Oat Date Energy Bites

Now that school is back in session it can be challenging getting your kids to eat healthy snacks after school. It’s even more difficult if they’re staying after for sports or other activities.  This is where these Oat Date Energy Bites are a lifesaver. 

Of course your kids may turn their nose up to the sound of Oat Date Energy Bites so I’d suggest calling them Snickerdoodle Bites since they taste just like the cookie.  They’re positively delicious!

That said my sisters and mom weren’t the biggest fans, but then they rarely eat foods containing these ingredients.  My immediate family loved them though. I’m assuming it’s because I cook this way, and they’re palate is used to these flavor combinations.  So you be the judge.

These Oat Date Energy Bites also contain flaxseeds. If you’re not familiar with flaxseeds, some call it one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet. There’s evidence it may help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.

Although flaxseed contains all sorts of healthy components, it owes its primary healthy reputation to:

• Omega-3 essential fatty acids – “good” fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Containing about 1.8 grams per tablespoon of omega-3s
• Lignans – contained in flaxseed are like a weak estrogen compound. … Take note: in males, consumption of flaxseed will likely reduce testosterone in doses higher than 2 tablespoons per day. So if trying to raise testosterone levels you may want to limit your intake of flaxseeds. In women however,  lignans may actually prevent breast cancer.
• Fiber – contains both the soluble and insoluble types.

Dates also offer a host of benefits:

• Aid in relieving constipation since they’re high in soluble fiber
• Great energy source – comprised of simple sugars, in the form of glucose and fructose, providing energy for the body. Consuming dates prior to exercise or strenuous activity ensures your brain and muscles have enough energy to perform at a high intensity.
• Low glycemic index – are also convenient to keep on hand if you are a diabetic, since they are rapidly absorbed into the blood in the event your blood sugar drops too low, too fast. They should not be consumed frequently if you struggle to keep your blood sugar under control, as their generous carbohydrate content can add to your diabetic issues.
• Help control Cholesterol levels – reducing levels of bad cholesterol LDL, and raises good HDL. In addition to preventing oxidation of cholesterol. This reduces atherosclerotic deposits getting larger in blood vessels.
• Controls Blood Pressure – low in sodium but high in potassium. Potassium exerts a controlling effect, helping promote sodium excretion. With this combination it creates a scenario that promotes the excretion of sodium and excess water, regulating blood volume and blood pressure.
• Helps Preserve Brain Function in the Elderly – Dates are known to be excellent buffers of cortisol, reducing the inflammatory influence of it. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s have an inflammatory component which can be reduced if you control excessive inflammation in the body.
• Cuts Risk of Colon Cancer – Since dates promote regularity, nourish intestinal bacteria and decrease the body’s inflammatory response they help to ward off colon cancer. In addition Colon polyp formation is reduced.

These are just a few things that make creating these Oat Date Energy Bites ideal to keep on hand for both adults and children.

It just makes sense that when you can create a snack, or dessert that benefits both young and old, why not keep them around?

Oat Date Energy Bites take just minutes to prepare.  I prefer refrigerating them in a covered container for when I need an energy boost.  Of course they’re perfectly fine if left out at room temperature, however will last longer if refrigerated.

If you try these please be sure to take a photo and tag #vickibensinger on Instagram.

Print Recipe

Oat Date Energy Bites

Yield: 15 energy bites

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

These Oat Date Energy Bites are the ideal treat for both kids & adults, helping boost your energy to get you through the rest of your day!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup (7) dried dates, pitted
• 1/3 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup flaxseed
• 2 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
• 1 Tbsp. Raw Honey
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1-2 Tbsp. water

Coating:

• 1 Tbsp. coconut sugar
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. In a food processor add oats, dates, almond butter, flaxseed, cinnamon and vanilla. Process until fully combined.
2. Melt coconut oil for approximately 50 seconds.  Add raw honey and microwave for an additional 10 seconds. Add water & stir to combine. Pour into food processor.  Blend all ingredients together until fully combined.
3. Line a cookie sheet with foil or parchment.
4. In a small bowl add coconut sugar and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon.  Mix together.
5. Using a small ice cream/cookie scoop roll into balls.  Then individually roll each ball into the coconut sugar/cinnamon mixture and place onto the lined cookie sheet.
6. Store in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to eat, or enjoy right away.

 

Note:

• Coconut Sugar measures 35 on the glycemic index whereas white sugar measures 65.
• If allergic to almond butter, feel free to substitute sunflower seed butter (not considered a nut) or any other nut butter you prefer.

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Seed & Date Power Bars

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Quinoa Trail Mix