Raw Brownie Energy Bites

When that chocolate craving hits and you need something fast, look no further with these raw brownie energy bites. Not only will they satisfy that sweet tooth, but they are healthy!  Full of nutrients including plant based proteins, phytonutrients, antioxidants, probiotics, prebiotics and digestive enzymes thanks to the vegan chocolate shakeology.  

Ingredients:

1 cup walnuts

8 pitted & soften dates

pinch of himalayan pink sea salt

1/4 cup of cacao powder

1 scoop vegan chocolate shakeology

1/4 cup creamy nut butter

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

NOTE: Can be make without shakeology, as well.  Substitute 1/4 cup chia seeds and 1/4 hemp seeds in place of shakeology.  However, this reduces the nutritional value and alters the flavor making them more bitter with just the cacao powder flavoring. It removes the phytonutrients, antioxidants, probiotics, prebiotics and digestive enzymes.

Directions:

In a food processor grind the walnuts flour consistency is formed. Add the dates, blend until combined.

Add remaining ingredients and blend. Once a sticky dough is formed, use a tablespoon measurement spoon to roll the bites! 

Roll bites into desired toppings {crushed walnuts, cacao powder or plain} ENJOY!

Don't have Shakeology and want to try it?  Here is a link to a vegan sampler pack. 

 

Banana Bread Energy Bites

These banana bread energy bites taste just like banana bread! They are filled with nutrients and all the flavors that give you that banana bread flavor.

The star in these bites are the banana.  Did you know the fructose in banana is liver’s favorite source of food. It provides quick fuel to the liver and wakes up sleepy cells. Soothes the linings of the intestinal tract and also soothes the nerves attached to the intestinal tract. Contrary to popular belief, bananas are one of the most antibacterial, anti-yeast, antifungal foods.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup banana, mashed
1/2 cup nut or seed butter, melted
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp coconut sugar
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp pink himalayan salt
1 cup gluten free oats
1 scoop plant based vanilla protein powder
1/3 cup chocolate chips 

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients together except the chocolate chips.

2. Add in chocolate chips and form into about 8 balls.

3. Chill in freezer for 30 minutes for balls to firm up and enjoy!

Substitutions & Notes:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: I use maple syrup to make these vegan. 
• Nut butter: Any nut butter will work for this recipe. You can use almond butter, cashew butter, tahini or sunflower butter.
• Protein powder: I prefer the vegan chocolate shakeology as it pairs nicely with the banana bread flavors and it's full of digestive enzymes, probiotics and prebiotics.   Feel free to use your favorite brand and flavor of protein powder for this recipe.
• Chocolate chips: You could always skip the chocolate chips and add a different mix-in. Some great examples include: crushed nuts, chia seeds or ground flax seeds.

Cinnamon Caramel Apple Bites

This healthy no bake snack is quick and easy.  The whole family will love the flavor of a sweet and sticky caramel apple with a hint of cinnamon.   Made with dates which contain anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties.  Making this snack an excellent food for those who suffer with chronic infections and auto-immune disorders.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pitted dates

1 cup dried apples (not freeze dried, chewy ones)

1/2 cup oats

1/2 tsp cinnamon

If you can't find dried chewy apples, then you can dice up an actual apple.  However, here is where you would need to play around.  The apple makes the mixture super wet.  So you would need to adjust the measurements to reduce the amount of diced apple and increase the oats.  Or add in a scoop of vegan vanilla protein powder to dry up the mixture.  

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and process until it forms a thick paste.  A blender works to, but the food processor makes for an easier clean up.

2. Using about a tablespoon of the mixture, roll into balls.  Enjoy!

Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites

Where are all the apple lovers at? These are a no bake snack that is packed with nutrients & have that tasty cozy apple cinnamon flavor! And they come together in one bowl in about 15 minutes.  Want one?

Ingredients:

1 cup gluten-free rolled oats

1 scoop vegan vanilla protein powder (I use Shakeology)

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

pinch of sea salt

1/2 cup diced soft dried apples

3/4 cup nut butter of choice

3 TBsp maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients using a large spoon.  (oats, protein powder, cinnamon, nutmeg & sea salt)

2. Add nut butter, maple syrup, vanilla & diced apples to the dried ingredients and mix, using a large spoon, until well combined.

3. Roll mixture into approximately 1 1/2 inch balls.  You will get about 12 balls depending on size.

4. Store in refrigerator for up to a week or freezer for a couple months. Enjoy!

Roasted Vegetable Winter Bowl

I love this bowl for powering up your immunity and a great way to add more vegetables to our lives.  Nutrient- and antioxidant-rich veggies help to strengthen your immunity.  This is key in winter months when we maybe less active and spending more time indoors.  

Ingredients:

1 (12 oz) pkg fresh halved brussels sprouts

1 pint grape tomatoes

1 (16 oz) pkg sweet potato cubes or 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

3 Tbsp olive oil, divided 

1 (15 oz) can low-sodium chickpeas, drained and rinsed 

1 cup quinoa or rice of your choice

sea salt

pepper

Seasoning of your choice to season the chickpeas (I used garlic powder, za'atar is another option)

Dressing of your choice (I used hummus & lemon juice, a tahini-yogurt sauce is another option) 

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Trim brussels sprouts if needed.

2. Add brussels sprouts, sweet potato cubes and tomatoes to the baking sheet.  Drizzle with 2 Tbsp of olive oil and season with sea salt and pepper.  Toss each vegetable to coat.  Roast 20 minutes.

   

3. In a small bowl, toss the chickpeas with seasoning and remaining olive oil.  Carefully remove baking sheet from oven.  Toss vegetables slightly, push them aside to make space for the chickpeas.  Add chickpeas to baking sheet and roast 20 minutes or until all vegetables are tender and crisp.

   

4. Make your quinoa or rice per package directions. Top with roasted vegetables and serve with your choice of dressing.  

Suggestions - 

Tahini-yogurt sauce - in a small bowl combine 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt, 3 Tbsp tahini, 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 Tbsp za'atar and 2 Tbsp water.  Season with sea salt and pepper and stir until smooth.

Tzatziki sauce - in a small bowl, stir together 1/2 plain greek yogurt, 1/2 cup peeled and diced cucumber, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 Tbsp fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper and stir until smooth.

Chocolate Cookie Dough Energy Bites

One of my favorite things to have on hand in my freezer or fridge are energy bites and today I am sharing with you these healthy no bake chocolate cookie dough energy bites.  They taste JUST like raw cookie dough. This recipe will be so easy for you to remember off the top of your head so you can make them all the time! They come together in one bowl in under 15 minutes.  There’s no food processor or mixer required,  just good ol’ arm strength! 

Ingredients:

1 cup gluten free old fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup nut butter

1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

1 scoop vegan chocolate protein powder

1/4 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Place oats, nut butter, maple syrup, protein powder and chocolate chips in a large bowl and stir to combine.

2. Mix the ingredients together in a large bowl. Getting the mixture to combine takes a little arm muscle it will come together as you keep mixing. 

3. Once combined, use a small cookie scoop to scoop and form the dough into balls. Roll in your hand to form balls and roll in a few extra oats. If the mixture is to dry, then add a dash of water.

4. Enjoy immediately or store in refrigerator (for a week) or freezer (up to 3 months).

Substitutions & Notes:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: I use maple syrup to make these vegan. Maple syrup is a little thinner than honey so you might need to add some more oats to the mixture to get the balls to hold together better.
• Nut butter: Any nut butter will work for this recipe. You can use almond butter, cashew butter, tahini or sunflower butter.
• Protein powder: I prefer the vegan chocolate shakeology as it pairs nicely with the peanut butter and chocolate chips, but feel free to use your favorite brand and flavor of protein powder for this recipe.
• Chocolate chips: You could always skip the chocolate chips and add a different mix-in. Some great examples include: dried cranberries, raisins, shredded coconut, crushed nuts, cacao nibs, chia seeds or ground flax seeds.

Energy Bites to dry or crumbly?

There are a few reasons why your protein balls might be dry or crumbly. Most likely it is that there isn't enough moisture in the mixture. Be sure to use a nut butter that is smooth and runny, and consider adding a bit of water to help bind the mixture together. 

Cookie Dough Energy Bites

These Cookie Dough Energy Bites are the perfect no bake healthy snack.  They come together in one bowl in under 15 minutes.  There’s no food processor or mixer required,  just good ol’ arm strength!  So easy to make and you only need 5 simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. They hold together well so you can easily toss a few in your bag for school, work or as a travel snack for a little treat.

Ingredients:

1 cup gluten free old fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup nut butter

1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

1 scoop vegan vanilla protein powder

1/4 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

• Place oats, nut butter, maple syrup, protein powder and chocolate chips in a large bowl and stir to combine.

2. Mix the ingredients together in a large bowl. Getting the mixture to combine takes a little arm muscle it will come together as you keep mixing. 

   

3. Once combined, use a small cookie scoop to scoop and form the dough into balls. Roll in your hand to form balls and roll in a few extra oats.

   

4. Enjoy immediately or store in refrigerator (for a week) or freezer (up to 3 months)

Substitutions & Notes:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: I use maple syrup to make these vegan. Maple syrup is a little thinner than honey so you might need to add some more oats to the mixture to get the balls to hold together better.
• Nut butter: Any nut butter will work for this recipe. You can use almond butter, cashew butter, tahini or sunflower butter.
• Protein powder: I prefer the vegan vanilla shakeology as it pairs nicely with the peanut butter and chocolate chips, but feel free to use your favorite brand and flavor of protein powder for this recipe.
• Chocolate chips: You could always skip the chocolate chips and add a different mix-in. Some great examples include: dried cranberries, raisins, shredded coconut, crushed nuts, cacao nibs, chia seeds or ground flax seeds.