Are you looking for a new kind of snack that is easy to make and packed with protein? Maybe you’re just looking for a way to replace a boring bag of chips with something that has the energy you need to get through your day. No matter what you may be looking for, here are two great recipes for snacks that are made with simple ingredients can be prepared in less than 20 minutes, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
No-Bake Energy Balls
These quick-to-make energy balls are great for anyone looking for a breakfast option on the go or as a late afternoon pick-me-up. They can be made and eaten quickly: ideal for hungry kids after school.
- 1 cup of old-fashioned oats,
- 2/3 cup of shredded coconut,
- 1/2 cup of a creamy nut or seed butter (your choice of peanut, almond, sunflower, or other),
- 1/2 cup of ground flaxseed,
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips,
- 1/3 cup of honey,
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, and
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Place all ingredients into a large bowl and mix them with a spoon. Once thoroughly mixed, spoon the mixture and roll it into balls roughly 1 inch in diameter. Next, place the balls back into the bowl, lay a piece of plastic wrap over it, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. These energy balls can be in your fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months (“No-Bake”, n.d.). Click here for more information on the recipe.
5-Ingredient Energy Bars
Much like the energy balls, they are perfect for eating in the morning or afternoon. You will need:
- 1 cup of chopped almonds,
- 1 and 1/2 cups of uncooked 1-minute oats,
- 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup,
- 1 cup of a creamy nut or seed butter (your choice of peanut, almond, sunflower, or other),
- 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil, and
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Start by placing the honey (or maple syrup), coconut oil, and nut or seed butter in a saucepan. Warm the saucepan on low heat until the contents are mixed together. Then, pour the saucepan’s contents into a large bowl and mix together with almonds, oats, and salt until thoroughly stirred. Next, place the mixture into an 8-inch by 8-inch baking tray and press the mixture down firmly until it is flat and level. Then, place the pan in your refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the mixture to set. Finally, take the tray out, cut the mixture into servable bars, and enjoy! Keep them in your refrigerator for up to 5 days and in your freezer for a month (Graham, 2020). Click here for more information on the recipe.
Photo courtesy of Pexels (Ella Olsson)
References
Graham, T. (2020, September 11). 5-Ingredient Energy Bars. Kroll’s Korner. https://krollskorner.com/recipes/5-ingredient-energy-bars/
NO-BAKE ENERGY BITES. (n.d.). Gimme Some Oven. Retrieved on October 9, 2022. https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/no-bake-energy-bites/#tasty-recipes-66977
