This no-bake recipe, created by Liv Langdon, can be made quickly at home, stores easily at work, tastes great, and fuels your body with the type of nutrition you want and need during the day.

Born Fitness Recipes: Protein Almond Snack Balls

Fitness goal: Muscle gain, fat loss, maintenance, or because you’re hungry

Allergies: nuts (from almonds), whey (if that’s your choice of protein powder)

Paleo friendly: Yes

How to make it vegetarian friendly: No adjustments needed; just choose protein powder accordingly

Prep time: 10 minutes

“Cook” time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp all-natural almond butter
• 1 scoop protein powder of choice (vanilla, chocolate or no flavor is best in this recipe)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes (keep 1 tbsp aside for dipping)
• Cinnamon
• 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tbsp cacao powder  (uns. cocoa powder is OK, but less micronutrient benefits; cacao is one of the most concentrated sources of magnesium)
• Crushed almonds
• 3 whole almonds
• Coconut oil, unrefined, cold-pressed

How to Make Protein Almond Snack Balls

1. In a bowl, combine all ingredients except for the last two (using your hands is totally acceptable; just make sure you wash them first.)
2. In a small bowl or plate, pour remaining coconut flakes and cinnamon. Set aside for dipping.
3. Rub a little coconut oil in your palms to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands when you roll into balls.
4. Take 1/3 of the mix, and roll into ½ dollar sized balls. Then dip and roll into the coconut-cinnamon mixture.
5. Place one whole almond on each protein ball. Place in freezer for 10 minutes before serving. Then eat. Makes 4 balls.

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 Protein Almond Snack Balls 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.