No-Bake Energy Bites

Lately I have been finding a lot of AMAZING stuff on Pinterest. Being as poor as we have been, it's great to find ideas to make wonderful gifts. I used to love this season, because I loved shopping and finding unique, perfect gifts for everyone. Well, last year I wasn't able to participate in Christmas gift giving, which greatly saddened me. This year funds are even lower. However, while I was creating so many things for my wedding this summer I realized how much I enjoyed crafting. It makes sense, really...I've always enjoyed art, was in the gifted and talented art classes during elementary school, and ended up a graphic and web designer for over 11 years.

Anyway, I digress! Pinterest has not only given me amazing gift ideas, but also great recipes. This latest one is a healthy, delicious no-bake one that I put together in about 5 minutes. I found this one on the blog Smashed Peas and Carrots, so proper credit should be given there. However, I knew I had to share this one as well (albeit slightly modified), because it is a healthy alternative to high-fat, low-protein snacks such as candy bars or even sugary mass-produced granola bars.

One of the best things about this snack is the integration of flaxseed meal. Flaxseed is definitely a superfood, and most notably for three main ingredients:

• Omega-3 essential fatty acids, "good" fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s.
• Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. Flaxseed contains 75-800 times more lignans than other plant foods.
• Fiber. Flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types. (source: WebMD)

For more information on the health benefits of flaxseed, please visit this link.

No-Bake Energy Bites
Yield: 24 balls
1 c. oatmeal
1/2 c. peanut butter or other nut butter (I combined 1/4 c. natural peanut butter and 1/4 c. unsweetened natural cashew butter)*
1/3 c. honey
1 c. coconut flakes (sweetened or unsweetened)
1/2 c. flaxseed meal or ground flaxseed
1/2 tbsp. cocoa powder, unsweetened
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix everything together in medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Chill in refrigerator for at least 1/2 hour. Form into balls and enjoy!

*I combined peanut butter and cashew butter because I have had mild reactions to peanuts and peanut butter in the past, and didn't want to push the envelope. I prefer its taste to cashew butter, though, but found the mix was still delicious.

Strawberry-Spinach Smoothie

I tried to imitate the smoothie my husband made for me, but found we were out of the mixed berries. This was my alternative, and we both love it just as much! It is one of my new favorite smoothies. I sometimes vary the juice and add some orange juice for an extra kick of flavor.

As always, I certainly invite you to try this recipe in your own blenders or other machines -- just follow the directions as your instructional manual suggests.

Strawberry-Spinach Smoothie

(Vita-Mix Recipe)

1 1/2 - 2 cups of 100% apple juice

1/2 c of 100% orange juice (optional)

1 cup fresh spinach, washed

1/2 medium apple, halved (seeds optional)

3-4 baby carrots

10 medium-large strawberries, frozen, unsweetened

1 scoop protein powder (of your choice; we use Whole Nectar soy smoothie powder)

Miel de agave (Agave nectar), to taste

Ice to chill

1.     Place all ingredients into Vita-Mix in the order listed and secure lid.

2.    Select Variable 1.

3.    Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

4.    Blend for 30 seconds or until desired consistency is reached.

Delicious and refreshing!!

Very Berry Smoothie

The other night I was feeling poorly and asked my husband to make me a smoothie. He came back with one that was, basically, the same as our wedding color - a gorgeous, vibrant dark purple. I wish I had a picture of it, but this one I found on the web looks very similar. Anyway, it was delicious.

As always, I certainly invite you to try this recipe in your own blenders or other machines -- just follow the directions as your instructional manual suggests.

Photo from Smoothie Web

Very Berry Smoothie
(Vita-Mix Recipe)
2 cups of 100% apple juice
1 cup fresh spinach, washed
1/2 medium apple, halved (seeds optional)
1 cup frozen mixed berries, unsweetened (blackberries, raspberries, blueberries)
10 medium-large strawberries, frozen, unsweetened
1 scoop protein powder (of your choice; we use Whole Nectar soy smoothie powder)
Miel de agave (Agave nectar), to taste
Ice to chill

1. Place all ingredients into Vita-Mix in the order listed and secure lid.
2. Select Variable 1.
3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.
4. Blend for 30 seconds or until desired consistency is reached.

So yummy and healthy!!