The Most Amazing Peanut Butter Oat Protein Balls

Try saying THAT title ten times fast! Seriously though... these dynamic little babies are so good!! It all started when my mom saw a recipe for peanut butter balls on Pinterest, which she tweaked and modified until the "The Most Amazing Peanut Butter Oat Protein Balls" were born. They are a staple at home because they are great before a workout, after a workout, for breakfast, or even for dessert. They contain similar ingredients to what you would expect to find in a granola bar, minus all of the artificial ingredients and preservatives! And the best part is, they are easy enough to make in your dorm room. All you need are the ingredients and a refrigerator, and you will have the perfect snack right at your fingertips!



Ingredients: (makes 15-20 balls) 

1 cup all-natural nut butter (any kind will work, but I prefer peanut butter or almond butter) 
1 cup plain rolled oats
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup flax seeds
1/2 cup coconut flakes 
1/2 cup mini dark chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla extract 
handful of slivered almonds
handful of chia seeds
handful of sunflower seeds 

Directions:

Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until everything is sticking together. If the mixture is not sticking together, you may need to add a bit more nut butter or honey! Once the mixture is cohesive, let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before forming the mixture into balls! Once they are formed, keep them in the refrigerator and ENJOY!

"Candy Bar" Oatmeal

I think it's safe to say that we all have those mornings (I'm talking to YOU, Mondays) when we feel like we need a candy bar. It's also safe to say that eating a candy bar for breakfast probably wouldn't be the best idea! I had one of those mornings today, so I decided to experiment with a healthier alternative to satisfy my sweet tooth and give me enough nutrients and energy to start my day off right. Thus, "candy bar" oatmeal was born! This tasty breakfast is full of protein, fiber, and lots of flavor!

And the best part is, it's simple enough to make in a dorm room without a kitchen! It was so delicious and easy to make that I'm already looking forward to eating it for breakfast tomorrow.

Candy Bar Oatmeal: 

1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup water
1 spoonful chia seeds
1 spoonful flax seed
2 spoonfuls of coconut flakes
1 spoonful chocolate chips
1 spoonful natural crunchy peanut butter
Frozen raspberries (as many as you'd like) 

First add the water to the rolled oats and pop it in the microwave for a minute and a half. Then, add all of the toppings, stir it all together, and ENJOY!