5 INGREDIENT PROTEIN ENERGY BALLS 

Let’s talk snacks! All parents can relate to the non-stop snack requests day in and day out. While it’s easy to include some not so nutritious snacks throughout the day, it’s also a good idea to regularly offer some nutrient dense snacks that support growth and development. Here are some snack facts about American children:

1) American children get nearly 30% of their daily caloric intake from snacks

2) Children average three snacks per day

3) Children consume nearly 170 more calories from snacks then 30 years ago

4) Most snack calories come from sugar sweetened beverages and sweets, followed by salty snacks.

5) Kids don’t compensate for snacking by eating smaller meals, or increasing physical activity.

Enter the protein ball….simple, delicious and can be easily modified to accommodate tastes, preferences or allergies. These are also easy for children to make. Having your children be a part of the process is always good; aside from spending time together, it gives them confidence in their abilities, teaches them how to use their intuition in the kitchen, and makes them more likely to want to eat them.

I have used many ingredients and recipes over the years, and truthfully no two batches are ever the same. I have found this one to be popular with kids. With just the right amount of crunch, a touch of sweetness along with wholesome ingredients, they are kid-friendly. And only five ingredients!

INGREDIENTS

PREP TIME: 10 minutes

MAKES 40 BALLS

• 1 1/4 cups gluten free rolled oats (I use Bob’s Red Mill)
• 2 T flax, chia or hemp seeds (can grind or leave whole for more texture)
• 1/2 c nut butter (I like to use half crunchy peanut butter and half smooth almond butter)
• 1/4 c maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• optional: 1/2 c of mix-ins (mini chocolate chips, seeds, dried cherries, nuts, etc)

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Mix ALL ingredients in large mixing bowl. If mix is too wet, add more oats; if too dry, add more nut butter.

2) Using a cookie scoop, scoop balls into desired amount and roll by hand.

3) Place balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in refrigerator for 20 minutes.

4) Balls will keep in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months in air-tight container.