Do you ever get a craving for a candy bar or for something sweet but you’re trying so hard to eat healthy and you don’t want to ruin your healthy eating streak? Well, I have some exciting news for you! I have discovered a healthy, power-packed snack full of good nutrients that will satisfy your craving without ruining your diet. I mean come on, look how good they look!
These delicious power-balls will leave you satisfied while also providing a good source of nutrition and energy. They are made of rolled oats, honey, flaxseed, peanut or almond butter (whichever you prefer), chocolate chips, and vanilla.
You’ve probably seen flax seed in many healthy recipes, and that’s because flax seed is good for you. It provides a good source of fiber, protein, iron, and Omega 3 oils. However, the only way to get the protein, iron, and Omega 3 oils out of flax seed is to used milled flax seed. When you ingest whole flax seeds, your body cannot digest it as easily, and usually just passes right through your digestive system. Now this does help aid in a regular bowel movement because of the insoluble fibers in the outer shell. Whether you use whole or milled flax seed, you’re getting insoluble fiber either way, but in order to get the soluble fiber along with the protein, iron, and Omega 3 oils, milled flax seed is the way to go.
Peanut butter is a great source of protein. That’s why you’ll see a lot of athletes and people in the fitness crowd eating peanut butter as a snack or adding it to their snacks. Some great snacks to add peanut butter to are apples, rice cakes, celery, etc. I even add a spoonful of peanut butter to my protein shakes sometimes for a little added protein and flavor.
Honey has many health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, can help lower blood pressure, helps improve cholesterol, is a better alternative to sugar for diabetics, and has been linked to heart health benefits just to name a few.
Oats also have several health and nutritional benefits. They are high in fiber, immune boosting, heart healthy, helps lower cholesterol, and helps with weight loss. Some studies have shown that consuming whole grains, which old-fashioned oats are made from, has been linked to reducing heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. If oats aren’t already a part of your diet, they are definitely something to consider adding.
Vanilla extract has health benefits too. It is a powerful antioxidant, has antibacterial properties, is anti-inflammatory, and can also help lower cholesterol. Vanilla extract also has mental health benefits as it has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression.
Believe it or not, semi-sweet chocolate, that’s right I said chocolate, has a few health benefits as well. These benefits include antioxidants, heart health, brain health, and can even help reduce inflammation. But remember, moderation is key.
Who knew that something so yummy could be so good for you? I promise after trying these delicious snacks you will be hooked. I make them all the time so I always have a snack ready to go. They’re great for taking them with you to eat after practice, during class, or whenever you get a little sweet tooth. Check out the quick and easy recipe below to make some for yourself!
Ingredients:
1 cup dry oatmeal
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut or almond butter (whichever you prefer)
1/2 cup ground flax seed
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla
Directions:
Add all ingredients in a medium or large bowl
Mix ingredients together
Put it in the refrigerator until cold and then roll into balls
Depending on how large you roll them, you should get about 16-18. Enjoy 🙂
Comment below if you make them and let me know how you liked them!
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