I try to keep a bunch in the fridge and freezer in sealed containers.

Chocolate chip energy balls won’t last long at your house – so heads up – double your batch!

Nut butter naturally contains healthy fat, protein, and antioxidants. So besides being an EXCELLENT healthy snack choice, this combination actually helps to manage cravings and feeling satisfied.

2 protein energy bites or balls each day as a snack is a perfect serving size.

➡️ Rachel’s Tips:

I quickly pulsed the oats in my food processor for just a few seconds to create a bit finer texture. This is simply a preference, and not required. A high speed blender also works really well to grind oats just a bit. Don’t over process though, or else you’ll have oat flour, which lacks beautiful texture for these treats.

Try adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, if you love cinnamon.

Also, try adding pure vanilla bean from a bean pod for another level of flavor.

When shopping for ingredients:

Look for a higher percentage cacao for the chocolate chips, and your nut butter should contain nothing but nuts, and maybe sea salt. Steer clear of added oils and/or added sugar in nut butters if possible.

Use any dark chocolate chips of your choice: the higher cacao percentage, the healthier!

I really like using mini chips for these types of energy bites.

If you’re looking to keep sugars lower; try Lily’s brand chocolate that is sweetened with stevia.

Also, I should mention; sweetness factor is such a very personal preference, so you may want to use less or more honey/maple syrup, depending on YOUR family’s taste preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup old fashioned oatmeal, roughly ground
• 2/3 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut (I like “let’s do organic” brand)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter, or almond butter
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, or raw honey
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract