Granola bars can be a great on-the-go snack for a busy lifestyle, but sometimes can have as much sugar as a candy bar! These protein packed energy bites are a great way to add a little protein into your snack, but also satisfy your sweet tooth. I learned about this little snack through my OSU Health Coach Jessica and the recipe is available to you on Zipongo, a resource available through Your Plan For Health and Virgin Pulse. These snack bites only take about ten minutes to make and require no baking or advanced prep! When I made them, I only used one bowl and one spoon and I portioned them out in containers for my family to take one on the go throughout the week.

Recipe: Protein Packed Energy Bites

Makes about 36 balls

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup traditional oats
• 1 cup natural nut butter

*Use your preferred nut butter OR try with powdered peanut butter like PB2 (found in grocery stores near the peanut butter – can help to cut down on calories)

• 3 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar)
• 1/3 cup of coconut flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup ground flax seeds or ground chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix all ingredients together with your hands until well combined and mixed. Roll into quarter size balls and place on a parchment. You can do a finishing roll through ground flax seeds or chia seeds or eat as is. Keep refrigerated.

If you are interested in modifying the recipe, feel free to swap out the type of nut butter used and add in some of your favorite nuts (crushed) for some added texture.

Zipongo, available to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff as a service of Your Plan For Health powered by Virgin Pulse, is a digital nutrition profile with thousands of healthy recipes available. You can even earn Your Plan For Health points for browsing recipes, favoriting recipes, and adding ingredients to your grocery list.

To access Zipongo for healthy recipe ideas, sign into your Virgin Pulse account at http://yp4h.osu.edu/. Click on “programs” and type “Zipongo” in the search bar. Earn YP4H points for browsing recipes and planning your meals!