No-Bake Energy Balls

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I thought I’d share a great alternative to the packaged, processed “healthy” granola bars out there.

It’s honestly been a challenge for me to find a bar I can feel good about that my daughter will actually eat. Most brands on the shelves are way too high in sugar, low in protein and fat or contain not-so-healthy ingredients I don’t recommend.

The best “granola bar” solution I’ve come up with are these little energy balls 

Theresa J Chung reminded me I shared with our Girl Scout troops a few years ago. They’re delicious, easy to make, nutritionally balanced and gluten, dairy and refined sugar free! Even my daughter, who doesn’t like packaged bars, likes these and enjoys making them too! (see recipe below)

My only complaint is that when they’re in the house, I eat quite a few myself!  But hey… sometimes we all need a little bite of something sweet, right?!

Try them out and let us know what you think in the comments below! If you want more recipe options, check out my Healthy Snack board on Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/smartforks/healthy-snacks/

NO-BAKE ENERGY BALLS

(Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free + Refined Sugar Free)

Yields: 2 dozen balls

INGREDIENTS:

· 1 cup dry oatmeal

· 2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes

· ½ cup raw almond butter (or nut butter of choice)

· ½ cup ground flax seeds/flaxmeal (or hemp seeds)

· ½ cup vegan chocolate chips (sub semisweet chocolate chips, raisins or chopped dates)

· 1/3 cup maple syrup

· 1 TBSP chia seeds

· 1 tsp vanilla extract