Chocolate-PB Energy Bites

Chocolate-PB Energy Bites

(makes 12-14 1-2 inch balls) 

  • ¾ cup (60 grams) instant oats
  • ¼ cup (70 grams) Chocolate Perfect Protein Powder (your favorite)
  • ½ cup (50 grams) almond flour
  • ¼ cup (65 grams) almond or peanut butter
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup or honey

Grind the oats in a high-speed blender or food processor and pour them into a bowl. Add the protein powder, almond flour, and nut butter.
Stir the ingredients together and then add the vanilla and maple syrup and, using your hands, form it into a thick batter.

If the mixture seems really dry, add more peanut butter or maple syrup/honey.

Now, roll into balls (1-2 inches/2.5-5 cm) and put them on a plate. Place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, then place in a tightly sealed container (or freezer-safe bag).

These will keep for a month in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer. ENJOY!!!

Trail Mix Granola

Trail Mix Granola

Is this trail mix or is this granola? Either way, it’s DELICIOUS. 

Your home is going to smell AMAZING while this is in the oven. Warning: it’s addicting. Be sure to exercise portion control with this healthy snack.

1 cup raw mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts)

1 cup raw slivered almonds

½ cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds

¼ cup coconut oil, melted

¼ cup maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla

½ cup unsweetened flaked coconut

1 cup dried cherries, blueberries or cranberries

¼ tsp sea salt

(optional: 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice)

 

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees and line 1 or 2 baking sheets (depending on their size) with parchment paper. 

In a large bowl, mix the nuts, almonds and pumpkin seeds. Set aside. 

In a small bowl, combine the coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Pour over the nuts and mix well. Add the optional pumpkin pie spice and mix again, till everything is evenly coated. 

Spread the nuts on the baking sheet(s) and sprinkle salt over the top of the mixture. Bake for 15 minutes. 

Remove from the oven and stir the nuts to make sure they toast evenly. Bake for another 15 minutes and remove from the oven. Stir again, adding the coconut flakes. Bake for another 10 minutes to toast the coconut. 

Remove from the oven for a final time, and let cool. Mix in the berries and store in an airtight container.

Cauliflower Hummus

  • C3 cups cauliflower florets (fresh or frozen)
  • ⅛ cup water (2-3 tbsp)
  • 5 tbsp olive oil, separated
  • 1½ tsp sea salt
  • 3 garlic cloves, separated
  • ¼ cup tahini
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • More water as needed
  • (optional: sesame seeds for garnish)

Steam the cauliflower until it’s soft: you can do this in a microwave or in a steamer on a stovetop. Stovetop: Place the cauliflower, water, 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 2 whole garlic cloves in covered pan on low heat and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring/checking frequently. Microwave: place the same ingredients in a covered dish and microwave 10-12 minutes.

Next, place the softened cauliflower in a high-speed blender and add the tahini paste, 1 garlic clove, tahini, 2-3 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp sea salt and lemon juice. Blend until it reaches the texture of hummus. You might have to scrape the sides to incorporate all the cauliflower. If it’s too thick, add a little more water. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Place in a bowl and, if desired, drizzle a little more olive oil over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Snack Responsibly

Snack Responsibly

Snack Responsibly

Snacks have such a bad reputation… and for a good reason considering what MOST people consider a snack!

Between the stops at the vending machine and the grab-and-go at the gas station- most people are grabbing whatever is fast, sugary, and convenient.

However- if you’re doing it right, snacks can be really great for keeping energy levels high, maintaining blood sugar, helping to nourish your body, and of course if you have kids- keeps them happy !

Choose snacks that COUNT… that are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber to help you stay full longer and won’t spike your blood sugar.

Just because they are healthy, doesn’t mean they won’t taste great!

Remember:

• ALWAYS listen to your body
• Keep your daily caloric intake in mind
• Only eat when you’re hungry
• Plan your snacks in advance
• Always have healthy snack options available
I know it’s hard to make smart decisions when your stomach is growling…that’s exactly why it’s SO IMPORTANT to make sure you’ve always got healthy snacks on hand.

One of my fav go-to snacks is an apple with a little almond butter. Simple, easy to make, tastes great, and will boost your energy while nourishing your body.

So are you up for this week’s “Snack Responsibly” Challenge!?

Leave a comment below and let me know!!