What is energy, and why do these bites have so much?  I'm not about to give you a lesson in physics, I'll leave that to Iggy Azalea, but basically they are filled with good calories (energy) from the nutrients and natural sugar.  If there is the word energy in the title, it probably just means it's high calorie.  But if they were called Peanut Butter Calorie Bites, who would make them?  Calories get such a bad rap, poor things.  Calories, I can't liiive without yooooou!  Literally. (If you just sang that to the tune of "Without You" by Badfinger, congratulations. Me too.) 

So if you need a boost of energy or a quick pick-me-up, these are your friends.  Also great if you are about to expend a lot of energy, like going for a run or playing Twister, or after.  They are small but pack a punch, so they don't make you feel too full.  

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Recipe adapted from Gimme Some Oven

Peanut Butter Energy Bites

Makes about 15 1-in. diameter balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup / 90g oats

• 2/3 cup / 67g flaked or shredded coconut, unsweetened

• 1/2 cup / 130g peanut butter

• 1/2 cup wheat germ (50g), chia seeds (80g), or ground flax seed (90g)

• 1/3 cup / 110g honey or maple syrup

• 1 tsp / 5g vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup / 85g mini chocolate chips

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients.  If dough is too dry to form balls, add more honey or peanut butter; if they seem too sticky, add more oats or wheat germ. 

2. Form into balls and store in the fridge or freezer for when you want a quick snack.

Jenny's Notes:

• For vegan bites, be sure to use dairy-free chips and use maple syrup instead of honey.

• For gluten-free bites, make sure your oats are certified gluten-free and use chia or flax seeds instead of wheat germ. 

• You can get creative with these bites, substitute or add to the chocolate chips with your favorite dried fruit or nuts, or even types of cereal, such as grape-nuts, puffed rice, granola, etc.