Peanut Butter Lovers Day

Ah, peanut butter! So many wonderful ways to include this nutty goodness in our diet. Allow me to introduce Peanut Butter Lovers Day, which in my opinion, should not be recognized with just one day. If you are one of the many that consider nut butters to be a diet staple, you’re not alone. There are so many great ways to incorporate peanut butter for a snack, dessert or my personal favorite-straight out of the jar. It’s the perfect addition to pair with bananas, pretzels, carrots, apples or with chocolate. Peanut and other nut butters are excellent sources of only protein AND healthy fats. For the health-conscious person looking for ingredients that matter, be on the lookout for brands that have no oil or sugar added.

Celebrate National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day with a delicious peanut butter snack in honor of the occasion or join in on what I’ll be doing by using #PeanutButterLoversDay to post on social media!

I included two of my favorite protein ball recipes that I regularly make by incorporating peanut butter or any other nut butter that I have on hand. Protein balls are my all-time favorite snacks to make. They’re packed with nutrients to help keep me energized, with antioxidants, healthy fats and essential vitamins/minerals for a gratifying snack. They’re no bake, made with simple ingredients and easy to pack in the freezer and take on the go when needed!

Enjoy and remember to post #PeanutButterLoversDay if you make these yummy snacks!

Nut Butter, Coconut Balls

• 1 cup coconut shreds
• 1/2 c. pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup almond or peanut butter
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 2-3 pitted medjool dates (use less if wanting to decrease sugar content)
• 1/3 c. almond, cashew or coconut milk

Optional: cacao nibs, dark chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for added spice

Directions

1. Blend everything in a food processor until ‘dough’ is formed.
2. Roll mixture into bite sized balls and then lay flat on a air-tight container and freeze!
3. Remove from freezer and let thaw 6 minutes before eating for optimal deliciousness

Carrot Bliss Peanut Butter Balls

• 12 medjool dates, pitted
• 1 cup gluten free oats
• 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 1 tsp cinnamon and or nutmeg
• 2 medium sized carrots
• 1 cup almond butter or nut butter of choic
• 1/2 cup almonds

Optional: black sesame seed, cardamom, chia seeds, coconut flakes, goji berries

Directions

1. Place all the ingredients for the balls into a blender and process until everything is fully mixed together. Dough should easily be rolled together
2. Place your optional toppings 
3. Roll the dough into balls. Then, roll your balls through the toppings and place them on a piece of parchment paper on a baking tin.
4. Place in freezer for one hour.
5. Keep frozen for up to 2 months. Enjoy!