Chocolate-Peppermint Protein Balls
As many of you know, over the past year I have been on a diary-free, soy-free, egg-free diet while breastfeeding my daughter.
My daughter was diagnosed with Milk Soy Protein Intolerance when she was 3 months old (you can read more here). It took me a full 4 months to determine what foods she was truly reacting to through my breastmilk. It was a challenging 4 months to say the least.
You would not believe how prevalent soy is in our American diet. It is in almost everything we consume. Almost every restaurant meal, every packaged food…it’s rather alarming.
Thankfully, my daughter grew out of her intolerance by her first birthday. In hindsight I’m grateful for all that I learned during that year.
I had to become a vigiliant food label reader and that habit has stuck with me. I researched ingredients, code names for dairy & soy, and sought out companies that are providing healthy, delicious, soy/dairy/GMO- free foods.
Even though my daughter is now able to eat all kinds of foods, I have still chosen to limit the soy products in our diet and am quite picky about the dairy we consume.
I’ve learned too much to go back.
As Maya Angelou once said:
“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”
It’s not that soy is inherently bad, it’s just that it’s completely over-used in the American food system. It’s also commonly genetically modified, which is a growing problem, one that I have become passionate about through this journey.
People think they don’t consume much soy, but really we’re being fooled. Start looking at labels, you will be surprised.
I have a whole new respect for companies that are sourcing high-quality ingredients rather than using cheap products like genetically modified soy, corn, sugar, etc. etc.
I initially discovered ALOHA through social media and reached out to see if they would be willing to offer a discount for our community because I love what they’re doing. I’m always on the hunt for high-quality protein powders to recommend to my PBP and VIP clients and ALOHA is now topping my list.
All of their products are dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan and organic.
Although I enjoy their protein powder in my smoothies, I’ve also been adding them to a variety of other recipes for a extra boost.
In honor of the holiday and my love for these peppermint dark chocolate bars, I created a holiday-inspired protein ball recipe to help you stay on track this season without feeling deprived. Peppermint extract has a variety of health benefits as do all of the ingredients in this nutrient-trich treat.
Chocolate-Peppermint Protein Balls
Ingredients:
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup raw almonds
1/3 cup dates
1 Tbs raw honey
1-2 Tbs Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips or raw cocao nibs
2 drops peppermint extract
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Place cashews and almonds in a food processor or high powdered blender and process into a fine meal. Add remaining ingredients and process until no large chunks remain. Roll into golf-ball size portions and store in the fridge for up to a week.
These are seriously good you guys. Try not to eat them all at one time. 🙂
My friends at ALOHA are kind enough to offer a free trial if you’re interested in testing out their products.
CLICK HERE to order your free trial.
xo,
PS – you may also enjoy Almond Beauty Bars and these Pumpkin Pie Protein Bites.
note: breastfeeding moms should limit peppermint as it is known to reduce milk supply. affiliate links are used in this email.
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