Looking for a wholesome nut-free snack that you and your kids will love? Made with just seven ingredients, these nut-free energy bites are beloved by my whole family! When my daughter started Pre-K in January, having nut-free snacks on hand that hold up well in a backpack for hours took me a bit of getting used to. As plant-based eaters, I realized that we use nuts and nut butters often. We love everything from PB & J sammies and salty pistachios, to the homemade granola bars and muffins that I often whip up. Another type of snack that I make regularly are energy bites, but typically I include peanut butter in the mix. Since my daughter's school only allows nut-free snacks, I started testing out new energy bite combos. And that, my friends, is how I wound up creating ... [Read More]
energy bites
Snickerdoodle Energy Bites {vegan + gf}
Greetings from the Sunshine State! This week I'm in Marco Island, Florida for my father-in-law's wedding (which is happening today!). Have you ever been to Marco Island? I've been to Florida many times and even lived here briefly, but it's my first time being on Marco Island. When I'm getting ready for a trip, I always make sure to pack some healthy snacks in my carry-on bag. Being a healthy vegetarian eater, I can't rely on there to always be food options around that I'm happy with. Some airports/flights have pretty decent options, and other have a horrible selection - I just never know. By packing some healthy snacks, like protein and granola bars, apple chips & pretzels, I know that I'll always have something to hold me over. Another snack that I like packing for trips is energy ... [Read More]
Chocolate Pumpkin Protein Bites {vegan + gf}
Made with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin, oats, dates, and hemp hearts, these energy bites are the perfect autumn snack to whip up! Chocolate protein powder gives them a protein boost, and mini chocolate chips & cocoa provide some chocolatey goodness. I feel like I say this every time I post an energy ball recipe, but I really love energy bites as a healthy little snack! I'm constantly switching up my energy ball combos, and I usually make a batch on the weekend, them throw them in a bowl to have available for on-the-go snacking or a healthy dessert all week long. My husband loves energy bites too. His favorite kind is chocolate peanut butter, but he's an energy bite monster in general... and a cookie monster too for that matter! I legit hide my Lenny & Larry's Complete ... [Read More]
Chocolate Pistachio Energy Bites [gluten free]
I'm such a sucker for any kind of place where high-quality food is the focus. Farmers' markets. Gourmet food shops. Italian markets. Bakeries. I love it all. It's no secret that I love experimenting in the kitchen, and finding new foods and ingredients gives me inspiration to try new recipes... plus I just love eating food, obviously. A few weeks ago, I was walking to a Starbucks to work for awhile before meeting a friend for dinner, when I passed by a spice shop. I've seen it before when it was closed for the day, but this time it was open. Naturally, I walked in the shop and moseyed around smelling and tasting things. I wound up leaving with some goodies - all that were new to me, with the exception of local cinnamon infused honey (I pretty much buy that whenever I see ... [Read More]
Blueberry Cashew Butter Energy Balls + 5 Of My Favorite Vegan, Gluten Free Energy Bite Recipes
When it comes to my eating patterns, I'm definitely more of small meals & snacks kinda girl. I like to eat every 3-4 hours, and feel like my body operates best this way. If I eat a big meal, my belly feels heavy and too full, but when I eat smaller meals & snacks throughout the day, I feel great. Because of this, I always have lots of snacks around: in my purse, gym bag, car and obviously my pantry. Having healthy snacks around is the key to me not getting hangry! One of my favorite kind of snacks is energy balls. I like to whip up a batch during the weekend to have on hand throughout the week. But since I get bored easily, I like to switch up my energy bite combos & am constantly coming up with new kinds. My latest energy ball creation are these Blueberry Cashew ... [Read More]
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Snack Bites {vegan + gluten free}
Earlier this week, I sent out a health coaching newsletter with tips to avoid holiday weight gain (you can subscribe via the signup form on the right sidebar! -->), and one of my guidelines is to implement an 80/20 diet balance. I've talked about this concept before, but it's the idea that 80% of your calories are from nutritious, healthy choices, and for the other 20%, you enjoy whatever indulgences you're in the mood for. I apply this to my diet not only during the holiday season but year-round, because I believe that moderation is what works in the long haul for a healthy, sustainable relationship with food... which brings me to today's recipe! We all know that December is ripe with food and drink indulgences. I adore baking Christmas cookies and drinking seasonal drinks like ... [Read More]