One of the things I have always struggled with is having a sweet tooth. I grew up with a grandma who always spoiled me with food. Every time I would go to her house there would be cookies, candy, Coke, every sugar-loaded sweet treat you could imagine. I grew up believing that food is used as a reward, or to celebrate any life event such as birthday parties, new jobs, baptisms, baby showers, and so on. There was always an event or celebration that required food to feel good.
Don’t get me wrong: I love to eat, and we all need fuel to survive. But learning how to break that reward cycle and sugar addiction has been a long and tedious process over the last 40 years. Luckily, I’ve educated myself on making healthier choices around balanced nutrition. I’ve learned how to make swaps that still allow me to feel satisfied with a sweet treat, but instead use healthier ingredients.
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Each week I typically prep one sweet treat to have on hand for that post-meal sweet tooth, or special time of the month.
I don’t know about you, but I love all things chocolate and peanut butter. I found this recipe that combines chocolate and peanut butter with a little protein and saltiness too. I feel like I could eat Reese’s Cups all day long, but have you seen the 22g of sugar per bar? No thank you!!
I found this new recipe for an energy ball that I am loving with chocolate & peanut butter, and PRETZELS!!! There is a sweet and savory flavor all rolled into one!!
Related Post: 4 Simple Ways to Turn Any Recipe into a Healthy Recipe
These energy balls are the perfect after meal sweet treat and they are a healthier alternative to the traditional candy bar which is loaded with sugar!
Check out the recipe, nutritional breakdown, and my Vlog below! I can’t wait to hear what you think!!!
Ingredients
- Parchment paper
- 2 Tbsp. semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup dry rolled oats
- ⅓ cup all-natural peanut butter
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 packet/25g 100 calorie pretzels (approx. ½ cup)
Instructions
- Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside
- Place chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl; microwave on high for 1 minute, or until melted. Set aside.
- Add oats, Shakeology, and peanut butter to a small mixing bowl; stir to combine. Crush pretzels into large chunks; add to Shakeology mixture. Using clean hands, incorporate pretzels into the mixture. Form into 6 balls, approximately 1 Tbsp. each. Place on a prepared sheet.
- Dip a fork into melted chocolate; drizzle over balls. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
Each energy ball has around 70 calories so eat one at a time after a meal to satisfy your sweet tooth, or as a snack between meals.
*Note- you can also use vegan protein powder, and almond butter if you prefer.
ENJOY!!
LISA FOUGHT
Lisa is a 41 year-old mom & wife who lives in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL with her husband Josh, and two boys, Jackson-8, and Hudson-6. She is a fitness fanatic who started her affection for sports at a young age through gymnastics, Volleyball, Track, and Cheerleading.
Lisa is from Lebanon, Indiana where she grew up and went on to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Science and Secondary Education . After graduating college, Lisa moved to Charleston, South Carolina where she started teaching as an adjunct instructor at a community college. She pursued her group fitness certification while teaching at the college and has continued to teach group classes for the past 17 years.
Lisa currently teaches Yoga and Pilates at her community gym and is a Virtual Health Coach who helps pair women with fitness & nutrition plans that fit their lifestyle and budget. When she isn’t coaching, teaching at the gym, or leading a zoom workout, Lisa enjoys traveling with her family and spending time at the beach, or the waterparks in her community.
Lisa is thrilled to join the Peaceful Living Wellness community. She will be sharing some of her favorite workouts & nutrition tips with you.
