Brett’s been out of town for a good chunk of this month, which means my daily routine has changed so much. Brett and I are both focused, planned people and most days we stick to a pretty basic, simple routine. We usually wake up before 7 AM and do our morning reading and Chinese vocabulary review. Then we have language class until 12 (unless it’s in the afternoons). After class we’ll eat lunch together before adding the new vocabulary words we had from class into a flash card app called Anki. That usually takes an hour or so. Then before dinner we’ll usually do some kind of workout in the house, get outside for a while, or hang out with friends. Then it’s dinner and watching a show or reading before we crash into bed at around 10 PM. Yep. It definitely sounds boring, but we love our life and feel good when we stick to a productive routine.
But with Brett gone, I’ve become more relaxed with my time. I didn’t realize how much more time I spend cooking for 2 people and cleaning up around the house when Brett is home versus when it’s just me at home. I’ve also been filling up all my free time with lots of social engagements like coffee dates and meals out. I’m getting in all the girl time I can! This has usually led to watching the bachelor until 2 AM while eating junk food and then crashing on my friends couch.
I definitely feel like I’m back in college again!
Having Brett gone also makes me realize how much less I cook when I’m home alone. I haven’t had many recipes to share with you all lately, because I don’t have anyone to eat my food! Don’t get me wrong, I’ve still been hosting and feeding lots of my girl friends, but we usually eat simple food like toast and cereal. Thankfully with Brett home again, you’ll be seeing more recipes–hopefully some savory ones too!
But until then I must share with you all this simple recipe for Healthy Nutella Energy Bites. I never know what to call these balls of goodness. They’re basically a rolled up granola bar that are perfect for dessert or snacks on the go. We almost always have a big tub of energy bites (AKA my 5 Ingredient Adaptable Granola Bars which I roll into balls) in our refrigerator at all times and I’m constantly changing the flavor.
Today I’m showing you how to make a Healthy Nutella version of my 5 Ingredient Adaptable Granola Bars and I’m certain you’ll love them! For the nut butter I used Homemade Hazelnut Butter and then to make them Nutella flavored I added in some cocoa powder. Then when you add in some cacao nibs or dairy-free chocolate chips, you get one decadent, but healthy ball of goodness. Feel free to roll these into balls like I do or press them into a rectangle and cut them into bars. Either way they are amazing and will be eaten up in no time!
Please let me know if you give this recipe a try! Take a picture and tag #theconscientiouseater on Instagram so I can see your creation!
Healthy Nutella Energy Bites
Made with oats and ground flaxseed and infused with hazelnut butter and cocoa powder, these Healthy Nutella Energy Bites are the perfect choice for a hearty snack or decadent dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups quick oats
- 1/2 cup ground flax seed
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- scant 1/2 cup cacao nibs or mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup hazelnut butter
- 1/2 cup liquid sweetener (maple syrup, agave, honey if not vegan)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, mix together the quick oats, ground flax seed, cocoa powder, and cacao nibs.
- Add in the hazelnut butter and liquid sweetener and mix everything together until a dough forms.
- Using damp hands, roll the dough into balls.
- Store the balls in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.
Nutrition Information
Yield 16 Serving Size 1 biteAmount Per Serving Calories 180Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 0mgSodium 23mgCarbohydrates 17gNet Carbohydrates 0gFiber 4gSugar 7gSugar Alcohols 0gProtein 4g
Nutrition information is a rough estimate provided by Nutrionix and should be used for informational purposes only.
Emily says
So I love that you’ve been soaking in the girl time and taking advantage of doing friend dates. 🙂 I bet these make really good snacks with those girl friends. 🙂
Faith says
It’s been such a treat Emily:) and yes, all my girl friends are big fans of chocolate…just like me!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Enjoy your girl time! It sounds like a blast!
I love the look of these bites. They have all of my favorite flavors!
Faith says
Thanks friend!
Cassandra says
This could not come at a more perfect time! I was looking for a way to use up the last of my Nutella. Other than just eat it with a spoon…
Faith says
So glad this post was helpful! If you use real Nutella instead of hazelnut butter, they’ll be really sweet, but nothing wrong with that!