Pack Some Power Bites

 
powerbites.jpg

When you have to fit more into your day, it’s easy to blow your good intentions about nutrition. Lots of parents like us take the time to make our kids a healthy lunch, but we neglect to pack something for ourselves. I’m sorry, but having quarters in your pocket for that 3pm Snickers bar doesn’t count! Neither does that afternoon Starbucks latte.

Part of simple self-care is feeding your body well, so you have the strength to sustain long days (and endure some extra stress). I’ve found that if I make some good protein snacks to have on hand, it doesn’t take any effort to grab a few for the road for myself.

Here is one of my favorite recipes for No Bake Power Bites. They’re more satisfying than a ball of cookie dough, and they pack enough protein to get you through the afternoon without having a yawn attack – or eating something you wish you hadn’t. Watch out, your kids might eat them too.

No Bake Power Bites

Base recipe w/ sunflower seed butter is Gluten Free, Dairy Free, & Nut Free

  • 1 cup (dry) oatmeal

(I use gluten free old-fashioned oats. You can pulse them a few times in the blender for a smother consistency)

  • 1/2 cup almond butter or sunflower seed butter

  • 1/2 cup ground flax seeds

  • 1/4 cup cacao nibs (or chocolate chips – your choice)

  • 1/3 cup honey

  • 1 scoop protein powder

(I use Source Organic Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate (unflavored), but any kind will work. If you’re vegan, look for a clean pea, soy or hemp-based protein powder.)

  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

  1. Stir all ingredients together in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.

  2. Roll into balls of whatever size you like – I make them about 1 inch in diameter. (Note: if the dough is too crumbly, add a few drops of water and knead with your hands until it forms balls.)

  3. Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.

  4. Store in an airtight container. These will keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Makes about 20-25 balls.

Note: You can play around with the ingredients. For example, sometimes I substitute toasted coconut flakes or hemp hearts (raw shelled help seeds) for the ground flax seed, use collagen as the protein powder, or add a little coconut oil to replace some of the honey. You really can’t go wrong, as long as you keep the ratio of dry ingredients to binding / sticky ingredients (nut butter and honey in this case) the same.

—————

Do you have a favorite recipe for no bake power bites? Please leave a note in comments if you’re willing to share.  – Thanks!

 
Kendra Wilde