Homemade "Lara" Protein Balls

We have taken gluten out of our oldest son's diet. I noticed he had a speech delay at around 18 months, and definitely at his 2nd birthday. Our pediatrician told us that most two year olds have at least 50 words and use two to three word sentences. While I completely understand that every child is different, I'm his Mommy and just knew something wasn't right.

He has now been diagnosed with Childhood Speech Apraxia and sees a Speech Therapist once a week. Every case of Childhood Speech Apraxia is different. Sometimes there are also gross motor delays and other developmental delays. So far it just looks like he has pure Apraxia, but only time will tell. I am not a medical doctor, but I do know that he received antibiotics while I was in labor because I tested positive for Group Beta Strep. Antibiotics kill both the good bacteria and the bad bacteria. That's one reason I love essential oils. Essential Oils know the difference. My poor little guy came into the world with a compromised gut. That coupled with genetics (I've always had gut issues), he has a leaky gut. We are working on reversing that. We have already taken wheat gluten out of our diet at home (eating out is another story), and are going to take out corn, rice, and oats until we can heal his gut, but really our whole family. Did you know the gut is also called the second brain? Eighty percent of your immune system is in your gut. It's that important. Today I'm sharing with you a recipe for protein balls but you could make bars, whichever you prefer. They are great to make with your kids and for your kids. They are pretty good for you too! The recipes make about 6 - 10 Balls depending on the size you make and how many you or your children eat while forming them.

Peanut Butter Cookie
1 cup Seedless/Pitted whole Dates
1/2 cup cashews 2 tbsp natural peanut butter
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup peanuts

Place the dates in a food processor. Blend until it becomes like a paste. Transfer date paste to a mixing bowl. Add the nuts to the processor and pulse until chopped fairly small but not flour. Add the nuts, to the bowl with the fruit paste. Add the peanut butter and cinnamon. Use your fingers to knead the nuts and peanut butter into the paste. Next you can spread the mixture out onto a plate covered in cling wrap. Using your hands mold the mixture into individual balls. Refrigerate the balls to maintain freshness and let the form set (try to let them set in the fridge for 20 minutes before you eat one, if you can). If you find the Balls are a bit crumbly, add a couple tbsp of warm water and process again.

Below are some other variations that use the same basic recipe. One day I'll remember to take pictures of the process. 

Derby Pie
1 cup Seedless/Pitted whole Dates
1/2 cup Almonds
1/2 cup Pecans
1/2 tsp Gluten Free Vanilla
2 tbsp Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
1 cup Salted Cashews
2/3 cup Seedless/Pitted whole Dates
1 tsp Gluten Free Vanilla
dash of Real Salt
2 tbsp Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips

Blueberry
1/2 cup Dried Blueberries
1/2 cup Seedless/Pitted whole Dates
1 cup Cashews
1 tsp finely grated Lemon Zest
1/2 tsp Cinnamon

 What other variations would you make? I'd love more ideas!