Food is like fuel for our bodies, and these Peanut Butter Energy Balls are like a power infusion. They pack a ton of energy into a small bite when you need those extra calories to keep you moving.
Most energy bars are loaded with sugar, which may give you a short-term boost, but can leave you feeling drained after a few hours. These bites are for sustainable energy to keep you going for the long haul.
The difference is that these are made with ingredients that are low on the Glycemic Index (GI), meaning they are slow-releasing carbohydrates that provide energy over a longer period of time. Foods that are low on the GI scale keep you feeling fuller, longer. Peanuts, quinoa, and oats are all low on the GI scale.
The Ingredients
Quinoa (1) a source of all sorts of wonderful vitamins, has the added benefit of being high in protein. Protein is an important component in these energy bites because your body takes even longer to break down a protein molecule. Long after the carbs have been used up, your body can use protein to keep going. Peanut butter is another well-known source, but both chia and flax seeds are also high in protein.
Chia is a member of the mint family, and the word derives from the Mayan word for “strength.” These little seeds have a ton of health benefits with almost no calories.
Flax seeds are very similar to chia seeds, but add a nutty flavor to the bites.
The bites get their sweetness from a touch of maple syrup, which contains more nutrients than refined sugar.
How to make them, the preparation
In a large bowl add all the ingredients. With a wooden spoon mix well to combine everything. You will end up with a sticky dough that holds together.
- With your hand, form small balls about 1 inch of diameter.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
FAQS
They are full of nutrients, made with superfood and whole food, high in protein, healthy carbs, fats, and fiber, which helps build lean muscle mass, boost energy, and aid weight maintenance. Essentially, they are simply the guilt-free, energy hit, and the perfect snack!
So the next time you find yourself reaching for a store-bought energy bar, spend the extra 10 minutes and make yourself these healthy bites instead.
Because you can use these Peanut Butter Energy Balls as a quick breakfast or as a trail snack. They’re portable and easy to pop into your mouth on the go. These bites come together very quickly and can be stored without refrigerating for days.
Others Snacks Recipes
Banana bread with Chocolate Chips
Peanut Butter Energy Bites
Ingredients
- ¾ cup natural peanut butter
- ½ cup quinoa
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup oats
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 3 tablespoon ground flax seeds
- 3 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the quinoa and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a large bowl add all the ingredients. With a wooden spoon mix well to combine everything. You will end up with a sticky dough that holds together.
- With your hand, form small balls about 1 inch of diameter.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- ¾ natural peanut butter instead of almond butter
- ¼ cup of honey instead of maple syrup
- 3 tablespoon of hemp seeds instead of flax seeds
- To make easier to roll the balls, you can place the bowl with the mixture in fridge for 30 minutes.
- You can keep the energy ball in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Mary Crawford
What would a serving of these energy balls be? Trying low glycemic recipes for my newly diagnosed granddaughter for breakfast. The carbs are right we just need the serving size.
Sophie
Hi Mary,
The nutrition information is for 1 energy ball, I hope that answer your question 🙂