That's why these no-bake energy balls are a major win!
I came across this recipe when I was hunting for a good pre-workout snack. I hate waking up early, so I had been skipping a snack before the gym. Since the walk to my apartment complex gym is literally 0.4 seconds, I don't have a lot of time to eat and digest. After noticing my energy levels were extremely low post-workout, but knowing I wouldn't get up any earlier in the morning (stubborn, party of one) I knew I needed a quick and filling snack.
These are PERFECT.
And they taste....a little too good. I started eating them way too often. For breakfast...for a snack...for dessert. I started to wonder if they were as good as I thought.
I did a little research (on MyFitnessPal) and found there are about 116 calories per energy bite. Not too bad, but I wouldn't recommend eating them like they're vegetables like I had been. ;)
They're super easy to make too. Just mix everything together in a medium-sized mixing bowl, chill, and roll into balls.
In the past, measuring peanut butter was always a hassle. It feels like you can never scrape it all out of the measuring cup! Well, if you haven't heard of these Measure-All Cups from Pampered Chef, you HAVE to get one. Measuring peanut butter (and literally everything else) just became so easy.
Once you've measured the oats, coconut, peanut butter, dark chocolate chips, honey and vanilla, it's time to move on to a few of my favorite things: flaxseed and chia seeds.
Flaxseeds are a great source of healthy fats and you will gain the most benefit from them when eaten ground. Modern research suggests flaxseed can help lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease and even cancer!
Unlike flaxseeds, chia seeds do not need to be ground for absorption! They are one of the most nutritious foods on the planet and are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and protein.
When everything is incorporated, chill for 30 minutes so it's easier to roll the dough into balls. Roll batter into balls and store for about a week in the fridge.
No Bake Energy Bites
Healthy and filling energy bites that are perfect for a pre-workout snack, a quick breakfast or even dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry old-fashioned oats
- 2/3 cup coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup honey or agave
- 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl until thoroughly incorporated.2. Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.3. Once chilled, roll into balls (Mine usually are 1 in. in diameter). Chill and store in airtight container for about 1 week.
Details
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: 24 ballsRecipe adapted from Gimme Some Oven.
Do you have a favorite pre-workout snack?
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