Minty Oat Energy Balls
A few months before lockdowns started, I put my kids in daycare full-time so I could go all-in with my business. Prior to this global pandemic, I was a stay at home mom for over 3 years. In just a few short months of having my kids in daycare, I forgot how much my kids eat during the day. All day long I hear, “snack! snack! snack!” It feels like as soon as I’ve finished cleaning up from one meal, they are asking for the next one. If you’re a parent, I’m sure you can relate.
My kids absolutely love eating granola bars and granola balls. I’m not the most confident baker, I’ve never tried to make my own granola bars. Instead, I created these simple, no-bake energy balls. They taste delicious and they are loaded with nutrients to fuel their ever-hungry, growing bodies.
You don’t need to have kids to make this recipe. My husband and I love them as well. I eat them as a post-workout snack and they always hit the spot. They are sweet, salty and delicious!
These energy balls are made with minimal ingredients and don’t require any fancy equipment to prepare. All you need is a mixing bowl, a spatula and some measuring cups!
I want to highlight a few of the amazing ingredients included in this recipe!
Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and calcium. Fibre is an essential part of any diet because it helps the body create soft, well-formed bowel movements that keep our digestive system regular. Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that we need to get from food because our body cannot create them. They help to reduce inflammation in the body, supportive cognitive health and help to lower the “bad” cholesterol.
Raw cacao nibs are one of the highest food containing sources of magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral that our bodies rely on to carry out hundreds of biochemical functions like supporting the immune system, maintaining muscle and nerve function, and metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates and proteins. Most people are not getting and adequate amount of magnesium in their diet. I add raw cacao nibs to my yogurt, on top of smoothies, into my granola and in baked goods.
Raw honey is an awesome way to sweeten food in place of refined sugar. Raw honey contains antioxidants and has anti-bacterial properties to help strengthen your immune system. Make sure that you do not feed your child honey if they are under the age of one.
If you have a peanut or nut allergy, I recommend substituting the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. It will be just as delicious!
INGREDIENTS
1 ¼ cups quick oats (gluten-free quick oats can be used)
2 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter*
1/3 cup raw honey (liquid)
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1/4 tsp fine sea/pink salt
1/4 cup raw cacao nibs
*if the peanut butter has been in the fridge or feels stiff, soften it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
DIRECTIONS
In a mixing bowl, add quick Oats, chia seeds, sea salt and raw cacao nibs. Stir ingredients together.
Add peanut butter, honey and peppermint extract to the mixing bowl.
Mix all ingredients together using a spatula.
Put the mixing bowl in the fridge to chill for 20-30 minutes.
Remove the bowl from the fridge and roll 1 inch balls with the mix. Place the balls on a parchment paper lined food container or plate.
Store the balls in the fridge or freezer and enjoy!
Let me know if you make these! Post your creation and tag me @andreagracewellness