Happy Monday!!
I am actually glad it’s Monday. I know crazy right?! But it’s the first day I have finally woke up feeling like I could breathe. R and I both were battling a sinus infection. They are the worst. All the pressure in the sinuses and head and then flu like symptoms as well. It was tough having both of us sick too. All little girl wanted was her mom. So we’ve had a few nights of no sleep and a few mornings with no running. So my patience level was about none, and my husband suffered the most I think…hahaha….
With our spirits a little more up and race day approaching this weekend and more energy, it was time for sharing one of my favorite bite flavors. Okay, who am I kidding, they are all my favorite. I go through phases with protein bites, where I make them weekly and have two to three flavors in the fridge. Then there’s times when I haven’t had them in months.
You can make so many great combinations, adding in whatever ingredients are your favorite and experimenting with flavors. It’s fun!! I haven’t made any combinations I haven’t liked, but some do look less then appealing. At least these look palatable.
Who doesn’t like chocolate and coconut?! These taste very similar to an almond joy, but without any of the processed ingredients or the artificial sugars. I used honey to sweeten these, so sugar is minimal and you get to decide how sweet you want them. I tend to go light on the sweetness, because they have chocolate chips too and coconut, which offers enough flavor.
Instead of cocoa powder, I used carob powder, a vegan alternative. Some don’t like the taste, but I find it palatable and only slightly different in taste. Feel free to use cocoa powder instead to get a full almond joy taste. It’s similar to a no bake cookie, but in a round ball shape. I like the nutritional value of carob powder. Carob is an antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral and antiseptic. It doesn’t have caffeine like cocoa so it’s beneficial to those with high blood pressure. It’s rich in vitamin E, phosphorus and calcium. It can help improve digestion and lower cholesterol.
It’s a nice snack you can feel good about. Another healthy alternative to sugary snacks, that will leave your chocolate cravings satisfied. In 5-10 minutes you can have a great snack prepared for the day, and the days to follow. No need to buy those Almond Joy’s (although they are good). The hemp seeds add a little crunch and are a great source of essential fatty acids, vitamin E and are a complete protein. If you wanted to add more protein to these, you can throw in a protein powder and add a little more almond butter.
Easily made vegan, but use agave or another sweetener in place of the honey to.
- ¾ c almond butter
- 1 c oats
- ½ c shredded unsweetened coconut
- ¼ c mini chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life brand) or carob chips
- 2 Tbs carob powder
- 2 Tbs hemp seeds
- 1-2 Tbs honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Splash of water (to help form the balls)
- In a medium mixing bowl add all ingredients and mix until well combined. I just mix by hand with a rubber spatula or bigger spoon.
- Use a splash or two of water to help make the mixture workable and shape into balls that are bite size.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for months.
- Pop in mouth and enjoy!!
Now that spring is approaching and the race calendar is picking up again, protein bites and healthy bites are going to be a mainstay at our house. We’ll probably have a fridge full of them soon, because I like a selection of foods and food groups. Its probably why our fridge is always stacked!! But neatly organized I may add.
Have a great Monday!! Now you have something to look forward to and that can keep you happy and full throughout the week. 😉
Until Next Time Be Whole and Be Fit
How was your weekend? Any fun outings?
Got to try your almond joys!