Ah, summer! The season of sun-kissed skin, lazy pool days, and endless opportunities for fun. But for many, summer also means a whirlwind of travel, BBQs, pool parties, and entertaining your kids on summer break. Amidst all this excitement, maintaining a healthy diet can feel like an Olympic sport.
Let’s be honest: summer is a time of indulgence. As soon as the temperatures rise, so do the invitations to BBQs and picnics. Grilled burgers, hot dogs, and potato salad might be staples at these gatherings, but they aren’t exactly the poster children for a balanced diet. Then there’s the travel—the road trips, family vacations, and spontaneous getaways. Finding nutritious options on-the-go can be challenging when you're surrounded by convenience store snacks and fast food.
While it’s okay to indulge occasionally, consuming higher levels of processed foods can wreak havoc on your digestive system. So today, we’d like to share with you a simple, no-bake cranberry protein ball recipe. It’s the perfect recipe to prep ahead of time and consume on-the-go for important nutrients and a much needed energy boost juggling summer plans and the kids’ endless energy!
These little bites are gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with protein. Oh, and did we mention they are delicious? The sweet flavor of cinnamon and ginger goodness will have your kids wanting some, too, so don’t forget to make extra. To get started, here is what you’ll need:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew… your choice!)
- ¼ cup organic maple syrup
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped craisins
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix, then scoop out approx. 1-inch balls and roll with your hands. If serving immediately, place them in the freezer for 10 minutes. If not, place them in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or the freezer if you want them to last longer. If consuming from the freezer, thaw for 5 minutes before serving.
We hope you enjoy these protein bites as much as we do! Pair with a daily probiotic supplement to fuel and help balance your gut this summer. For more tips on how to support your gut and digestive health, read our blog, Why Gut Health Is Important For Overall Health and Tips To Help,
*This recipe is not our own, and was created by whatmomslove.com. It has been modified slightly.