No Bake Energy Bites

Having healthy snacks available on hectic days is a must for me. I'm constantly running between the hospital and clinic, so my snacks need to be portable without requiring refrigeration. And even though I firmly believe fruit is the original prepackaged convenience food (seriously, an orange is very portable and even comes in it's own wrapper), it isn't always convenient to carry fruit in the pocket of your white coat. However, these little nuggets of deliciousness fit my lifestyle perfectly.


I can't take credit for the original recipe; it was graciously shared with me by the chef and owner of The Green Scene Market & Deli in Walker, Minnesota for a community education class we led on healthy cooking. But since these are loaded with nutritious whole ingredients, cost pennies for an entire batch compared to the cost of a single protein bar, and are so simple to make, I had to post the recipe here. These are made from a handful of common ingredients you probably already have stocked in your pantry. Whole grain rolled oats are an excellent source of fiber and beta glucan, a magical substance that helps oatmeal lower cholesterol levels and also stabilize blood sugar. Ground flaxseed provides a daily dose of heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Peanut butter and honey help to bind the mixture together and add flavor, and as for the coconut and chocolate - that's to trick your brain into thinking you're enjoying a cookie and not something secretly nutritious. This recipe is also very versatile. If you don't like the flavors as written, try substituting almond butter, chopped dried cranberries, and quinoa flakes for something different. Or dare to try using cashew butter, chopped raisins, some extra rolled oats, and a little cinnamon for a treat reminiscent of an oatmeal raisin cookie. The possibilities are endless!

To make your life a little easier, mix these with your hands. It's a sticky mess to mix, but it's only temporary! If you are following a gluten-free diet, make sure you started with gluten-free rolled oats; some oats are contaminated with trace amounts of gluten so as always, read your labels. And while there is a lot of debate on whether honey should actually be considered vegan, my vegan friends all eat honey so following their lead and calling these vegan. However, if you don't eat honey or want to avoid honey for young children, you could substitute an equal amount of brown rice syrup for the honey in this recipe.

Keep in mind that these are a calorie-dense food, and eating a whole batch of these is no better for your waistline than eating an entire batch of cookie dough, but I do think there is something to be said for eating foods you made yourself using whole ingredients. Unlike many prepackaged granola and protein bars, there are no artificial colors, flavors, or weird chemical additives to prolong shelf life, and I feel better about eating something where I can pronounce all the ingredients. I like to make a double batch on the weekend and keep them in the freezer for quick snacks or breakfasts throughout the week. These make great after school snacks or treats for the anyone's lunchbox, and can be a lifesaver to get some fiber and protein in for people struggling with nausea or morning sickness. And believe me, when that after dinner sugar craving hits, I know it can be curbed with just one of these delicious little treats. Enjoy!

No Bake Energy Bites, Makes 20
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Roll into small balls and place in a freezer-safe plastic container. Store in freezer until ready to enjoy.