Spiced Pumpkin Running Bites with Chia Seeds

I know the holidays are over, but that doesn’t mean I’m giving up pumpkin; it’s way too versatile to be limited only to pies and cream-filled rolls for a few measly months out of the year. Pumpkin is loaded with vitamin A and fiber (I know how much everyone loves fiber), and it can be a great addition to many foods: smoothies, muffins, filling for ravioli, and now into energy bites made to fuel your run or workout.

 

The addition of chia seeds provide anti-inflammatory omega-3’s, and they are a source of iron and calcium–two crucial nutrients for active people. I find that I can add chia seeds to most baked, or no-baked, goods without sacrificing taste; plus they give a nice little additional crunch!

 

 

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{Spiced Pumpkin Running Bites with Chia Seeds}

These little no-bake oatmeal bites are bursting with pumpkin flavor, and the chia seeds give them a nice healthy crunch. The complex carbs from the oats and additional protein will provide a steady stream of energy; just pop a few bites in before a run or workout.

 

Adapted from: No-Bake Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies by chocolate-covered katie
Servings: 24 bite size balls

 

Ingredients
1 cup oat flour (make your own by blending oats in a food processor or blender until it becomes powder)
1 1/2 cups quick oats

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 Tbsp chia seeds

2/3 cup canned pumpkin

2 Tbsp plain non-fat Greek yogurt

1 tsp vanilla

 

Directions

1. Combine 1 cup oats, brown sugar, salt, pumpkin spice, and chia seeds into a blender or food processor and blend until mixture is a flour consistency. Combine oat flour mixture with remaining 1 1/2 cups quick oats.

2. In a separate bowl combine pumpkin, yogurt, and vanilla, stir into dry ingredients.

3. Form dough into one large ball. (I had to use my hands to fully incorporate mixture),

and divide dough into 4 sections; roll each section into 6 individual balls. Store in refrigerator or freezer.

 

Nutrition info per bite: 50 calories, 10 g carb, 1.5 g protein 1 g fat (0 g sat fat), 1.3 g fiber

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