Peanut Butter Energy Bites
/Who like's snacks?
I do! I do!
Snacks play an important roll in giving us a little energy boost when we need it.
If you've ever felt the afternoon blahs when you're lacking energy and contemplating a trip to the candy machine then this is for you. We all know the feeling right? Either you're at the office or going about your day, you're energy crashes and you're now looking for the nearest doughnut shop or what have you. The reason why you hit the afternoon wall is because you're blood glucose has taken a sharp dive. You're as "hangry" as a walrus and probably feel a bit like one too, ready to take it out on someone else.
You can avoid the dreaded afternoon crash by eating frequent mini meals throughout the day and making sure you get a good lunch that includes a combination veggies and/or whole grains and quality protein, so when 3 o'clock rolls around you're not falling asleep at your desk. Instead of reaching for that candy bar or doughnut, first reach for your water bottle and make sure you are well hydrated. Now it's time to make a healthy snacking choice. This part requires a bit of planning but it can be quite easy (and tasty)! It's also important to remember to pair your snack with some protein to keep you from getting hungry again too soon.
So what should you snack on that's healthy? Here are a few examples:
- A hand sized piece of fruit (like an apple or pear) with some nuts
- Veggies and hummus
- Ryvita crackers spread with nut butter
- Hard boiled eggs with some salsa and sliced bell peppers
- Low fat granola and yogurt
Then there are these little gems. I'm excited to share a great recipe with you today. Something else to throw into your snacking repertoire.
These are a great pick me up in the middle of the afternoon and a surprisingly energy packed pre-workout snack that can double as dessert.
A doughnut is tasty, but has no nutritional benefit. These power balls are just as tasty and will leave you feeling good about what you ate. Plus they look like little doughnuts! I swear these look just like the timbits we used to get from Tim Hortons when I was a kid.
Peanut Butter Energy Bites (makes 16 balls)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup dried apricots
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tbsp unpasturized honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup vanilla sunwarrior protein powder
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseeds
- 2 tbsp coconut flakes
Method:
- Place sunflower seeds and oats in a food processor and process until flour like. Now add the dried apricots and process again until crumbly.
- Add remaining ingredients except for the coconut and process until everything is incorporated and the mixture is well combined. It should be slightly crumbly.
- Scoop out tablespoons of the mixture with your hands and roll into balls.
- Roll each ball in coconut to coat.
- Store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to one week.
*You can also stash these in the freezer and they'll keep even longer.
(If you can keep your hands off them) ;)
This recipe has been shared at Amee's Fit and Fabulous Fridays.
