One morning Justin and I went to our favorite ice cream spot after our workout. Yes I said morning and ice cream in the same word. Yes we went to an ice cream spot immediately after a workout. Life’s a balance right?
But really we didn’t get ice cream. They have amazing coffee and cinnamon rolls (sooooo much better than ice cream right??) for Justin. I was attempting to stay semi healthy and only steal 1-2 bites of his cinnamon roll- ok so maybe it was like 4-5.
More importantly, they have a little refrigerated section with healthier options and I saw these amazing looking “Energy Balls”. The teenager working told me there was peanut butter, chocolate chip, and flax seed and I chose to only hear the words flax seed so that I could convince myself this was, in fact, a healthier option.
And they were A-MAZING. And honestly, I was full for way longer than I thought I would be. Flax seed for the win!
Three days later I was still thinking about them and realized that I could 110% make them myself and they would be just as yummy, maybe even a bit healthier because I know every single ingredient going into them, and I wouldn’t have to be tempted by the ice cream and cinnamon rolls every time I wanted one.
And so I present to you- Oatmeal Energy Bites.
This is definitely a recipe you can play with. Don’t like peanut butter? Use almond butter or cashew butter instead? Not a big chocolate fan? We can’t be friends. Add in crushed pecans for an extra crunch. Don’t love craisins? Sub in any dried fruit you do love. See a full list of “add in’s” options after the recipe!
I’ll tell you a little secret: I save these as an extra treat, so when all else fails, the thought of getting to eat an Oatmeal Energy Bite sometimes is the kick in the butt I need to actually get to the gym! Hopefully you love them that much too 😊
Ingredients
Makes 16-20 Energy Bites
2 cups oats
3/4 cup peanut butter (or nut butter of your choosing)
1/3 cup honey
4 Tbsp group flax seed
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/3-1/2 cup craisins
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir together.
- Scoop out heaping tablespoons and roll into balls
- Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.
You can store these in the refrigerator to up to 7 days- if they last that long!
If you need more ideas for different add ins- here’s some thoughts.
- Dried Blueberry and White chocolate chip
- Crushed Pecan, Raisin, and Cinnamon
- Coconut, Almond, Chocolate Chip
- Crushed macadamia nuts, Craisins, White chocolate chips
Did you love them? Let me know your thoughts and your favorite add in’s in the comments below.