I don't know about you, but I am already in fall mode. My apartment is decked out with fall decorations, the cinnamon scented candles are lit, blankets are out & I am ready for sweater weather, comfy sweatpants, halloween movies & football.
If you're not in the mood yet, these pumpkin spice protein balls will get you there! They basically taste like you are eating fall. They are so delicious, filling and exactly what I was needing to keep my spirits high.
A few of the ingredients in this protein ball recipe are pumpkin seeds, dates & walnuts; these contain quite a few health benefits:
Pumpkin seeds reduce inflammation, improve focus, boost immunity & support weight loss.
Dates support cardiovascular health & circulation as well as aid digestion.
Walnuts promote heart health, support blood sugar regulation, insulin response & fertility. They also reduce inflammation.
Ingredients for the protein balls:
8-10 ounces pumpkin puree
10 pitted dates (pre-soaked in water for 5-10 minutes)
1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds - Go Raw
1/2 cup raw walnuts
1/3 cup tahini
2 tbsp flax seeds
1 tbsp pumpkin spice
1 tbsp chia seeds
2 tsp hemp seeds
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of cinnamon
2 cups oats
Recommended toppings:
cacao nibs or chocolate chips
pumpkin seeds
pumpkin spice or cinnamon, sprinkled
Directions:
1. Put all ingredients except the oats in a food processor. Place on high for 3-5 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary. *If the mixture is too dry, add a few tablespoons of water.
2. In a separate bowl, place the oats and the mixture from the food processor. Mix together with a spoon until the oats are evenly distributed.
3. Roll the mixture into balls - size of your choosing.
**Optional step: top with cacao nibs, chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin spice and/ or cinnamon.
4. Place into an airtight container and let set in the refrigerator overnight.
Enjoy!
What is your favorite fall activity? Let me know in the comment box below.
Health Benefits from Ingredients in the protein balls:
Chia Seeds aid digestion, increase energy, support blood sugar regulation & weight loss, improve brain function
Cinnamon improves circulation, support blood sugar regulation & balanced appetite, promote heart health
Dates support cardiovascular health & circulation, aid digestion
Flax Seeds promote heart health, improve brain function, balance hormones, reduce inflammation, aid digestion
Hemp Seeds support brain health, aid weight loss & digestion, improve cholesterol
Oats balance blood sugar levels, help reduce blood pressure, promote healthy gut bacteria
Pumpkin Seeds reduce inflammation, improve focus, boost immunity & support weight loss
Tahini supports skin & muscle health
Walnuts promote heart health, support blood sugar regulation, insulin response & fertility, reduce inflammation
xoxo Holly
