Pumpkin Protein Balls

It's almost Friday!!! Are you looking for some extra energy to get you through this week? Try out these yummy gluten-free, non-bake Pumpkin Protein Balls! Although it still doesn't quite feel like Fall here, I am all about EVERYTHING pumpkin!

I've been playing around with healthy pumpkin recipes and while a Pumpkin Chia Pudding landed in the garbage today (I hate wasting food, but this was not edible!!!), these energy snacks came out so delicious! And are super easy to make!

The fun part is that you can customize them to your liking...I bet they are super tasty with added chocolate chips or chopped walnuts! I LOVE chocolate, but I'm trying to stay away from added sugars as much as I can. I prefer to drink my calories...if you know what I mean :)

Fun fact: did you know that pumpkins are fruits and not vegetables?! And they are made up of 90% water, which makes them a great low calorie food. They are also high in vitamin A, fiber, and potassium!

If you have questions, leave me a comment! These are my new favorite snack.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Love,

Lena

Pumpkin Protein Balls

Ingredients:

1 1/2 - 2 cups Rolled Oats (I used Quaker Whole Wheat Gluten Free 1 Minute Oats)
1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
1/2 cup Pumpkin Puree
1 tablespoon Vanilla Protein Powder (I used Vega Protein & Greens)
1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
1/4 teaspoon Allspice (start with this amount and you can add more if you want a stronger flavor)
1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon

Directions:

1. Combine all dry ingredients first. Mix well.

2. Add peanut butter and pumpkin puree and mix together. If you feel like they are too sticky or too dry, add either more oats or more peanut butter/pumpkin puree to the mix.

3. Once all ingredients are mixed, start shaping little balls...I like them bite sized. They should roll easily, without sticking to your hands too much.

4. Place the balls on a plate/cookie sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes.

5. Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.