18 No-Bake High-Protein Energy Bites for Easy Fueling
Pre-make these snacks for a handy energy boost.
It can be easy to overeat when training for a race: Once you finish with that afternoon run it’s tempting to reach for a bag of cookies or chips, but take a pause. Instead, it may just be perfect moment to indulge in an energy bite—a no-bake ball of oats and flavor that is protein-packed yet still sweet enough to satisfy that craving.
If you haven’t hopped on this trend, energy balls are small, ping pong ball-sized snacks that pack a seriously big punch when you need it most. Depending on what flavor profile you’re aiming for, you can mix and match tons of healthy ingredients to create your own varieties. And the best part? They can be frozen and enjoyed for up to seven days, so a Sunday batch can last you throughout the week.
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“Energy bites can be a really tasty, high protein snack, and perfect to break up your afternoon and keep you going until dinner time,” says Alissa Rumsey, a NYC-based registered dietitian. “I also love to eat them for breakfast, and dip them in plain Greek yogurt for some extra protein and fat. They can be chock-full of nutrient-rich foods such as nuts or nut butter, dates, cacao nibs, oats, chia, flax and more. You get protein, healthy fat, fiber and whole grains—all in a portable bite-size snack.”
But as with all great things, they should be enjoyed in moderation. Just a couple bites should do.
When making them “watch the added sugar and avoid using refined sugar and no more than ⅛- to ¼-cup of natural sugars like honey,” Rumsey advises. “Stick to just two bites per serving, as the calories from the ingredients can quickly add up.”
Pack a couple in your bag at the beginning of the day, and pop them for a mid-meal snack or for something to nosh on after your lunch run. Seem easy enough? They sure are. Now check out these 18 no-bake energy ball recipes that’ll help transform your day, one bite at a time.
The article 17 No-Bake Energy Bites That Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth originally appeared on Rodale Wellness.
Chocolate Energy Bites
Chocolate Chip Trail Mix Balls
Banana Bread Energy Balls
Salted Caramel Chocolate Bliss Bites
In this recipe from Living the Farm Sanctuary Life, certified holistic nutritionist and vegan lifestyle coach Deb Gleason writes, “This recipe woke me up at the creative ambrosia hour of 4 a.m., pleading with me to get out of bed and write it down. This nocturnal burst of inspiration led me to create a healthy snack with a taste comparable to the turtle chocolates I grew up with. These delicious little bites never last long, so be sure to make a double batch.”
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup pecans
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 20 large soft Medjool dates, pitted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½cup hemp seeds
- ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Place the pecans on 1 baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until you begin to smell them (be careful not to allow them to burn). Remove from the oven and place in a bowl to cool.
Place the coconut on the second baking sheet and toast in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it. When the color starts to change and you can smell sweet, toasted coconut, it’s ready to be removed from the oven.
Place the toasted pecans in a blender or food processor. Blend or process until they are ground into small pieces. Place ½ cup of the ground pecans in a large bowl and ¼ cup in a small bowl.
In a blender or food processor, combine the dates, vanilla, and salt. Blend or process until you have date paste (smooth and creamy looking). You may need to stop the blender a few times during this process to stir the ingredients. Remove the date paste, spooning it into the large bowl with the pecans. Also add the hemp seeds and toasted coconut and mix everything together with your hands until well combined.
Roll a small amount of the mixture into a small ball in your hands. Then roll the ball in the small bowl of pecans to coat. Continue until you have a plate full of bliss bites.
Warm the chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat until just melted, stirring often to avoid burning the chocolate. Dip the bliss bites into the melted chocolate, covering half of each one with chocolate. Place them on a plate lined with parchment paper. Cool in the refrigerator and enjoy.
These can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for several months. Makes 15 to 20 bites.
Aloha Energy Bites
Cherry & Tahini Energy Balls
Almond Joy Energy Bites
Apple Pie Energy Balls
Chia Energy Bites
Fig Almond Energy Bites
Lemon Pie Energy Bites
Coffee Ground Energy Bites
Key Lime Pie Coconut Energy Bites
Coconut Ginger Energy Balls
Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites
Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites
Nutella Energy Bites
Coconut Date Energy Bites
Cashews, coconut, and dates comprise this vegan delight from Sweet Phi.
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