Banana and Chia Seed Protein Cookies (gluten and sugar free)

This recipe makes delicious sweet and moist cookies that are filled with healthy goodies like omega fats, protein and important vitamins and minerals. Not only are these cookies packed with protein, they are bursting with potassium, which reduces lactic acid, improving your strength endurance and recovery time. You only need a few ingredients and the biscuits are very easy to make. If you don't have a cookie cutter, just roll portions of the dough into a ball and flatten before baking.

Banana and Chia Seed Protein Cookies (gluten and sugar free)

Ingredients:

• 1 mashed banana
• 3 tablespoons of macadamia oil
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons of Natvia sweetener (made from stevia)
• 200 grams of almond meal
• 4 tablespoons of chia seeds (I used chia seeds in half of the dough)*
• 1 1/2 scoops of plain vegan pea protein powder (or your preferred protein powder - preferably in vanilla or banana)

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana, vanilla, oil, egg and sweetener together; mix to combine.
2. Line two large baking trays with greased-proof paper and preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
3. Add the almond meal, protein powder and chia seeds into the mixing bowl and stir to combine. Once the mixture starts to come together, you can use your hands to mould the dough. *I didn't add any chia seeds until I made the dough, which I seperated and added chia seeds to one half. Either option creates a lovely cookie.
4. Once the dough is formed, divide into two pieces. Line your bench top with cling film and sprinkle with a little protein powder (to stop the dough from sticking). Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to approximately 1.5cm thick - I found the thinner cookies were more caramelized and chewy, the thicker cookies were more 'cakey' in texture. Note: The dough will be easier to work with when cool, it will get sticky if it starts to warm. 
5.  Cut out desired shapes and place on baking trays. 
6. Repeat with the remaining dough.
7. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. 
8. Leave to cool for a minute or two, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Here are a few reasons why chia seeds are so fantastic for you:

• Chia is gluten free
• It is super high in dietary fibre, making it great for digestion and healing digestion issues.
• It contains 20% Omega 3 ALA, making it a super food for the brain and heart. Chia has eight times more Omega 3 than salmon.
• It boasts 20% protein
• The protein is a complete protein with all 8 essential amino acids
• It is high in antioxidants (It has a four times higher ORAC value than blueberries)
• Chia contains five times more calcium than milk
• Chia contains seven times more vitamin C than oranges
• It contains three times more iron than spinach
• It contains twice the potassium content of banana
• It is food for healthy skin, hair and nails
• It has a positive impact balancing blood glucose levels