I hope you enjoyed last week’s Pumpkin Spice Smoothie to get your day going and keep your skin glowing and immune system in check. It’s time to tackle the infamous 3pm slump.
These little energy balls are the perfect mid afternoon pick me up. They satisfy that need for something sweet without the energy crash of other sugary sweets. They provide slow releasing energy from oats, pumpkin and nuts and offer the perfect dash of sweetness with a touch of dark chocolate and chewy dates.
I love these for days that I’m packed with clients and meetings, they pack well and can be eaten on the go to keep me fueled. Bonus, they’re super quick and easy to make!
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Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 Bites 1x
Description
The perfect snack to bring on the go! These energy balls are packed with healthy ingredients to give you a quick pop of energy when you need it! Vegan, Kid-Friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree, canned
- 1 cup quick oats
- 2 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips or shaved dark chocolate
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
- 1 cup pecan pieces
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dates, chopped into small pieces
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a medium sized mixing bowl. Use a fork to mix until well combined and a thick paste is formed. * Note: these have a softer texture than some other energy balls, I prefer them like this but if you’d like a firmer texture, add an additional 1/4 c. of oats to a food processor and blend until a chunky flour like consistency forms. Add this to the mixture and combine well.
- Roll into 20 evenly sized balls and place them in an airtight container or onto a plate and cover with saran wrap when finished.
- Place in the fridge for 2 hours to set. Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge to enjoy throughout the week!
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin, fall, kid-friendly, healthy snacks
![This might be controversial but let’s talk about sugar [AD].
As a dietitian it boggles my mind how much misinformation (and fear mongering) there is out there, especially when it comes to sugar. Let’s talk about 3 of the most common misunderstandings I hear.
❌ It’s not sugar addiction. ✔️It’s sugar *restriction*
Did you know that the majority of studies done on “food addiction” were actually conducted on subjects that were restricted or deprived from food. Why is this important? When we are deprived of food in general or something specific like sugar, our body’s natural response is to actually crave it more. It’s psychology 101.
❌ Sugar does not cause hyperactivity. ✔️It provides Energy
Sugar is simply carbohydrates broken down into their simplest form (aka the form we use for ENERGY!). Of the 3 macronutrients (carbs, fat & protein), carbs are broken down into energy the fastest which means you feel it quicker. So that burst of energy you’re getting after eating a piece of chocolate? It’s just your body doing its job.
❌ Sugar isn’t toxic. ✔️It’s food.
Okay this one drives me crazy. Saying something is toxic, is saying it’s poisonous. Sugar is a food that our bodies can digest and convert into energy. There are many forms of sugar and it is one source of fuel for our bodies. You don’t need to call poison control when you eat it, so stop saying it’s toxic.
Do you agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments below and follow @lindsaypleskot for more no BS nutrition talk.
#makefoodfeelgood](https://www.lindsaypleskot.com/wp-content/uploads/sb-instagram-feed-images/346822580_255519153657568_2366306558727283355_nfull.jpg)
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