No Bake Energy Bites

These amazing little inventions are being made I'm sure in almost every household. They are simple to make and are a very convenient snack to grab when on the go and just the right size for little hands. Not to mention a perfect post workout snack. Being that the ingredients are endless when it comes to making these you can hide some superfoods that the kids may not be eating to boost their nutritional value and they won't even know it and they will love them. Always fun to make. 

This is the recipe I came up with today.

Ingredients 

8 Medjool dates

1 banana

1/2 cup quick oats 

1/2 tbsp hemp seeds

1/2 tbsp chia seeds

2 tbsp peanut butter

1/2 tsp vanilla

Pinch of salt

2 tbsp pecan pieces 

2 tbsp mini chocolate chips ( dairy free for Vegan )

1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

** use organic when possible**

Yields approx 18 balls

Method 

Remove pits from the dates

Place all ingredients in a food processor, except the chocolate chips & coconut. ( I used my mini kitchen aide mixer ) 

Once everything is well blended, place into a mixing bowl and fold in the chocolate chips

Once blended roll the mixture into small ball shapes, then roll each one into the coconut

Place into a dish or onto a plate with parchment paper and refrigerate 

The mix is a little soft but I like it this way. If you prefer firmer then add another 1/4-1/2 cup of oats or more hemp/chia seeds, but they do firm up when refrigerated. 

Serve and enjoy! 

Why I choose superfoods like chia & hemp seeds...

Chia seeds:

Chia Seeds Are Loaded With Antioxidants

Almost All The Carbs in Them Are Fiber

Chia Seeds Are High in Quality Protein

Chia Seeds Are High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Chia Seeds May Improve Certain Blood Markers, Which Should Lower The Risk of Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes

They Are High in Many Important Bone Nutrients

Chia Seeds Can Improve Exercise Performance as Much as a Sports Drink

Due to The High Fiber and Protein Content, Chia Seeds Should be Able to Help You Lose Weight

Hemp Seeds:

Cellular Health

Contains all the required proteins in the best proportions for human nutrition

Hemp Seeds are about 1/3 oil and 1/4 protein --for cellular health and energy

Essential Fatty Acids in Hemp Seeds

Magnesium

B Vitamins

Vitamin E

Zinc

Iron

Balance Hormones

Digestive Health

Anti-inflammatory

As you can see the health benefits and nutritional line up for chia & hemp seeds are fantastic. A little goes a long way. Try adding these superfoods for your good health to any meal. You can sprinkle on salads, bake in a pizza crust, you can make dips & dressing with them and of course energy balls.

I hope you try the recipe and like them as much as I did. If not tweak it however you like as I always like to say " a recipe is just an idea for your own creation " but mostly may you be Nutritionally Well.