Recipe: Chocolate-PB Energy Bites

This yummy, healthy, no-cook snack recipe can double as an after-workout mini-meal. Also, once you get the basic recipe down, you can mix up the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Add cinnamon, cocoa, try a different flavor protein powder or a different nut butter (sunflower seed is an out-of-the-box option). You can even swap out the instant oats for your favorite healthy (no sugar added) cereal. Or you can keep them “oatier” by not grinding oats first.

Chocolate-PB Energy Bites

(makes 12-14 1-2 inch balls)

• ¾ cup (60 grams) instant oats
• ¼ cup (70 grams) chocolate 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.