 10 minutes or eat right away! Will keep for about a week in an airtight container or you can freeze them for longer term storage.

NOTES

1. Makes 22-24 protein bites

*Protein is derived from plant based vanilla protein powder

Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola and Berry Parfait

Chocolate peanut butter granola and berry parfaits are great for a healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert!

Breakfast is definitely my favorite meal of the day. The thought of breakfast literally gets me out of the bed in the morning! I leave the house early in the morning so that I can sit down at my desk at work to really enjoy it with a nice cup of coffee. I certainly do my best to find the joy in the little things!

Usually, I am more of a savory breakfast person. I prefer eggs, avocado toast or a breakfast skillet like my sweet potato hash breakfast skillet. Sometimes, though, you need to mix things up! What better way to “mix things up” than with layers of granola, berries, and yogurt?!

Still not convinced? Here are five reasons for you to prepare these parfaits!

1. With so few ingredients, you can easily incorporate them into your meal prep.

2. Parfaits are versatile -- switch out the ingredients depending on your mood, or season! I originally debut these on Instagram for 4th of July, hence the whole red, white, and blue theme, but you can easily make these for the fall if you do a simple switch! For example, for fall parfaits you could switch out the berries for apples and cinnamon. For the spring, use apricots with honey! The possibilities are endless.

3. Make these for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack. I won’t judge you if you make them for dinner, too.

4. They are easy to grab and take with you! Just prepare them in mason jars!

5. Impress your friends! Parfaits look adorable and most people don’t realize how little effort it takes to make them!

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Chocolate peanut butter granola and berry parfaits are great for a healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert! - GF/DF/Low sugar

INGREDIENTS

Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola

• 2 cups GF oats

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

• 1/4 cup flax seeds

• 1/4 cup oily peanut butter

• 2 Tbsp cacao powder

• 1-2 Tbsp pure maple syrup

Yogurt

• 2 cups plain greek yogurt or dairy free yogurt

• 1-2 Tbsp pure maple syrup or honey

Toppings

• Assorted berries

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Mix granola ingredients together and spread onto a sheet pan covered in parchment paper.

3. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy and the granola mix is dried out.

4. While the granola is cooling down, mix the sweetener into the yogurt until you reach the desired sweet taste.

5. In a mason jar or cup, do two layers of yogurt, granola, and berries. Enjoy!

Avocado Deviled Eggs

Made with avocado instead of mayonnaise, these healthy avocado deviled eggs are just as creamy and delicious without the guilt.

They’re perfect for Easter or for an upgraded snack. Sprinkle with chives or dill and smoked paprika for garnish!

Growing up as a child, my mother would make deviled eggs for every occasion; Christmas, Easter, you name it! But since I live in a different state from her, it looks like it's up to me to continue the tradition in my home! This recipe will be similar to my mother’s recipe but tweaked so it’s healthier for you.

Eggs can get a bad reputation with the fat content but eggs actually contain healthy fats that are essential to overall health. Eggs are also a great source of protein as one whole egg contains six grams of protein. They are great from a culinary standpoint to help emulsify sauces or dressings and important in baking to add structure, leavening, and to enhance flavor.  

Speaking of healthy fats, a great whole food alternative to mayonnaise is using avocado instead! An avocado provides just a quarter of the calories mayo does along with healthy fats, fiber, and important vitamins like folate and Vitamin C.

Since I absolutely love deviled eggs, I thought I would kick up the game a little bit. You can completely omit this part (why would you!?) but these eggs are beet-dyed! Dying the eggs are merely for presentation. The beet dying process does not affect flavor at all! If you would like to give your eggs this pretty color, check out the Created by Diane blog post on beet dying. I followed her foolproof method but used the juice from my Refrigerator Pickled Beets recipe instead, to cut out some steps.

Enjoy these not so devilish eggs as a quick protein snack or as an appetizer to share this Easter holiday, picnic or barbecue.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo with #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Made with avocado instead of mayonnaise, these healthy avocado deviled eggs are just as creamy and delicious without the guilt.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 dozen, 12 fresh eggs

• 1 large ripe avocado

• 2 Tbsp minced sweet pickles (bread and butter pickles or gherkins)

• 2 Tbsp dijon mustard

• 1/2 tsp celery salt

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Garnish

smoked paprika, chives or fresh dill

DIRECTIONS

1. To hard boil the eggs: Place 12 eggs in a large saucepan with cold water until eggs are fully covered. Set the oven on medium heat and let the water boil gradually (this prevents the eggs from cracking if set on high). Once boiling, cover with a lid and sit on the back burner for about 11-13 min (depending on the size of your egg). When the eggs are cooked, immediately transfer eggs to an ice cold water bath to stop the cooking process. Gently crack shells to remove the egg.

2. To beet dye eggs: Place de-shelled eggs in a large ziploc bag and place bag in a bowl to keep the ziploc bag upright. Pour beet juice from (pickled beets recipe) and dilute with water until all eggs are covered. (or use beet mixture from (Created by Diane). Place in fridge for at least 1 hour. Rinse the beet juice off the eggs using a strainer and pat dry

3. Slice eggs in half and remove eggs yolks saving 4 egg yolks (8 halves) and add to a bowl. Discard or keep remaining yolks for another dish.

4. For this filling: add avocado, pickles, dijon mustard and seasonings to the bowl with yolks and mash until fully incorporated. Adjust seasonings to taste. It is best to use the back of a fork for easy mashing.

5. To serve: place filling in a ziploc bag and cut one corner to squeeze the filling into the hollowed part of the egg. Sprinkle with smoked paprika and top with chopped fresh chives or dill.

6. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week and enjoy!

NOTES

1. The egg and avocado mixture should fill exactly 24 halved eggs but just in case you might have used a small avocado, add more egg yolk to the mixture to ensure you have enough filling for 24 halved eggs. 

Lemon and Coconut Energy Balls

Filled with fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats, these are the perfect choice when you need a little pick-me-up snack! They are great to make as a “911 snack” as it only takes 5 minutes to make and uses only 6 ingredients!

I have to be honest - life can be hard and stressful for me at times.

I juggle school, work, this food blog, and my personal life all while searching for grad schools. In everything I do, I strive to be intentional in every moment and hour in my life.For example, if I take a class and pass by the skin of my teeth then what have I gained from the experience? With every new practice, patience and persistence are tested as we don’t always get it right the first time. In the midst of the busy times, I have to continuously remind myself that this is only temporary and that I should be proud of myself for getting this far.

As easy as it sounds to be intentional, you need the energy and willpower to actually do it! That’s why I lean on to these amazing lemon and coconut energy balls. Lemon and coconut is an excellent pairing as they are both sweet and refreshing. This flavor-packed combination is great with the caramel undertones of pitted dates; the creamy texture provided by cashews and almonds is also a big plus!

Cashews, almonds, and dates are magnesium-rich foods that actually boost energy and prevent inflammation. Magnesium is key in creating energy by activating ATP; (adenosine triphosphate) which is an energy carrying molecule found in the cells of your body. Ultimately, when you have an adequate amount of magnesium in your system, your body is primed to function at its peak.

Not only are these lemon and coconut energy balls great for providing energy and preventing inflammation, they’re nutrient and calorically dense. Filled with fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats, these are the perfect choice when you need a little pick-me-up snack! They are great to make as a “911 snack” as it only takes 5 minutes to make and uses only 6 ingredients! I recommend making a couple of batches so that you can store half in the fridge for immediate use throughout the week and the other half in the freezer for a later time.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo with #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

Filled with fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats, these are the perfect choice when you need a little pick-me-up snack! They are great to make as a “911 snack” as it only takes 5 minutes to make and uses only 6 ingredients!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup raw cashews

• 1 cup raw almonds

• 1/2 cup coconut flakes

• 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil

• 8 pitted dates

• half one lemon *plus more for preference

• Zest of one whole lemon *plus more for garnish

• Dash pink Himalayan salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Soak dates in warm filtered water for at least 10 minutes

2. After dates have properly soaked, remove dates and set date water aside.

3. Blend all ingredients in a high-speed processor until desired texture. If the consistency seems dry, add a little bit of the reserved date water.

4. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture, and form into balls.

5. Roll into your favorite toppings! I like to use lemon zest and coconut flakes.

NOTES

1. These can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to a month. Make large batches to store snacks ahead of time.