Protein Balls – No Bake

Protein Balls – (Healthy No-Bake) and an Interview with Artie Turner.

Protein Balls (Healthy No-Bake) and an Interview with Artie Turner. Join Charlie in this compelling episode of “Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders” as he welcomes Artie Turner, a remarkable behavioral health consultant from the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

Protein balls (also called energy balls or protein bites) are popular as a convenient, nutrient-dense snack — and they can offer several health benefits when made with wholesome ingredients.

Artie shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in Milwaukee to becoming a celebrated community leader. Artie opens up about his early life, the crucial role of his adopted parents, Maddie and Jeff, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career in behavioral health.

You can listen to the audio version here –

Discover how Artie transitioned from the neighborhood house to college and eventually found his calling in mental health advocacy. Artie and Charlie whip up delicious and nutritious protein balls amid insightful conversations, blending cooking and life lessons.

This episode delves into Artie’s dedication to making Milwaukee a better place through his work at Children’s Wisconsin, while also highlighting his recognition as a 40 under 40 honoree. Tune in for an uplifting and heartwarming discussion packed with resilience, community spirit, and love for a good snack!

✅ Top Health Benefits of Protein Balls

1. Great Source of Protein

• Protein is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
• Helps with satiety — keeps you full longer and curbs cravings.
• Ideal for post-workout recovery or as a midday pick-me-up.

2. Sustained Energy

• Often made with complex carbs like oats or dates, which provide slow-releasing energy.
• Natural sugars from dried fruit or honey give a quick boost without the crash of processed sugar.

3. Supports Metabolism

• Protein-rich snacks may increase thermogenesis (the calorie-burning process), giving a mild metabolism boost.
• Fiber from ingredients like chia seeds or flax can improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

4. Portable & Portion-Controlled

• Easy to take on the go — no refrigeration usually needed.
• Pre-portioned size helps manage snacking and avoid overeating.

5. Customizable Nutrient Profile

• Add-ins like:
  • Nut butters (healthy fats and protein)
  • Seeds (omega-3s, fiber, minerals)
  • Cocoa nibs or dark chocolate (antioxidants)
  • Protein powders (to meet fitness or dietary goals)

6. Protein Balls Support Blood Sugar Balance

• High fiber + healthy fat + protein = more stable blood sugar compared to sugary snacks.

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⚠️ What to Watch Out For with Protein Balls

• Some store-bought or overly sweetened recipes can be high in sugar or calories.
• It’s easy to overeat them since they’re small — keep portions in mind!

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🍫 Example Ingredients for Healthy Protein Balls

• Rolled oats
• Nut butter (like almond or peanut)
• Honey or maple syrup (small amount)
• Protein powder
• Chia seeds or flaxseed
• Dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder
• Dried fruit (dates, cranberries, etc.)

Cooking Secrets for Men 

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If you like this recipe for Healthy No-Bake Protein Balls, you should try another one. It is our recipe for Egyptian Koshari.

Cooking Secrets for Men in the News

We have been lucky enough to get positive publicity with our website, YouTube channel, and Social Media presence. Here are a few examples:

Our series, Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders, is featured in the “Milwaukee Magazine” May 2023 edition, “Civic Gastronomy”. Click here to read the full article.

A few days later, they were discussing me on the radio. It is a local Foodie show,  “This Bites” on Radio Milwaukee 88.9 dining critic Ann Christenson from Milwaukee Magazine and Radio Milwaukee’s resident foodie Tarik Moody. My series, Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders, is in the show’s first few minutes.

“Cooking Secrets for Men” is on the list of the Top 20 Men’s Cooking Websites on the Internet. You can read that article here. See where we rank for Men’s Cooking Websites. Bangers and Mash

Cooking Secrets for Men is now on the list of Milwaukee’s Top 50 Foodie Influencers on Instagram.

In The News

We were featured in a Redfin article! Check it out here: Designing the Perfect Kitchen for Home Cooks.

Shepherd Express (Milwaukee) article on our Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders show – you can read that article here

Good Counsel HS (My Alma Mater) Magazine article about Cooking Secrets for Men – you can read that article here.

Meet Charlie DeSando – “Voyage Tampa” article, which you can read here.

We were featured in a Redfin article! Check it out here: Designing the Perfect Kitchen for Home Cooks

Meet Charlie DeSando – “Voyage Tampa” article, which you can read here.

CanvasRebel Magazine Interview, which you can read here.

E-Cookbooks for free Download

(It’s Free) – E-Cookbook Vol 5 – Poultry and Chicken is ready to download.

(Free) – E-Cookbook Vol 4 – “Pasta” (written in English and Italian) is now available to download.

(Yes, Free) –  E-Cookbook Vol 3 – “Appetizers” now available for free download at this link.

(Free) – E-Cookbook Series Vol. 2 – “Soups & Stews” is available for free download.

(Free) – E-Cookbook Vol 1 – “Sauces you’ll use – A lot”, is available for free download.

All of our e-cookbooks are available on our download page. Protein Balls

If you have comments or questions, please contact us at cookingsecretsformen@gmail.com.