If you haven’t discovered energy bites yet, this is your chance. These delicious nuggets of goodness are a good way to get protein and a few other helpful nutrients. As their name implies, they are a great way to give you a little boost during a morning or afternoon lull. They are ridiculously easy to make and keep you reasonably full if you need something to tide you over between meals.

Once you get the hang of how these little things work you can make an array of different kinds. Depending on how fancy you get, some require a food processor, but many can be made with just your hands and the ingredients you buy.

Here is a basic recipe with a list of optional additives.

Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Energy

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (dry) oatmeal

• Using old-fashioned oats will yield a chewier consistency

• 2/3 cup toasted unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter/nut butter of your choosing
• 1/2 cup ground flax seed
• 1/3 cup honey or agave nectar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Or play around and try different extract flavors

• Add raisins, dates (or other dried fruits bits), or any kind of sweet chocolate chip

Directions:

1. Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed.
2. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least half an hour, to make the mix easier to handle and mold.
3. Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever sizes you would like.
4. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them if you want to keep them for a longer time period.
5. Makes about 20-25 balls if your roll them into a 1 inch diameter.