Keep These in Your Freezer For a Quick Post-Workout Treat

By Jenny Sugar

Updated on 7/26/2015 at 5:30 AM

Sipping on a protein shake after a workout is a great way to help your muscles recover, but if you're not careful, you could be consuming so many calories that you end up gaining weight. For a lighter, more portable post-workout snack, roll up some nutty homemade protein balls made with a high-protein secret ingredient.

POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

These are made without protein powder, so they're perfect if you're not a fan or it's not an ingredient you keep in your kitchen.

POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

The protein in these bites comes from cottage cheese, raw almonds, and rolled oats. With a touch of cinnamon and maple syrup, these balls that you pop in the freezer taste more like an after-workout bite of cherry cheesecake. Each ball contains 78 calories and offers 3.7 grams of protein.

POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Cherry Almond Coconut Protein Balls

Cook Time30 mins
Yield18 balls
Calories78

From Jenny Sugar, POPSUGAR Fitness

INGREDIENTS

    • 1 cup raw almonds
    • 1 cup cottage cheese
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 cup rolled oats
    • 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut
    • 1/4 cup dried cherries, chopped

    INSTRUCTIONS

    1. In a food processor, grind the raw almonds until a coarse powder forms. Add the cottage cheese, maple syrup, and cinnamon and mix until a paste forms.

    2. In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, coconut, and cherries.

    3. Add the wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix well.

    4. Form into 18 balls and place on a wooden cutting board lined with parchment paper.

    5. Place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.

    6. Allow to thaw five minutes before eating.