Thin Mint Protein Bites

These little mint chocolate bites may not be green, but they’ll definitely work for a St. Patricks Day Treat! Besides, if you’re a Girl Scout Thin Mint cookie fan, you’ll love these!

The best news, they’re better for you since they’re packed full of good for you ingredients like raw crispy cashews, medjool dates, and chocolate vegan protein powder. YUM!

My husband loves thin mints and although we love supporting the girls scouts, we both prefer eating more healthy…even though it’s hard to say no to those cute hard working girl scouts.

I love the minty flavor from the peppermint extract and the little bit of crunch from the perfect amount of hemp seeds. Hemp seeds are a perfect way to to increase your protein intake since they’re easy to use! They’re a great on my salads, over yogurt, & blended into my smoothies.

I’ve been eating these little protein balls almost daily as a snack because they are SOOOO GOOOD! They’re perfect for long run fuel, or post workout snack, or even as a quick energy boost mid afternoon before my afternoon yoga session.

Peppermint is one of my favorite essential oils too. I use it daily since it is has so many energizing properties. When I remember, I apply it to the back of my neck in the summer time to keep me cool when I run. I can’t wait for warm summer runs.

Every evening I have a cup of this delicious pepermint ginger tea because it so soothing after a meal and before bed. Often times I will add one extra drop of peppermint oil to my tea just because I love peppermint sooo muuccch.

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. Peppermint and dark chocolate are two my favorite combos! Happy St. Patrick’s Day my friends. Don’t forget to try out my Shamrock Shake.

If you’re running a Shamrock Shuffle Race on Saturday, do make these bites soon and have one for your pre-race fuel. And of course, enjoy the Shamrock Shake after for recovery. GOOD LUCK! Happy Running! Happy Eating!

THIN MINT PROTEIN BITES

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup (10-13) pitted dates depending on size
1/4 cup Hemp Seeds plus 2 teaspoons
1/4 cup raw crispy cashews
1 Tablespoon vegan mini chocolate chips (I used Enjoylife)
1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
3 Tablespoons Vegan Chocolate Protein Powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon of unsweetened shredded coconut, because why not! (optional)
1 teaspoon water

DIRECTIONS:

Add dates, ¼ cup hemp seeds, protein powder, cashews, chocolate chips, peppermint extract and water into a food processor and process until combined. A large ball of dough will likely form. Separate the dough, add remaining rice hemp seeds and coconut if using. l pulse until just combined. (You want these to be broken up, but not completely crushed into flour.)
Scoop about 1 Tablespoon of dough at a time and roll into balls. Place balls on parchment paper as you roll them and then place in the fridge until ready to enjoy.