I’ve been on a bit of a health kick lately. I’ve been eating better, exercising, and only drinking water. I’m still working on getting more sleep, but I’m just too much of a night owl.

I have a bit of a sweet tooth. I don’t really like candy. I do really like chocolate and salty sweet treats. After eating no sugar for 21 days I was really wanting something sweet. My husband makes these “Food Balls” (that’s what he calls them) sometimes when he knows he won’t have time for lunches for a week. These are something his mom used to make them all the time. I feel like they are sweet enough to get me through my craving and they really make you feel full. The peanut butter gives them plenty of protein and all of the dried fruits give you lots of vitamins. Also, the oatmeal makes them full of fiber. Everything you look for in an energy bar.

Here’s how you make them:

Homemade All Natural Protein Energy Bar Bites

• 3 1/2 cups Old Fashioned Oats
• 8 oz. Dried Dates
• 4 oz. Chopped Pecans
• 3.4 oz. coconut
• 6 oz. Dried Cranberries
• 1/3 of a 40 oz Jar All Natural Peanut Butter
• Honey (about a cup, until it sticks together)

I know in this picture it doesn’t show all natural peanut butter, but at the time this is all we had in our cupboard.

Then add it to a large bowl. Next add the all the dried fruits and nuts. Mix well then add the peanut butter.

Start mixing with a spoon, then when it get’s too hard to stir, start kneading it with your hands.

Once it’s incorporated, add the honey 1/2 cup at a time still kneading it with your hands until it sticks together well and makes a ball as seen below.

Using your hands, take a tablespoon or so in the palm of your hand and roll into balls. Alternately, you could press them into a bar pan and slice with a sharp knife to make real bars.

These are perfect for grabbing when you don’t have time to make something healthy or to eat right after a workout. Also, these are perfect to take on a hike or a bike ride for them family to snack on during a break.

Enjoy!
Annette