Easy Prime Protein Bites are a snack you can quickly make using pantry ingredients. They are perfectly paleo and packed with healthy carbs, fiber, protein and good fats.
Health Benefits of Dates
Recently, there was a report showing that medjool dates, in spite of being quite sweet, do not spike blood sugar. It’s suspected the high fiber content slows the absorption of the sugar into the blood stream. This news came around the same time I spied the juiciest, most beautiful dates for sale at Costco.
In addition to being low on the glycemic index (about 42), dates have a lot of nutrients. They are high in magnesium, potassium and vitamins like A, K, C, E, and B5. Polyphenols are found in dates and are known for fighting against inflammation and oxidative stress. Surprisingly, dates are relatively high in iron. As someone who has suffered with iron deficiency in the past, this was nice to discover.
Pre-Workout Snack
Also, I recently read Dr. Stacy Sims’ book “Next Level: Your Guide to Kicking Ass, Feeling Great, and Crushing Goals Through Menopause and Beyond”.
It caused me to think more carefully about how I fuel workouts. Rather than doing them fasted, which had been my norm, I started to follow Dr. Sims’ recommendations: 15 grams of carbs and 20 grams of protein before a workout.
Adding carbs to my pre-workout snack has given me more energy for powering through Crossfit weight-lifting and metabolic conditioning.
Large medjool dates are just about exactly 15 grams of carbs. This quantity makes them fit perfectly with Dr. Sims’ recommendations.
Before heading to the gym in the afternoon I like to eat one large date for the carbs. Along with the date, I also take essential aminos (I love BodyHealth Perfect Amino). Lately I have been having an Easy Prime Protein Bite plus the aminos. After the workout I have a date and my protein shake.
Equip Prime Protein
I was inspired to make something using raw ingredients that come together quickly. I also wanted a recipe that allowed me to add unflavored protein powder to increase the protein content.
Not only is protein important as part of a pre-workout snack, it is the most satiating macro nutrient. Adding a scoop to this recipe doesn’t make this a high protein snack. However, it does help balance out the carbs, and along with the healthy fats, help with satiety.
I personally like the balance of sweetness using just the dates. However, if you want it sweeter you can experiment with flavored protein powders. An alternative is adding a few drops of liquid stevia. This allows you to adjust the sweetness without changing the carb count.
Equip’s Prime Protein is made from grass-fed beef isolate protein. It is a great option for folks allergic or sensitive to dairy and avoid whey protein powders. Not only do the various flavors taste great, I love not worrying about questionable ingredients in my protein powder.
More Date Recipes
If you are looking for more date recipes, there are a few other recipes on this site. You can find them here, here, and here. As with those recipes, Easy Prime Protein Bites works best when using the freshest, plumpest dates you can find. If you cannot find dates the size of the medjools, make an effort to increase the number of dates accordingly.
PrintEasy Prime Protein Bites
Easy paleo snack recipe full of dates, nuts and clean protein for a snack with a well-rounded macro profile. Great as a pre-workout snack or in-between meals.
Ingredients
- 8 large medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1 scoop (28 grams) Prime Protein
- 3 Tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon virgin coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: Additional coconut shreds to roll the bites in (approximately 3 tablespoons); liquid stevia
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a food processor and pulse and/or process until you have a fine texture. Test for flavor and sweetness. (See Notes)
- Measure out the bites by tablespoon (creates 15) or by 1.5 tablespoons (creates 10) and roll into balls
- Roll the balls in the additional coconut shreds
Notes
I used unflavored prime protein powder because I think the sweetness of the dates is enough. However, if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor while keeping the calories/carbs the same, you can easily substitute the unflavored protein with a flavored version. Or you can add a few drops of good quality liquid stevia.
