Lemon Coconut Energy Bites

Here is a new take on the classic energy bite! Simply delicious!

Ingredients—

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)

• 1/4 cup almond flour

• 2 TBSP chia seeds

• 2 TBSP honey or maple syrup

• 1/4 cup almond butter or nut butter of choice

• Zest of 1 lemon (organic)

• Juice of 1 lemon (organic)

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Directions—

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine oats, coconut, flour, and chia seeds.

2. Add the nut butter, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinc of salt.

3. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.

4. Using a tablespoon, scoop mixture and roll into a bite-sized ball.

5. Leave on parchment paper for about 20 minutes and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Pumpkin Energy Bites

Sugar is sugar is sugar. However, there are some sugars that are a bit more nutritive that others. Those from a natural source or from plants that have not been highly processed. Maple syrup, honey, and coconut sugar are some that have nutritive values. Xylitol is a wonder substitute in baking/cooking, with a glycemic index of 7. In the Paleo diet, both honey and maple sugar are allowed, while white sugar is a definite no, no. In these energy bites, maple sugar is used for the sweetener, but honey could be substituted. What I like about these energy bites, is they hold together well without being super sticky. I used a flax/chia seed mixture, since that’s what I had on hand. Double the batch and freeze a portion to enjoy on those occasions when you want a little something extra. Remember it’s important to have three elements in each snack: a good protein, a good fat, and a good carbohydrate. These energy bites provide all three. Enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups old fashioned or rolled quick oats

• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

• 1/4 cup chia seeds

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4 cup organic peanut butter

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Directions:

1. Add all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well combined.

2. Scoop out 1 tablespoon at a time and roll into a ball.

3. Place on parchment paper to dry, then in a sealed container.

4. Keep in the refrigerator or freezer for freshness.