Healthy and Sweet Banana and Date Energy Bites

These Healthy and Sweet Banana and Date Energy Bites are the perfect on-the-go snack or post-workout refuel. They're made with a combination of oats, dates, banana, peanut butter, flaxseed, walnuts, and vanilla extract, and can be customized with chocolate chips for an extra boost of sweetness. The energy bites are naturally gluten-free and vegan, and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

The inspiration for these energy bites came to me on a long hike when I was looking for a quick and easy snack to refuel with. I had some oats, dates, and a banana in my pack, and I thought, why not combine them all into a bite-sized snack? I added some peanut butter for protein, flaxseed for fiber, walnuts for crunch, and vanilla extract for flavor. The result was a delicious and satisfying snack that gave me the energy I needed to finish my hike.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup pitted dates
• 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients.
2. Use a spoon or your hands to mix until well combined.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
4. Place the energy bites on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Why It Works

• The combination of oats, dates, and banana provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, which will help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
• The peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, which will help to keep you energized.
• The flaxseed adds fiber, which will help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
• The walnuts add crunch and healthy fats, which will help to keep you energized.
• The vanilla extract adds flavor, which will help to make the energy bites more enjoyable to eat.