Fudgey Protein Bites

Sometimes you just need something totally chocolately and delicious for a work place snack.  On a long day at the office, sometimes it’s this that gets me through till the end of the day.  So I’m not tempted to sneak next door to the garage and smuggle back a chocolate bar, I’ve created these.  Super chocolately, filling and better for you than a big old cadbury chocolate bar from the servo.

These bites contain:

Protein powder –  these pump up the protein content and help make these little snacks a filling treat.  There’s hundreds of protein powders on the market – look for one that’s naturally sweetened if possible.  Try Vital Protein,  Clean Lean Protein or Bio X

Chia seeds – These little seeds are packed full of many nutrients. They’re super high in fibre, a great source of protein, and provide you with omega 3 fatty acids. A tablespoon of chia seeds will give you 3.4g protein and 13% of your recommended daily intake of magnesium – a mineral critical for many important processes in the body including nerve, heart and muscle functions. Chia seeds are also a source of calcium, iron, phosphorous, potassium  and antioxidants.

Hazelnuts –  As well as being super delicious and the perfect accompaniment to chocolate, these nuts are a  source of vitamin B6, magnesium, iron and potassium

Coconut oil – contains some medium chain triglycerdies which are easily metabolised to give energy.   Coconut oil is fairly new on the market and I generally use other oils for cooking, but coconut oil is great for raw treats.

Cocao – high in antioxidants – yah!

Ground Almonds – full of protein and healthy fats, plus a good source of vitamin E.

Here’s how to make:

Ingredients

1/4 cup coconut oil
2 tablespoons nut butter
3 teaspoons honey
2 tablespoons cocao
1/3 cup vanilla protein powder
3 tablespoons of ground almond
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1/4 cup hazelnuts

Melt the coconut oil in a small pot. Take off the heat and add the nut butter and honey.  Add the cocoa (sieve it to prevent lumps) and mix well.  Add the remaining ingredients and mix until combined.  Place in mini paper cases in mini muffin tins and refrigerate till set.  Or freeze if you’re in a hurry to eat one!

Store in the fridge as these will start melting in a warm room.