Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls!

Keeping my blood sugar levels balanced during the day can be a challenge, as it is for a lot of us because of our high paced work lives and demands. Despite this, I know that dysregulated blood sugar levels are often the route of a lot of physical and emotional experiences and are likely the culprit of feeling dips and lulls of energy throughout your day, feelings of anxiety, brain fog, intense sugar cravings, irritability, crying spells and much more. This is because our brain functions off of around 60% glucose and requires balanced blood sugar levels in order to create the energy in the body that is responsible for engaging trillions of metabolic processes and enzymatic reactions. When our body goes into low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia (which may be a result of numerous factors, such as when someone has eaten something too high in sugar which results in excess insulin secretion causing that spike in blood sugar followed by the infamous "crash" or when someone is simply skipping important meals such as breakfast or lunch), the body attempts to balance by sending out stress hormones and causing the body to crave the quickest source of energy, often being high sugar snacks such as cookies, ice cream, carbohydrates such as bread etc. So many of my clients feel exhausted, a low mood and anxiety around 2-3pm, typically after having skipped breakfast and eaten a lunch high in sugar. Their blood sugar levels have therefore crashed, and thus many of them find themselves reaching home desperate to eat, craving sugar and having little to no energy nor the motivation to cook a more heartier healthier meal. This is again due to the body's innate ability to signal warning, since the brain and body literally require glucose in the blood to function. In it's state of survival we reach for the cookies, while placing blame and shame on ourselves for not possessing the "will power" to avoid "junk" food and opt for the healthier "choice". Yet, had we balanced our blood sugar throughout the day, the desperation, cravings, anxiety and exhaustion would not be a factor in the decision making process, which makes for a much easier time when deciding what to eat! I suggest to maintain your blood sugar levels, through consuming mini meals and snacks throughout the day that consist of some protein, such as lean chicken, nuts/seeds (if tolerated and no allergy), hummus, beans etc.,  healthy fats such as avocado, fish, olives etc.,  and carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables and non-glutinous grains such as quinoa. Below is my favorite recipe for when I have a sweet chocolate craving!! It's made with vegan based protein powder containing lots of plant-based protein, vitamins and minerals, and is completely raw! Make a batch of around 5 balls and you have a lovely treat to help balance your blood sugar and your cravings throughout the day! I hope you enjoy :). 


Ingredients:

·         2 scoops chocolate vegan based protein powder (ie. Chocolate Sunwarrior)

·         1 tbsp coconut oil

·         1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)

·         1/2 a large banana or 1 tbsp of nut butter

·         1 tbsp to 2tbsp of of water

·         Shredded unsweetened coconut

 
Use a spoon to mash until you are able to form small balls. Refrigerate for 10 minutes and enjoy!