Food is fuel!
These chia seed protein balls are so perfect – an energy boost, not too much sugar, and protein. Chia seeds are so interesting! They’re a nutritious addition to your diet and the antioxidant activity of chia seeds is higher than any whole food, even blueberries.
I wasn’t too sure about these. I have made a few kinds of snack bars and balls – but just haven’t found one that I actually like. The way I can tell is if I actually finish them or end up tossing them out after I get tired of seeing them sit around!
Here’s a little backstory on the tiny Chia seed. Chia is an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, grown in Mexico dating way back to Mayan and Aztec cultures. “Chia” means strength, and folklore has it that these cultures used the tiny black and white seeds as an energy booster. That makes sense, as chia seeds are a concentrated food containing healthy omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium.
Ingredients
- ½ cup all natural, creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 3 cups quick oats
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup raisins
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
Steps
Start by melting the peanut butter and honey together in a small saucepan. While they are melting together, mix the remaining ingredients in a bowl. When peanut butter and honey have melted, remove from the heat and add the vanilla. Then add the melted mixture to the bowl of remaining ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined.
Scoop out a heaping teaspoon and roll into a tight ball. Give it a good squeeze! After a while your hands will get a bit sticky with the mixture and it can be difficult to form into balls. Simply wash your hands or you can grease them with a bit of oil. You can also press into a pan and cut into bars.