Easy Energy Balls for a Perfect Summertime Snack

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Summertime and snacking go hand-in-hand, at least they do for my kids. When I was little, the perfect summertime treat was a slice of watermelon. I can still remember the excitement I felt when a church potluck rolled around during the summer, and all of the church kids gathered to eat watermelon in the parking lot. The sweet, sticky watermelon juice would run down our chins and drip onto our sundresses, and we didn't seem to have a care in the world. Our only worry was whether or not we'd finish our watermelon slices before the first lightning bugs made their way through the surrounding tall blades of grass and began to light up the night sky at dusk. Those were the days.

Today, I have three kids of my own. I'm lucky to have one watermelon lover, but it's hardly a go-to when it comes to easy summer snacks (though I couldn't get enough of the stuff when I was pregnant last summer). Individually packaged snacks are pretty much every parent's go-to when it comes to summer snacks. I get it. They're convenient and so easy to quickly grab and toss into a pool bag or pack for a day trip. I'm trying, however, to pay closer attention to what my kids are eating, and cut out excess flour and sugar where I can.

As a breastfeeding mom, I also try to load up on oats throughout the day. I have seen a significant increase in my own breastmilk production thanks to the consumption of oats. While I usually have a bowl of hot oatmeal for breakfast each morning, I also try to snack on oats throughout the day. I get my oats through homemade oatmeal cookies, granola bars, etc. I also make energy balls, which are packed with oats, and they have become a go-to summertime snack for my family.

These energy balls have just a few basic ingredients, and I guarantee you have these lying around in your pantry.

This is my go-to snack in the evenings!

Easy Energy Balls

*1 cup old fashioned oats

* 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter

*1/3 cup of honey

*1/3 cup of dark chocolate chips

Optional: Add in 1/4 cup of shredded coconut, or dried chopped cranberries.

My go-to cookie scoop!

Mix all of the ingredients together in a mixing bowl. If the mixture seems too wet, you can sprinkle in a few more oats. I like to sometimes add flaxseed to my mixture as a milk booster.

Using a cookie scoop (see my favorite above if you're looking for a great cookie scoop!), scoop the mixture onto a cookie sheet. Use your hands to gently roll into a ball.

Transfer to a refrigerator-safe food container and chill for two hours in the refrigerator.

Keep up to 2-3 weeks in a sealed bag or container in the fridge.

Looks like a yummy summertime lunch to me!

These little energy balls are so delicious! When I make these, the kids go crazy for them, and they don't last long. I typically make two batches at a time, and each batch yields a dozen balls. I like having these on hand so we can grab them for quick snacks at home. There's no flour or added sugar in these balls. It's a much better option than handing kids cookies or ice cream when they're craving something sweet. They're getting iron and protein from this simple snack, too!

These bags are great for fridge, freezer, and snacks on the go!

These are perfect for me to snack on while breastfeeding. They increase my energy and milk production. I usually pack these energy balls for day trips, too. I just pop them into a reusable sealed snack bag and stick them in the freezer the night before we're planning to go somewhere. That way, they'll stay nice and cool as we travel. They were perfect for us to snack on during our time at the zoo a few weeks ago.

You could swap the peanut butter for almond butter or any other nut (or nut-free) butter. Do whatever works for your dietary needs.

Kids love to help in the kitchen, and this is such an easy recipe for them to follow and make on their own. Mom-tip: Use mixing bowls with non-slip bottoms so they won't slide off the counter. My youngest often forgets to keep one hand on the bowl while mixing, and the rubber bottoms help keep the bowls on the counter.

Why not give this a try, and let the kids have fun making their own healthy summertime snack?

Do you have a favorite summertime snack?

Be sure to drop a comment below or over on MBP social so we can chat!

Stay sweet!