Carb cycling + Protein Balls

Ya’ll why is trying to eat healthy and lose a few pounds so freaking hard?  If you remember last spring I embarked on a journey to get healthy again. Losing my “baby weight” from Max was damn  near impossible. I tried anything and everything and nothing really worked. I don’t know if it was my “older “ age but I was so frustrated and down. When you are petite every little pound shows! Plus my dad was a very bad diabetic (heart attack in his 40’s, leg amputation in 50’s, legally blind in 50’s, stroke and gone from us by 56). Diabetes is terrible! Not only on my dad but for the whole family. I was 16 , sister 14, and brother 7 when my dad had his FIRST heart attack. Guys it is something that never leaves you. I remember that day like it was yesterday and not 22 years ago . The point to this story is I want to do everything in my power to be the healthiest person I can be for my kiddos and husband. My goal isn’t to be skinny (that was my obsession in my teens and 20’s) . I won’t lie though do I want to drop 20 lbs and be at my “ideal” weight? Hell yes ! But being super skinny isn't cute at my age. It makes you look haggard! Who wants to look older than ya already are lol. Not me!! Being healthy and not being a size 2 (because let’s face it I would be sooo skinny but it would not be a good look on me!!) is not my goal. Nor is it what I want to teach my daughter . I am thankful that her favorite foods are healthy ones! But that’s all her! I don’t want to push too strongly at such a young age . Plus she is super active. Now that I am off track lol. Let's get back to carb cycling. You can read more about carb cycling Here. I love love my Facebook group that is on this journey with me! Our coach, Stacey, is amazing! Every day she posts a live video , inspiration , recipes, and more. I thrive on the encouragement and bible verses she provides and the other group members as well.  I took a several month break from doing it and was so excited to start back last week. I gained about 5 pounds back from what I lost last year. Part of this journey is learning to give yourself grace. I struggle with this so much. I can beat myself down with negative thoughts til I want to break. The sisterhood of this group who is there to cheer you on when you have a great day or a crappy day is awesome!! If you are interested in learning more about carb cycling feel free to message me and I can send you Stacey’s way.

This past weekend I made some protein balls!! Omg! They are soooo good! One of the girls in our group posted a recipe for protein balls. The hardest part

about making these are wanting to eat the whole batch lol. These are perfect for “feast days”! Also, my kids love them and bonus they are peanut free. We have a hard time finding protein bars that Mere can eat because of her peanut allergy. 

Protein Balls

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup almond butter (I substituted sunbutter due to Mere’s nut allergy)
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/3 cup raw honey
1/4 cup ground flax seed

To make just combine all your ingredients into a large mixing bowl. 

Roll out teaspoon sized balls on baking sheet (mine were bigger lol). Freeze balls until set (about an hour). Enjoy and keep leftovers in ziplock baggie in fridge or freezer!!