Tart Cherry Protein Bites

 

Tart Cherry Protein Bites

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My Tart Cherry Protein Bites have a lot of fiber for their mouth poppable size.  They are low in calories, but will give you energy because of the high quality ingredients that is contained in a delicious bite sized treat.  Cherries are an often over-looked fruit. Which is a shame, because they have a bunch of health benefits.  Cherries help ward off alzheimer's, reduce the risk of stroke, help prevent colon cancer, and regulate your heart rate and blood pressure, which is great for you heart.  Some of the beauty perks are slowing your skin from aging and decrease belly fat.

The healthy fat and protein from the flax and chia seed mix, pecans and protein mix keep you full and your blood sugar level.  Cinnamon is one of the best spices to regulate blood sugar.  Speaking of cinnamon, it is my all time favorite spice!  It is great in savory dishes and delicious in sweets and it also helps regulate blood sugar levels.

These fantastic protein bites are a great make ahead for grab-and-go breakfast, a quick snack or a scrumptious dessert.  If you use fresh cherries instead of the dried kind then they are quick to make.  They are sweet, tart and super satisfying.  I just adore these warmed with a little bit of vanilla or chocolate coconut ice cream for a decadent yet healthy treat!...Now I really, really want one...gotta go...

Tart Cherry Protein Bites

  • Prep Time
    5 mins
  • Cook Time
    0 mins
  • Total Time
    5 mins

Ingredients

  • ½ cup fresh tart cherries (or dried tart cherries, when using dried add one hour to prep time)
  • 1 scoop or ¼ cup Vanilla Shaklee Life Energizing Shake mix (or if you really want them chocolatey use the Chocolate flavor instead) (or for vegan option use Vanilla Energizing Soy Protein)
  • 3 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 tbsp chia & flaxseed mix
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp coconut milk (or almond, cashew, flax, rice, soy or cow milk)
  • 1 tbsp dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life, to make these dairy free, and be a vegan option, but you could use regular dark chocolate chips)

Directions

If you use dried cherries instead of fresh cherries, first soak them in enough water to fully cover them for one hour, this will get them moist for easier mixing.  Chop cherries in a food processor, but not too much, just enough to chop into quaters, or you can cut them by hand into quarters.  Combine cherries, protein powder, cinnamon, flax and chia seed mix with almond milk, stir to blend completely.  Add the nuts and chocolate chips and stir to combine.  Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture and roll into about 2 inch balls.  Makes six bites.  Store in refrigerator.  Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 2 inch piece

6 Servings per Recipe

Amount Per Serving
Calories 65
Total Fat 2g
  Trans Fat 0g
Total Carbohydrate 10g
  Dietary Fiber 2g
Protein 3g

Gluten Free!  Dairy Free and Vegan, if you use dairy free and vegan chocolate chips like Enjoy Life!  Vegan, if you use Energizing Soy Protein!

*Nutritional facts will vary if you use different protein mix, or dried cherries instead of fresh.

**I always suggest using organic ingredients whenever possible.

 

Health benefits info from http://www.care2.com/greenliving/11-health-benefits-of-the-beautiful-cherry.html

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