Even worse, if you search for “fat loss recipes,” or “healthy snacks” most of the options taste about as good as you’d imagine. As in, they’re not enjoyable. At all.

That’s why we created the PB&J protein ball. It’s a muscle building snack, weight loss snack, and convenient option for any situation all wrapped into one.

Take that delicious childhood memory, add in healthy omega-3 fats and some extra protein, roll that into a ball, and you have yourself a perfect [adult] snack. Enjoy 2 or 3 protein balls in between meals to satiate your hunger, satisfy your cravings or simply to feel like a kid again.

We don’t care what your reason is, as long as you eat them and enjoy the delicious moment.

Ingredients

• 8 medjool dates, pitted
• 1/3 c all-natural creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp low-sugar or sugar-free jelly, flavor of choice*
• 10 drops Stevia Drops, vanilla crème
• 1 tbsp chia seed
• 4 tbsp peanuts, roasted and unsalted
• 1/2c old-fashioned oats
• 2 scoops protein powder**
• Dash of cinnamon
• Pinch of sea salt

*This recipe was made with Smucker’s Low-Sugar Strawberry Preserves.

**We recommend an unflavored, vanilla or peanut butter flavored protein powder for this recipe.

Directions

1. In a small bowl, add the pitted dates and just enough water to cover the top. Let soak for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. In a food processor, add the dates, peanut butter, jelly, Stevia drops, protein powder, cinnamon and sea salt. Process until fully combined. You may have to stop and use a spatula to scrap down the sides. Then you are welcome to “taste test” the spatula (because you have to make sure it’s good so far).
3. Then add the chia seed, peanuts and oats. Pulse in quick increments. This will allow all of the ingredients to combine while still maintaining some of the textures of the oats, chia and peanuts.
4. Spoon out about a tablespoon size of the mixture and roll into a ball about one inch thick. Wetting your hands will help you roll the balls easier.
5. Repeat for each ball. Recipe yields about 25 balls.

Nutritional Information & Macros

Dietary Information: Dairy/Lactose free, Gluten free (if gluten-free oats are used), No trans fat

Macros per ball (recipe yields 25):

69.6 calories

2g fat

9g carbs

4g protein

The post PB&J Protein Snack Balls appeared first on Born Fitness.

Born Fitness Recipes: Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry

Fitness goal: Muscle gain or fat loss

Allergies: soy (from soy sauce), sriracha (for people allergic to hot stuff…kidding, of course)

Paleo friendly: Yes

How to make it vegetarian friendly: Substitute beef for tofu, seitan, tempeh, or lentils

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Stir Fry Ingredients

• 1/2 pound flank steak, sliced 1/4” thick
• 3 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks of bok choy
• 2 handfuls spinach
• 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 stalk broccoli
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces snow peas
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha
• Rice (optional)

How to make it

Toss the steak with 2 teaspoons of the soy sauce. Add oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ginger and garlic. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the steak and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Return the skillet to the heat, and add the veggies, except for the snow peas. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the snow peas. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.

Add the reserved steak and sriracha, and the remaining 1 teaspoon soy sauce. Cook, stirring, for 1-3 minutes, until meat takes on desired level of preparedness. Want some extra carbs? Serve over rice and enjoy.

Adam Bornstein

Adam Bornstein is a New York Times bestselling author and the author of You Can’t Screw This Up. He is the founder of Born Fitness, and the co-founder of Arnold’s Pump Club (with Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Pen Name Consulting. An award-winning writer and editor, Bornstein was previously the Chief Nutrition Officer for Ladder, the Fitness and Nutrition editor for Men’s Health, Editorial Director at LIVESTRONG.com, and a columnist for SHAPE, Men’s Fitness, and Muscle & Fitness. He’s also a nutrition and fitness advisor for LeBron James, Cindy Crawford, Lindsey Vonn, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. According to The Huffington Post, Bornstein is “one of the most inspiring sources in all of health and fitness.” His work has been featured in dozens of publications, including The New York Times, Fast Company, ESPN, and GQ, and he’s appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and E! News.

The post Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry appeared first on Born Fitness.

Nachos don’t have to be a bad snack. In fact, they can be a protein loaded meal, if you make them the right way and are willing to make a few substitutions that maintain the taste but sacrifice some nutritional gut bombs (the type you don’t want). These are protein packed nachos. Perfect for a snack and always good for any sporting event.

Born Fitness Recipes: High Protein Healthier Nachos

Ingredients

Prep time: About 30-35 minutes (can be quicker with multiple hands)

(Serves about 4 people)

• 4 ounces of tortilla chips (buy whatever kind you want. Honestly. The amount is the issue here)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 ounces black beans
• ½ cup sweet corn
• ¼ cup diced onions
• 2 medium sized sweet potatoes
• 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced thin
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ¾-1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 3 stalks scallions, diced
• Salt (sprinkle on as desired)
• 1/3 cup shredded cheese of your choice (optional)

Guacamole Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted
• 3/4 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic

Directions: How to Make Healthier Nachos

Prepare the meat

In a large skillet (coat with butter or coconut oil), cook and stir the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking the meat up as it cooks, until the meat is no longer pink and has started to brown, about 10 minutes. Stir in the onions, cayenne, cumin, and chili powder and cook for about 5 more minutes. 

Prepare the sweet potatoes

The long version

Set an oven for 375 degrees. Wash and cut the potatoes into thin slices. Place on a pan, drizzle in olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake for 30 minutes.

The quick version

Wash the sweet potatoes and pierce a few times with a fork. Then wrap the potatoes with a paper towel and microwave for 4-5 minutes. Once cooled, turn a grill on medium-high heat, cut the potatoes into thin slices, drizzle in olive oil, and place on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side.

The beans and corn

Heat over medium high heat on a skillet, or follow the microwaveable instructions to prepare ASAP!

The Guacamole

I like my guacamole made fast and served chunky, so for that I’ve found that the Vitamix blender turns me into a much better chef. If you don’t have a Vitamix, just use any blender. Or apply right here to win a free one. All part of theBorn Fitness monthly giveaway experience.

1. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.
2. Select to blender level 1 for about 5 seconds and then more to speed 3.
3. Blend for 15-20 seconds, using the tamper to mix ingredients into the blades.
4. Make sure no raw ingredients are on the sides, scrap down, blend for another 5-10 seconds and serve. I enjoy my guacamole to be thick and chunky and not too smooth. If you want it creamier, simple blend longer. Add to nachos or use as a dip.

It’s Alive! Protein-Packed Nachos

On a large platter, lay out the chips in a single layer. Top with the sweet potato wedges or create another thin layer. Then add the ground beef or turkey, and top with black beans and corn. Add the diced scallions and sliced jalapenos and sprinkle with salt, and then top with the guacamole.

**If you want the cheese (I don’t add because I choose meat over cheese in my kosher universe) place a pat of butter in a skillet, add ¼ cup of milk, and then add ¼ cup of cheese of your choice. Whisk the mixture until smooth and then drizzle over your chips.

Adam Bornstein

Adam Bornstein is a New York Times bestselling author and the author of You Can’t Screw This Up. He is the founder of Born Fitness, and the co-founder of Arnold’s Pump Club (with Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Pen Name Consulting. An award-winning writer and editor, Bornstein was previously the Chief Nutrition Officer for Ladder, the Fitness and Nutrition editor for Men’s Health, Editorial Director at LIVESTRONG.com, and a columnist for SHAPE, Men’s Fitness, and Muscle & Fitness. He’s also a nutrition and fitness advisor for LeBron James, Cindy Crawford, Lindsey Vonn, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. According to The Huffington Post, Bornstein is “one of the most inspiring sources in all of health and fitness.” His work has been featured in dozens of publications, including The New York Times, Fast Company, ESPN, and GQ, and he’s appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and E! News.

The post High Protein Healthier Nachos appeared first on Born Fitness.