When I begin to plan my “healthy” meals for the day or the week, it is easy to think of the mains. They are thought out and planned and ready to be made. Yet there are those times, those many many times in the inbetweens. That time between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner that gets me on the hangry train. I know I am going to eat a healthy dinner or lunch so when reaching for a quick snack I often cheat by pulling something that’s high in saturated fats (aka chips) or deceivingly high in sugar. In that moment of “I don’t think I can make it to dinner” I need something fast and I need it now. So why is it that I can eat healthy mains but have such a hard time staying on track with my snacking? I think it comes down to the same problem as everyone, time and planning.
On the other hand it is due in part to the food industry advertising. When looking on the grocery store shelves, there are a plethora of items that are marketed as “healthy” or “nutritious” but with one look at the label, they are anything but. So while I think grabbing a granola bar is a healthier choice than a candy bar, in actuality it often isn’t.
That leaves me confused and with a growingly loud empty stomach. I knew I needed to create a snack that was quick to make, easy to transport and delicious. Around the Instagram food world, energy balls have been on the scene for awhile and in most food outlets. Yet I always saw them as expensive and most likely to taste of dirt. But when walking through Costco and seeing they had figs for not an astronomical price, I felt inspired!
I did a bit of researching and worked out this recipe. It is full of fibre, protein, and essential nutrients such as potassium. Not to mention the Omega-3s from chia seeds! Basically its the perfect two bites to refuel and re-energize, and you can actually pronounce all of the ingredients! Take that food industry.
These Banana Oat Bites are super delicious and provide me with an instant hunger relief and give me the energy to keep on with my day. They have even been tested twice on a hike in the forest. I’d like to think these bites kept me going. You will have to make these and find out for yourself 🙂
Banana Oat Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup banana chips
- 5 dates, pitted
- 7 dried figs, stems removed
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup ground almonds
- 1 cup oats
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, chopped
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tsp chia seeds
Directions
- Step 1 In a food processor combine, banana chips, dates, and figs.
- Step 2 Add in the banana, ground almond and vanilla-process until a thick paste is formed.
- Step 3 Put the mixture in a large bowl and stir in the oats and chocolate chips.
- Step 4 With your hands make small round balls and dip them in a bowl with the coconut and chia seeds.
- Step 5 Store in an air-tight container