Choco-Cranberry Energy Bites

 

Buuuuurrrrrr!!! Ya’ll it is so cold outside at the moment! Nashville is finally feeling the frosty winter air and it just screams for some hot tea and energy bites by my side. Along with the cold winter weather it is so tempting to slow down and well….. do what our body’s want to naturally do, hibernate! Along with healthy eating, exercise is vital to maintain a healthy weight so I always recommend to keep that body moving and fight the urge to curl up during these winter months. Along with staying active, healthy eating is equally important. I often get questions about what healthy meals I recommend or is snacking healthy. So, I have teamed up with News Channel 4  during  their Wellness Week discussing some of my top healthy snack ideas! I really believe that there is a place for snacking in a healthy diet. Healthy snacking can help stabilize blood sugar levels, keeping the metabolism humming, and bridge the hungry gap between meals which will ultimately help us keep meal portions in check while not feeling famished. So if you are going through the day and feel that little hungry urge but tell yourself ” Neh, I can just wait for lunch or dinner,” I give you a completely open door to go grab a healthy snack.!!!! Now…..there is snacking and there is snacking!!! Not all snacking is created equal. That’s why I have shared some of my top healthy snacks with you, all approximately 200 calories or under.  Although I don’t recommend calorie counting I do always recommend that it is healthy practice to be aware of the calories you are eating in general. When snacking an easy way to keep those snack calories in check, just remember sticking between 150-200 calories per snack. I always suggest when planning healthy snacks focus on whole foods and less processed foods.  Pairing 1 serving of  a healthy carbohydrate with 1 serving of a healthy protein or fat provides both quick energy and long-lasting energy keeping that belly satisfied.

Featured with my top healthy snack ideas on News Channel 4, I created these delicious little energy bites. They are so easy to prepare, store well, and full of nutrition making these a great little snack during the day.  I wanted to share the recipe again on the blog for you as well and please stay tuned for the full segment link to the segment which will be posted soon under media. Thanks for reading. Cheers to healthy snacking!! Here you go!!!

Choco-Cranberry Energy Bites

1 cup oats

½ cup dried cranberries (used Simple Truth Dried Cranberries)

½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (used Enjoy Life brand)

½ cup almond butter (used Simple Truth Almond butter)

1 tbsp ground flax seed

1 tbsp hemp seed

1-2 tbsp local honey

In a large bowl mix together all ingredients tossing and mixing well until all ingredients seem moist.  Line platter or baking sheet with parchment paper, using damp hands start forming 1 inch sized bites into ball formation. If the mixture seems slightly dry wet hands or simply add about 1-2 tbsp of water to the mix and toss well. Form all mixture into round bits and place on lined trey. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, Remove bites when ready for a snack and store rest in an air tight container. Enjoy!!!!