When you’re working out, looking forward to an active day outside, playing sports, or working a job that requires physical exercise, sometimes you need an energy boost.  Some people like to have a snack before they work out to give themselves some energy.  Others find themselves getting hungry after burning all those calories and want something to nourish them after they’re done.  Or maybe you’ve planned a lunch break in the middle of a long hike or day’s labour.

Snacking between meals has a bad reputation, but it is actually a healthy habit.  Snacks throughout the day prevent the “mid-afternoon drop”; they keep your blood sugar better regulated and provide you with energy.

The only problem with snacks is when people use them as an excuse for junk food.  This is what gave snacking its bad reputation.  If you choose a nutritious, healthy snack in an appropriate portion size, you will avoid this problem.

To get the most benefit from physical activity, choose a snack that’s high in protein.  It’ll give you energy without the “sugar rush” and empty calories of candy and junk food.

Here’s a simple recipe to get you started.  These protein balls are easy to carry around on a hike or in a gym bag, and they’ll provide you with a healthy boost of energy.

 

Protein Balls

Ingredients:   1/3 cup natural peanut butter or other nut butter

1/4 cup honey

1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder

3 tbsp ground flaxseed

3 tbsp dark chocolate chips

 

Instructions: Mix together all ingredients. Should be the consistency of Play-Doh.

Roll into 14 small balls. Refrigerate to firm them up overnight for best results. Enjoy!

 

Nutrients per serving (1 ball): Calories: 84, Total Fats: 5 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Trans Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 3 mg,

Sodium, 28  mg, Total Carbohydrates: 8 g, Dietary Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 6 g, Protein: 4 g, Iron: 0 mg