September 11, 2013

Lunch Box Challenge Day 11: Take a bite out of the day with Energy Bites

September 11, 2013

We all find ourselves tired at different times during the day, and half the time it’s because we didn’t fuel our bodies properly that morning. Skipping on breakfast is a huge mistake. Even a quick piece of toast, muffin or yogurt with oatmeal can help you start off well. When kids skip breakfast? Forget it, that’s the day you get the calls or email from the teacher saying-  “Your child can’t focus.”

No kidding, can you focus when you’re hungry? No, so think of the kids. They have two times during a school day to charge up and get food, early morning snack and then lunch . If they already skipped out on breakfast you’ve got your work cut out for you already. This is an easy and fulfilling way to give the kids a healthy boost of energy. They are bite sized, easy to make, no bake and perfect for busy house holds. Use it as a snack, use it for lunch or an afternoon snack. You can put different fillers in, dried fruits of choice or even some chocolate chips. Use what you have on hand.

Charge up the kids with these Energy Bites

Energy Bites * gluten free , dairy free

g
2 cups gluten free oats
1/2 cup raisins or your choice dried fruit
1/4 cup dry roasted peanuts
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
optional but not necessary  * use about 1/4 cup chocolate chips if you do use any. They are awesome without any chocolate, but you can add them in. Remember these are supposed to be energy bites, not loaded with sugar. 🙂

In a large bowl mix everything together in a bowl till well combines. I find adding some extra oats on warm days ( when the mixture really goes to goo, it helps keep them together better)
Take a spoonful of mixture and form into a ball rolling in your hands.Set aside and finish with the rest of the mixture.   Keep these in the fridge to store in ziplock bags.  You can make a huge batch and put them in the freezer so you have some to grab at a moments notice.

I served these with Peppered sliced turkey spinach rolls, sliced plums and snap peas.

Today’s Lunch Box Tip:  Make sure to get the kids breakfast in the morning. Even something small, they need to start the day off right. It’s not just the lunch box you need to focus on to keep the kids energy going, it’s starting the day off right.  You remember school, you know you get bored and tired throughout the day, so it’s our job as parents to keep them prepared for their day. If you have busy days keep in mind the tips I’ve shared already, prepare something or set foods aside for breakfast the night before. Place these in one area in the kitchen. Whatever it may be, make it so the kids can easily find it, while you make lunch. Encourage the kids to eat a better breakfast and they will be better focused for the day.

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