Almond Butter Energy Bites

Good morning! Let’s talk motivation. This is a common barrier for lifestyle change, and is a big reason why we all can’t “just do it”. There are many places that motivation can come from, but we don’t often ask ourselves this important question, “What motivates me to change?” This is an unassuming and non-aggressive way of asking yourself, “why not today?” and “what is stopping me from being my best self?”

Healthy habits can be learned and fostered. People often want a quick fix, they want a “diet” or a day-by-day printout of what they should and shouldn’t eat. Sure this makes things easy at first, but then what? What does the rest of your life look like? While guidance around what are some good healthy options in life are helpful, there has to be room for balance and being mindful. That takes practice for sure!

Practicing mindfulness and listening to our bodies are the best habits we can practice. Start with two or three goals, write them down, and then write down how your life would be different if you achieved them. Keep this post-it, computer entry, or scratch paper close by and read it when things get tough to be inspired to keep going. We all matter and deserve to live healthy, long lives.

Now that you are all jazzed to eat healthy and mindful, I wanted to share a quick healthy snack that feels like a treat. These are one of my favorite no-bake bites. The base of the recipe is oats, nut butter, honey, vanilla and shredded coconut – or if you don’t like coconut just increase the oats by ½ cup. The rest can be whatever flavor combinations you like. I have made the recipe with and without dried fruit, or just had chocolate chips. If you have chia seeds instead of flax seeds that works too. You can also use wheat germ, ground seeds (flax/chia), or cocoa powder – just note that if you increase the dry ingredients (wheat germ) you may need to decrease the amount of oats.

These are so quick to make and they keep well in the refrigerator for about a week. Think of all the possibilities! Try out different nut butters or even throw Nutella into the mix. These no-bake bites can be dangerously good. Enjoy everyone and cheers to you on Motivation Monday!