Snacking can be a key part of your diet, but reaching for processed sweets or high-fat foods isn’t the best choice if you’re aiming for good health or a slimmer waistline. Healthy snacks can help you avoid overeating by keeping you from getting too hungry between meals. They can also give you the energy you need for workouts since your body needs fuel to perform well. Everyone’s nutritional needs are different, but a snack with the right mix of carbs, fats, and protein can satisfy hunger, fuel exercise, and aid recovery.

Here’s a recipe for Peanut Butter Energy Bites that’s not only delicious but also makes a great snack between meals or before or after a workout.

Oats
This recipe uses oats, one of the healthiest grains you can eat. They’re usually gluten-free and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals like manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, vitamin B1, and folate. Oats are also rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. Avenanthramides, unique to oats, help lower blood pressure by boosting nitric oxide production, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow. The high soluble fiber content in oats helps you stay full longer, promotes healthy gut bacteria, and can even lower blood glucose levels. Eating oats or oat-filled snacks can help you consume fewer calories at your next meal, aiding in weight loss. The beta-glucan fiber in oatmeal increases the feeling of fullness and triggers the release of the hormone PYY, which can reduce calorie intake and lower the risk of obesity.

Peanut Butter
Peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein to the recipe, along with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. With 2 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein per serving, it helps keep you full longer so you eat less overall. Peanut butter is rich in vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium, which are great for muscles and bones. Its fiber content supports digestive health and satisfaction. The monounsaturated fats in peanut butter are heart-healthy and can even help with weight loss. Avoid low-fat versions, as they often contain added sugar and have the same or higher calories.

Chocolate Chips
You might think chocolate chips are unhealthy, but in moderation, they can be beneficial, especially if you choose chips with 70% or more cacao. They provide quick energy and can help control appetite, lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation, and support heart health due to their high polyphenol content, including catechins and procyanidins, which lower total cholesterol.

Feel free to enjoy this snack when you need an energy boost or to curb hunger.

Peanut Butter Energy Bites Recipe

Ingredients:
– 1 tsp organic vanilla extract
– 2 cups creamy peanut butter
– ½ cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
– 1 cup quick oats
– 2 tbsp honey

Instructions:
1. Gather all the ingredients.
2. Measure them out.
3. Mix peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
4. Add the remaining ingredients and blend well.
5. Form the mixture into balls or use a spoon to scoop out evenly sized portions.