Monster Cookie Energy Bites

We've all had those days where our last meal feels like it happened yesterday and the next meal feels like it's days away. It's times like these where you often find yourself in front of a vending machine looking at all the junk food.

Healthy snacks can be hard to find in vending machines, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to have them during a busy day. Sometimes all it takes to keep ourselves from surrendering to the call of a candy bar is a little planning before we go to work or school.

These homemade energy bites are easy to make and transport, and you can customize the recipe to make your favorite flavors by substituting in ingredients you love for something don't like as much.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup dry oats

¼ cup peanut butter

¼ cup honey

¼ cup dry roasted peanuts

¼ cup mini M&M’s

¼ cup mini chocolate chips

½ teaspoon vanilla (optional)

Prefer a different nut butter or agave syrup? You can easily make the switch with this recipe, just make the substitution in equal amounts to the original recipe.

DIRECTIONS

In a medium size bowl add together the oats, peanuts, chocolate chips and M&M's. Stir to evenly distribute.

Next add in the honey, peanut butter and (optional) vanilla and stir to combine well. The mixture should be sticky.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, remove from refrigerator and use a spoon to scoop about a tablespoon of the monster cookie mixture into your hand. Roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture. This should make about 15 energy bites.

Store the bites covered in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for a month.

Bring along a couple of energy bites in a reusable container for a satisfying snack when you're away from home. The mixture of the protein (peanut butter + peanuts) and the fiber (whole grain oats) will help keep those cravings away until your next meal.