• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Eat Well.
Live Well.
Be Well.
Display Search Bar
  • Dinners Made Simple
  • Work with Us
  • Let’s Chat!
  • Blog
Follow us on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! Follow us on Pinterest! Follow us on Twitter! Follow us on YouTube!

The Real Food Dietitians

Eat well. Live well. Be well.

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Specialty Diets
      • Whole30
      • Paleo
      • Egg-Free
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-free
      • Grain-Free
    • Meal Prep Recipes
    • Whole30
    • Freezer-Friendly
    • Appetizers
    • Main Entree
    • Breakfast
    • Drinks & Smoothies
    • One-Dish Meals
    • Slow-Cooker
    • Instant Pot
    • Salads & Sides
    • Sauces & Dressings
    • Soups & Stews
    • Snacks
    • Sweets & Treats
  • Real Plans
  • Meal Prep

Feb 12, 2017 By Stacie Hassing

Almond Butter Banana Protein Balls + Eating More Carbs

Dairy-Free
Egg-Free
Gluten-free
Grain-Free
Paleo
Vegan
Vegetarian
Jump to Recipe

Proteins, carbs and fats packed into one little bite. The prefect balance of macronutrients.

Almond Butter Banana Protein Balls

In the last 2 month, I’ve dialed into my nutrition and have put extra focus on the balance of my meals. It all started with a Whole30 which helped me to understand my personal nutrition needs. I discovered that a lower carb diet is no longer for me and that I had a huge desire to truly create my food freedom. Following the Whole30 to the present moment, I’ve been working on my own food freedom and allowing all foods to fit as long as they don’t result in undesirable physical side effects. Not only have I been consistent with my nutrition but I’ve also been consistent with my workouts which includes 3 days of CrossFit each week at Fairmont CrossFit and 3 days of running each week  as I’m training for an early Spring 1/2 marathon. Sunday is always my REST day.

In addition, I’ve been tracking my macros – carbs, proteins and fats and aiming for a specific balance. I know I know, you may be surprised that I’m counting macros because it’s something I’ve never recommended but this is different than counting calories. Tracking macros is different than calories because you’re focusing on the balance of the nutrients and by doing this, I actually eat MORE! Plus, I like experimenting and trying new things and seeing how my body responds. I would never recommend anything I didn’t personally try first. I’ve continued to eat mostly ‘real food’, sticking to gluten-free foods but I’m not stressing if a food is 100% ‘clean’ or not (my beloved store-purchased Udi’s bagels with pb, dry cereal and pizza have made a comeback in my life – hallelujah). I’m eating more carbs and calories than I have in YEARS and guess what, I feel better than ever! I have more energy, I’m sleeping better, I’m stronger, I have a much healthier relationship with food and my clothes are fitting better. I have a fairly big appetite so more food for the win in my book! This goes to show that consistency is key and in some situations, you actually need to eat MORE to see the results you desire. I can now officially say that and back it up with my own personal experience.

Dietitian Stacie Hassing, RDN

I went a little off topic there, but I felt a need to share a bit of my journey with you as I feel some of you may be able to relate! I’m also working on opening up more on the blog and sharing with you my current happenings, struggles and successes. I’m thinking about sharing an entire blog post on my experience with macros, increasing carbs, my current eats so if that’s something you would be interested in reading, comment below and let me know.

Almond Butter Banana Protein Balls

How about we get back to these delicious Almond Butter Banana Protein Balls? They are the perfect bite size snack that contain a healthy source of proteins, fats and carbs and with 5 grams of fiber and only 5 grams of sugar per serving they make for a great pre-workout snack or a sensible after dinner treat.

Almond Butter Banana Protein Balls for all to enjoy!

I know there are a billion and one protein ball recipes out there but in my opinion, there is always room for another. You can make this recipe in a food processor or go old school style with a mixing bowl and wooden spoon…arm workout!

Almond Butter Banana Protein Balls are great for pre-workout fuel but also make for a tasty lunch box addition or after school snack for kids! A great way to sneak in a little protein and fiber too.

I also like to make this recipe with peanut butter in place of the almond butter. Um…yum! So if you’re a peanut butter lover like me, I highly recommend you give that a try also. Note-because peanuts are legume, this option would not be considered a true paleo recipe.

This recipe is gluten-free, grain-free, egg-free, dairy-free, paleo-friendly, and vegan optional.

Made with Rootz Protein Powder.

Rootz Nutrition Paleo Protein Superfood is made of only clean ingredients. The quality protein sources are a combination of egg whites, hemp protein and sacha inchi protein. Also, in this protein powder is a blend of foods that provide a nutritious punch including chia seeds, bee pollen, maca root, powdered greens, acai, royal jelly and more. This protein powder is a great option for anyone who is sensitive to whey or dairy. It’s great for post-workout recovery or to add to your morning smoothie.

However, if you follow an egg-free or vegan diet or you don’t have this protein powder on hand yet, feel free to substitute a protein powder of your choice. I do recommend something that is naturally flavored for this recipe.

Rootz Post-Workout Paleo Protein-Superfood

Purchase Rootz Protein Powder – Get 10% of your order with coupon code: realfoodrds

Rootz Protein Powder

Stock your freezer with Almond Butter Banana Protein Balls.

Not only will they last longer but it’s also my favorite way to enjoy them – right out of the freezer with just a little thaw time. The perfect treat! In the freezer they will last up to 3 months and in the fridge, about 2 weeks.

Almond Butter Banana Protein Balls are high in fiber and low in sugar. Click To Tweet

Almond Butter Banana Protein Balls

Almond Butter Banana Protein Balls

Okay it’s time to make some Almond Butter Banana Protein Balls!

Looking for more recipes like this? Try our Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Bites, Nutty Butter Bites, Dark Chocolate Cherry Bites, 4-Ingredient PB & J Bites or Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Energy Bites.

Hungry for More? Subscribe to get our newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! And be sure to stay in touch on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.

Let's Get Cookin'

Almond Butter Banana Protein Balls

Almond Butter Banana Protein Balls are the perfect bite sized snack that contain a healthy source of proteins, fats and carbs and with 5 grams of fiber and only 5 grams of sugar per serving they make for a great pre-workout snack or a sensible after dinner treat.

  • Author: The Real Food Dietitians
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Snack | Sweets & Treats
Print Recipe
★★★★★ 5 from 3 reviews

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond meal/flour
  • 1/2 cup flax meal
  • 1/2 cup (3 scoops) Rootz Protein Powder (or protein powder of choice)
  • 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 1/2 cup almond butter (may sub peanut butter, sunflower seed butter or cashew butter)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds (or chopped peanuts if using peanut butter)
  • 1/4 cup mini-chocolate chips
  • Optional add-in: 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl combine all of the ingredients.
  2. Mix until well combined.
  3. With hands, form into small round balls. About 24.
  4. Chill in the fridge or in the freezer. They hold together better and taste best chilled.
  5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. (Side note: I like them best right from the freezer with just a little thaw time)

Notes

All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use our photos without prior written permission. If you wish to republish this recipe, please rewrite the recipe in your own unique words and link back to the source recipe here on The Real Food Dietitians.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 Protein Balls
  • Calories: 229
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 40 mh
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 11 g

What are your favorite protein ball additions?

Pinterest image for Almond Butter Banana Protein Balls


This post was made possible by our friends at Rootz Nutrition. Though we received compensation for this post, the opinions expressed here are 100% our own. Thank you for supporting the great companies we works with thereby allowing us to continue creating great recipes and content for you.

Rootz Nutrition

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

SaveSave

  • Facebook452
  • Pinterest13.7K
  • Yummly11
  • Email

About Stacie Hassing

Stacie is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian from rural southern Minnesota where she, her husband and daughter reside with their two pups. She’s a co-founder of The Real Food RDs and content creator of simple and wholesome recipes. She loves all kinds of fitness and has a passion to inspire as many as she can live a healthier and happier life both in and out of the kitchen - the driving force behind the co-development of the The Real Food RDs brand.

< Previous Post
Next Post >

Reader Interactions

Join the Conversation

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Kelly says

    February 12, 2017 at 1:23 pm

    I would love to hear more about your experience counting macros. I have always researched it but never tried it.

    Reply
    • Stacie Hassing says

      February 12, 2017 at 2:34 pm

      Thanks for the feedback Kelly! So far I’m liking it and actually surprised at how much food it takes to hit my specific macros and loving the flexibility to fit in a few ‘fun’ foods too!

      Reply
    • Melissa says

      February 14, 2017 at 2:37 pm

      I would love to learn more as well about macros! I have recently started the 21 Daily Fix – borrowed from a friend and was surprised to see the caloric intake for the day is 1200 calories with 1 cup of carbs (also restricted to certain ones) each day. I have been down that low carb road before years ago, it does get results quickly, but I am in my 40s and have learned low carb is just not sustainable and doesn’t feel good. I eat quite cleanly – but would really love to hear more about the macros to increase my understanding on this journey! Great article though and love the recipe!!

      Reply
      • Stacie Hassing says

        March 15, 2017 at 6:36 am

        Hi Melissa! I plan to do a post within the next month about macros. Stay tuned! And yes you are correct a 1200 calorie/low carb diet is hard to sustain for the long road. My goal is to help people find a sweet spot that works for them while seeing the results they desire. Glad to hear you enjoyed this post and the recipe!

        Reply
        • Melissa says

          March 15, 2017 at 7:45 am

          I can’t wait for your article~ Since I wrote that post to you, I have be delving in to macros and actually joined IIFYM to get a blueprint of what my macros should be at…since doing that, I have been tracking – which is a full time join in and of itself 🙂 but I am giving it a go! My caloric intake is now around 1650 and I like the breakdown of protein, carbs and fats…it is making me far more mindful and I am not hungry as I was trying to follow a caloric deficit! Again, looking forward to your macros journey.

          Reply
          • Stacie Hassing says

            March 20, 2017 at 9:44 am

            Awesome! With IIFYM I want to make one suggestion and that is to really do your best to consume 90% of your macros from nourishing whole foods with the remaining 10% however you please. The body needs the micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants ,etc) so consuming whole foods that do the body good is very important. Hope that helps a little 🙂

  2. Amanda says

    February 12, 2017 at 6:33 pm

    I’d like to hear more about your macro counting!

    Reply
    • Stacie Hassing says

      February 14, 2017 at 12:04 pm

      Great! I’ll be sharing more on the blog soon! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Melissa Kantor says

    February 13, 2017 at 10:01 am

    Yes, lets here the details!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Stacie Hassing says

      February 13, 2017 at 4:43 pm

      Thanks for the feedback! I’ll definitely share a little more info on my Macro journey!

      Reply
  4. Bethany @ athletic avocado says

    February 13, 2017 at 3:43 pm

    I LOVE Rootz protein powder! It is by far my fave on the market! These protein balls look like the perfect workout treat when energy is low. You can never go wrong with AB, banana and chocolate 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacie Hassing says

      February 13, 2017 at 4:44 pm

      Yes, its pretty amazing stuff! And you’re going love these protein balls 🙂 🙂

      Reply
  5. LaChelle says

    February 13, 2017 at 6:45 pm

    I wish you taught classes! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacie Hassing says

      February 14, 2017 at 6:23 am

      If only there was a little bit more time in the day! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Caroline says

    February 13, 2017 at 7:49 pm

    I would love to read what you have experienced with counting macros! I’ve recently downloaded an app to do that because I’ve been feeling sluggish in the gym. Over the past week, I think I’ve found that it all leads back to my diet. I eat very healthy and get fully satisfied, I’m just not eating the right amounts of certain things. I would love to read your tips on how to be successful with counting macros! Thanks:)

    Reply
    • Stacie Hassing says

      February 14, 2017 at 6:24 am

      Sounds great! I’ll definitely share my experience with macros on the blog soon. Thanks for your feedback! 🙂

      Reply
    • Melissa Kantor says

      February 14, 2017 at 6:44 am

      What’s the app you use?

      Reply
  7. Brooke says

    February 14, 2017 at 9:14 am

    Do you find that the fat amount is low when counting macros? According to my goals, I’m at 30-35 g of fat per day. Do you think this is low? Love to hear more about your journey!

    Reply
    • Stacie Hassing says

      February 14, 2017 at 12:03 pm

      Hi Brooke – There are a number of different calculation you can use to figure out macros. It’s very individualized and different from person-to-person and a lot of trail and error is needed to find that sweet spot. But yes, I think 30-35 grams of fat per day is low and wouldn’t be sustainable long term nor healthy. I’ll be sharing more about my journey very soon! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Stefanie says

    February 16, 2017 at 9:35 am

    Thanks for the recipe – I have not tried it out, but I will most certainly. And, yes, I´d love to hear more about your experience with counting macros. Looking forwars to your blog entry! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacie Hassing says

      February 16, 2017 at 5:50 pm

      You’re so welcome Stefanie! And yes, I’ll be sharing my experience on counting macros soon. Stay tuned 🙂

      Reply
  9. Catherine says

    February 17, 2017 at 11:20 pm

    I’m glad you are going to share your experience of counting macros – I’d love to hear about it 🙂 I also just made these protein balls, I can’t wait to eat them for my pre-workout snack tomorrow! Thanks so much for always posting such delicious and wholesome food!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Stacie Hassing says

      March 15, 2017 at 6:37 am

      Hi Catherine, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on counting macros within the next month!I was hoping to do it sooner but March has been crazy busy! How did you like the protein balls?

      Reply
  10. Sylvia says

    March 7, 2017 at 8:35 pm

    I too would love to hear more! I was just looking that word up, and what does it mean to count them. I know nothing about this except the three components. Yay!

    Reply
    • Stacie Hassing says

      March 15, 2017 at 6:38 am

      Hi Sylvia, great! I will be sharing my thoughts on macros within the next month. Stay tuned!

      Reply
  11. Maura says

    July 20, 2017 at 6:38 am

    These are SOOOOOO tasty! And triple bonus: they used ingredients I already had in the house, they could be done completely in the food processor with no additional chopping/dishes/utensils required (ok maybe a spatula and a measuring cup), and they came together in 10 minutes flat. I was basically licking the bowl after I finished rolling all the balls. Can’t wait to have one of these after a great workout. Thanks for another winning recipe, ladies!! You never disappoint.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Jessica Beacom says

      July 21, 2017 at 9:50 am

      Hey Maura,

      Oh, I love hearing this! So glad you loved them and thanks for your kind words. Happy snacking!

      Reply
  12. Melissa says

    July 22, 2017 at 5:18 am

    Yes, please share! Many are at where you started!

    Reply
  13. Linda Gilmore says

    November 10, 2017 at 2:56 pm

    Could you use collagen powder (like Vital Proteins) instead of the Rootz? If so, would the amount change?

    Reply
    • Jessica Beacom says

      November 20, 2017 at 8:17 am

      Hi Linda,

      We haven’t tried that substitution, however, it should work to use a ratio of 1:1 collagen peptides for Roots. However, you may find that you need to add more of something else (nuts, etc.) if they’re too sticky. If you try it, we’d love to hear what you did.

      Reply
  14. Jackie Fitzpatrick says

    November 21, 2017 at 2:52 am

    I started following your blog after you were a guest poster on the Whole30 recipes page. I refer back to your recipes quite frequently and really enjoy your blog posts. This recipe sounds delicious and is probably equally as good as all of your others that I’ve tried myself. I would love to hear more about counting macros. It has always seemed very intimidating and confusing but if it is written/explained with the same ease at which I find your recipes to be, I’m certain I might possibly be able to follow along. Keep up the great work; I thoroughly enjoy your Instagram feed!

    Reply
  15. Anuja says

    January 5, 2018 at 5:50 am

    For how long can we store these protein balls as banana is one of its ingredients?

    Reply
    • Jessica Beacom says

      January 6, 2018 at 7:30 pm

      Hi Anuja,

      We’ve found that they keep fit up to one week in the fridge.

      Reply
  16. Katie Riling says

    April 6, 2018 at 8:11 am

    Can I substitute my collagen peptides for the protein powder?

    Reply
    • Jessica Beacom says

      April 6, 2018 at 12:49 pm

      Hi Katie,

      Yes, you can.

      Reply
  17. Megan says

    June 27, 2018 at 2:22 pm

    Hello! This recipe is just what I was looking for for a healthy afternoon snack at work that will give me the energy I need for exercise. Question: can I substitute something for the flax meal? As a breast cancer survivor I’m wary of flaxseeds. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Jessica Beacom says

      June 29, 2018 at 12:27 pm

      Hi Megan,

      You could replace the flax seeds with chia seeds.

      Reply
  18. Stacie Marton says

    August 21, 2018 at 3:42 pm

    Please post more protein recipes, it really is hard to find recipes that taste good w protein.

    Reply
    • Stacie Hassing says

      August 23, 2018 at 7:24 am

      Thanks for the suggestion! We will take note of that 🙂

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

The Real Food Dietitians is the passion-driven product of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Stacie Hassing and Jessica Beacom. They’ve combined their love of nutrition, health and real food with the concepts of ease and convenience to bring you recipes that are big on flavor but short on ingredients.

Free eBook

Sign up to get your FREE recipe eBook + weekly newsletter!

Favorite Recipes

Six healthy asparagus recipes in a collage with text overlay

6 Fresh and Delicious Recipes with Asparagus

A large bowl of oven baked carrot fries with a side of dijon-thyme aioli

Baked Carrot Fries with Dijon-Thyme Aioli

Sautéed asparagus topped with goat cheese sauce and toasted almonds on a speckled plate

Sautéed Asparagus with Goat Cheese Sauce

Freshly baked oatmeal chocolate chip cookies on a gold cooling rack

Gluten-Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Fresh grilled asparagus in a grill pan topped with fresh parmesan and lemon wedges

Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan

10 Healthy Meal Prep Recipes

Free Recipe eBook

Sign up to get your FREE recipe ebook + weekly newsletter!

Follow us on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! Follow us on Pinterest! Follow us on Twitter! Follow us on YouTube!
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Newsletter Sign Up
  • Let’s Chat!
Copyright © 2021 The Real Food Dietitians Site Credits. Designed by Melissa Rose Design. Developed by Once Coupled.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT
How about a free recipe ebook?

Sign up for our newsletter and get your FREE recipe ebook delivered right to your inbox!

We respect your privacy! Your information will *never* be shared, traded or sold to a 3rd party.
  • 452
  • 13.7K
  • 11