Oat and almond butter protein balls

Healthy grab-and-go snacks are always a winner in my house! These no-bake bite size morsels help satisfy cravings with healthy ingredients and a hint of chocolate. They are also a great pre-workout snack.

This recipe is so simple, even the youngest chef can make them. Experimenting with different ingredients can make this a fun kitchen activity! I like this blend of ingredients because it reminds me of oatmeal chocolate chip cookie dough.

I use Kaged Muscle Chocolate Peanut Butter Whey Protein because it compliments the other ingredients so well. It doesn’t taste like you’ve added protein powder! I’ve noticed with some other brands taste chalky.  I’m a fan of using whatever you already have in your pantry, so feel free to substitute your favorite whey or vegan protein powder.

Ingredients:

1 cup whole oats (I prefer Bobs Red Mill Gluten Free Oats )

1 scoop protein powder (I prefer Kaged Muscle Chocolate Peanut Butter Whey Protein )

1/2 tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp flax seeds

1 tbsp chia seeds

1/2 cup almond butter (peanut butter can also be used)

1/4 cup honey

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

 

Stir dry ingredients together in a medium sized bowl (oats, cinnamon, flax seeds, chia seeds).

Stir in nut butter, honey and vanilla. Mix in chocolate chips.

Mixture will be crumbly but similar to cookie dough.

Scoop a teaspoon size amount into palm of hand. Roll into ball and place on cookie sheet.

Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes.  Store leftovers; if there are any… in refrigerator.

 

 

20 minute Beach Body Circuit, Tulum MX

Sand, surf and sweat! Blast fat and build muscle at the beach!

Traveling provides a break from traditional gym workouts. The beautiful beaches in Tulum, Mexico are the perfect setting for a beach workout. It’s a Fit Chick’s Paradise!

This full-body circuit combines explosive plyometric movements that work the legs, fire-up the metabolism and mat exercises to challenge the upper body and core.

My goal for this beach workout:   short bursts of high intensity movements, followed by 30-60 seconds of recovery for two rounds.

Sand provides an unstable surface to push off, so it really cranks up the intensity! Doing these exercises barefoot in the sand will also work the smaller intrinsic muscles of the feet.  If you’re not accustomed to exercising barefoot, you may want to start a bit more conservative on the jumping movements until your feet get more accustomed to the sand.

This workout is quick! After all, if you’re on vacation, you have other things on your agenda; enjoying some amazing food, relaxing on the beach or visiting the local ruins!

FITastic travels, Friends! xoxo

Special thanks to Hotelito Azul for the beautiful accommodations and hospitality!