For many moms, August brings excitement as the kids return to school and routines are again established laced with an underlying panic and pressure of mom guilt for quick lunches and dinners that are healthy to fuel their growing bodies and brains. Guess what? I’m one of those moms. While I enjoy eating and providing healthy meals for my family, I still don’t ever feel like I have it all together. In fact, I resort to quick lunch options for those mornings I just don’t have dinner leftovers to use. Lunchmeat sandwiches or PB & J’s are a common occurrence. (Granted I do make wise food choices such as “Never Any” meat selections and organic nut butters.) Yet, in all the planning I do to make sure meal time is ready to go, I always forget the snacks. Ugh! I want something that satisfies the grumbling belly but offers a nutrition punch to get through the homework time until dinner is ready.
Here are a few recipes that I plan to whip together this week to ensure that when the after school hunger, or “hangry” attitude greets me, I’m armed and ready!
Energy Bites
Ingredients
2 cups quick oats
2 cups shredded coconut, unsweetened
1 cup peanut butter
½ cup honey
½ cup sunflower seeds
½ cup mini chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
Notes / Directions
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until mixture sticks together. Add more peanut butter if they do not stick together well.
Roll mixture into 1” balls and place on a cookie sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Move energy bites to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
Peach Power Smoothie
Ingredients
1 cup frozen unsweetened peach slices
½ cup whole milk
1 cup organic Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon pecan pieces or 1 tablespoon cashew butter
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup frozen blueberries
Notes / Directions
Please the peaches, milk, yogurt, pecans, vanilla and blueberries into the Vitamix or blender in the order listed and secure the lid. Turn the blender on low and gradually increase speed to highest setting. Blend for 30 second or until the consistency is reached.
I would love to hear from you! Did you find these recipes easy to make? Did your kids like them?
