Chocolate Date Nut Balls

I’m a big snacker… do you like to snack?? I like a mid-morning snack and something to hold me over in the afternoon before dinner. The pre-dinner snack is also a workout snack so I like to get carbs and protein to sustain me through my workout. I have created many different protein balls/bars/etc. instead of using a store bought protein bar. I like to know all the ingredients I’m putting into my body and some of the store bought bars have ingredients I don’t even know and I have a degree in food and nutrition.  Anyways, here is my latest creation, so simple but so delicious! No sugar, no additives, no fake (not real) ingredients. EAT REAL FOOD, your body will thank you!

Chocolate Nut Balls

Ingredients:

1 cup almonds (could also use almonds

1 cup pitted dates

3 TBSP cocoa powder

1-2 TBSP water

1-2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

Blend almonds to a fine powder, add dates and cocoa powder (and cinnamon and chocolate chips if using). You might need add a little water for dough to form, add very gradually, you don’t want it to be too moist. When perfect dough like consistency is reached, roll into balls. Feel free to roll these bad boys in cocoa powder, finely shredded coconut, or whatever you think would be yummy! Do you prefer homemade protein balls/bars or store bought?? If you like store bought which ones do you like to buy??

PS Don't let the semi-weird looking ball picture fool you, these are delicious!!