Kellie's Favourite "Treats"

As a new mom, having healthy snacks readily available is critical to staying on track with my nutrition. Stocking the fridge with washed and prepped fruits and vegetables are a fantastic way to sneak in a few extra nutrients throughout the day.

It is nearly impossible to open your fridge and not grab a freshly washed and picked (off the vine) grape from the container on the middle shelf. Try it. I dare you!

 

All five recipes!

In our home, we also try to have a container of healthy “treats” in the freezer for when we are on the go, to pack in lunches, or when we need a quick and nutritious snack right now! You know what I am talking about. I will often take some time on Sunday (30-60 minutes, depending on how many I am making) to whip up one or two of the recipes below. These are perfect because after they are cut or rolled, they are the perfect bite sized snacks that offer energy and protein! Bonus, they are hubby and toddler approved!

Some of my ingredients from a big batch of making
all five of the recipes below!

Here are five of my favourite healthy treats to keep on hand:

Super Seed Chocolate Protein Bites

adapted from ohsheglows.com

Makes 16 bites

Ingredients:

1 cup packed pitted dates (I soak mine for 10 minutes prior)

1/4 cup hulled hemp seed

1/4 cup chia seed

1/4 cup sesame seed

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp fine grain sea salt, or to taste

1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips

1. Using food processor, pulse dates until a chunky paste forms.

2. Add hemp, chia, sesame, cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Process until thoroughly combined. Pulse in chocolate. Dough should be sticky when pressed between your fingers. If it’s not sticky enough to shape into balls, add a small amount of water (a teaspoon at a time) and process until it comes together.

3. Shape dough into small balls (about 16) and freeze for 20 minutes or so until firm. 4. These can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for one month.

Almond Joy Bars

adapted from onelovelylife.com

Ingredients:

2 cups pitted dates (I soak mine for 10 minutes prior)

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp coconut extract

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor pulse until very smooth and the mixture comes together in a big lump.

2. Press mixture out into a pan lined with parchment (8x8 is perfect, but other sizes will work!). I use the back of a slightly wet spoon to get the top nice and flat.

3. Refrigerate 15-30 minutes to firm up a bit, then slice into squares or rectangles.

4. Bars will keep in an airtight container for one month in the freezer.

Coconut Cutie Bars

adapted from toneitup.com

Ingredients

1 cup of dates (I soak mine for 10 minutes prior)

1 cup of cashews

1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

2 Tbsp of lemon zest

2 Tbsp lemon juice

pinch of sea salt

1.  Add all ingredients to food processor and pulse until you create a dough ball.

2. Press mixture into a parchment or foil-lined pan.

3. Refrigerate for at least one hour, then cut into bars.

4. These will keep for one month in the freezer, in an airtight container.

Peanut Butter Coconut Honey Energy Bites

adapted from rachelschultz.com

Makes 50 bites

Ingredients

2 cups oats (I use 1 cup quick and 1 cup steel cut oats)

1 & 1/2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut

1 cup natural peanut butter

1 cup ground flaxseed

2/3 cup honey

2 tsp vanilla

1. Place all ingredients into a mixing bowl and combine using both hands.

2. Chill in fridge for 30 minutes.

3. Shape into one-inch balls.

4. These can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for one month.

Chocolate Coffee Larabars

adapted from whatsfordinner-momwhatsfordinner.blogspot.ca

 

Ingredients

1 & 1/4 cup dates (I soak mine for 10 minutes prior)

1 cup sliced almonds

½ cup hazelnuts

2 Tbsp cocoa powder

1 Tbsp ground coffee beans

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1. Add all ingredients to your food processor and pulse a dough ball is formed.

2. Spread into a parchment-lined pan and freeze for 1 hour before cutting into squares or rectangles.

3. These can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for one month.

Enjoy!!!