Protein Energy Bites

Ever just need a little something to get you through until the next meal? Maybe it's dinner time and you are starving but you still need to cook something before you can eat? Or you are in the car and don't want to stop anywhere but need a snack? I think these little "energy bites" are perfect for that! Just one can help cut those hunger pains.

If you can get 16 bites out of this recipe, they are approximately 150 calories each.

Protein Energy Bites (Chocolate)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups  quick cooking oats
• ½ cup (+) peanut butter
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup chocolate protein powder (Slim Fast)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl until well incorporated.
2. Roll into 1-inch balls. If mixture is too dry to hold together, add another spoonful of peanut butter or more honey. Too wet, add more oats. Balls can initially be fragile.
3. Enjoy immediately, or chill in the fridge for a firmer ball. Balls will set up more when cold.
4. Store in an airtight container or place in a resealable bag in the refrigerator.

Marsha's Notes:

You can also change up the flavors really easily to make other variations. One fun idea I saw was for vanilla protein powder and sprinkles to make a funfetti version. Another called for 1/2 cup pumpkin with cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice (and chocolate chips) for a pumpkin spice variation.

Other things you may want to try in them:

• other flavors of protein powder
• other kinds of "butter" (i.e. almond butter, apple butter, Nutella, etc.)
• chopped nuts or seeds
• coconut shreds
• dried fruit
• sprinkles
• mini M&M's