No-Bake Cookie Protein Bites

 

It’s a few weeks into the new year, and I’m sure everyone is currently massaging their sore muscles from their new super regiment fitness plan, or if you are me, a “completely doable” marathon training program. Because why shouldn’t I be able to do nothing for two months, and then jump into a rigorous 6 day a week running and cross-training plan and be pain free. Do you want to know what makes my aching muscles feel better? Cookies, delicious chocolatey cookies (and a love/hate relationship with my foam roller). But what goes along with a super lofty new year new you training plan, an equally rigorous and strict diet plan that says NO to all things sweet and delicious. Thankfully, I’m actually pro cookie, and completely against saying no to foods you love. Just because a cookie isn’t kale doesn’t mean you can’t have one!

 

I’ve remedied the cookie isn’t kale dilemma by adapting the basic sugary no bake cookies recipe into one that works as a pre or post workout snack.  It’s higher in protein and healthy fat, and contains just the right amount of carbs to help fuel a workout or recover from one–the magical 3:1 carb to protein ratio. My husband loves to eat a few of these no-bake cookie protein bites before his 5 am exercise sessions. I love to eat 2 or 3 (or 4) after an hour plus run. Feel free to switch up the whey protein powder to a single ingredient vegan protein if you are into that. You could also use agave instead of honey if you want a completely vegan option. Just don’t omit some form chocolate chips, because that would be silly.

 

Enjoy!

 

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{No-Bake Cookie Workout Bites}

Eat these chocolatey delights before or after you work out.

 

Servings: 48

 

Ingredients

1 cup natural salted peanut butter

3/4 cup honey

2 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup whey protein isolate

1/4 cup cocoa

1/4 cup chia seeds

1/4 cup flax seeds

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

 

Directions

In a large bowl stir together peanut butter and honey (you can microwave your peanut  butter to soften before stirring). Stir in oats, protein powder, cocoa, chia seeds, and flax seeds until thoroughly combined. Stir in chocolate chips (use your hands if you need to get everything really mixed in). Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Roll into 48 balls and store in refrigerator or freezer.

 

 

 

 

I find it easier to roll into 48 balls if I score the dough in 8 sections like a pie, and roll each section into 6 balls. I’m a perfectionist, don’t judge me.

 

 

 

 

Nutrition info per bite: 90 cal,  4 g fat, 10 g carb,  3 g protein, 2 g fiber

 

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