Oatmeal Energy Balls

Oatmeal Energy Balls with lavender yarrow flowers. Pic by M.C
Oatmeal Energy Balls with lavender yarrow flowers. Pic by M.C.

I tried a new juice bar in my area and liked their balls. That’s what I said—to you, not them. I tried to figure out what was in them. They were like a peanut butter oatmeal cookie in an energy ball. There were definitely oats, peanut butter, raisins, cinnamon, and maybe flaxseed meal and I think walnuts. I tried oats whole, quick cook, and flour. I prefer quick cooked since they are cut and form a ball better. These make a great snack with tea, meal replacement, or after a hike—just keep them iced. Two tablespoons of Bob’s Red Mill golden flaxseed meal have protein-3g, calcium-24 mg, iron-1 mg, and potassium-113 mg.

OATMEAL ENERGY BALLS
1 cup oatmeal, gluten free
2 Tbsp. Four Sigmatic vanilla protein powder or golden flaxseed meal
4 Tbsp. peanut butter
1/4 cup agave
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. chia seeds
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup chocolate chips, Enjoy Life semi sweet mini chips
2 Tbsp. raisins
7 halves of walnuts crushed

Yield: 9-12 balls

Directions:
I use whatever form of oats I have. You can always put whole oats in the blender to get them the texture you want. Combine oats and protein. The protein helps cut the stickiness. Flaxseed meal cuts the stickiness really well and is more affordable and adds an even texture. Add the peanut butter and stir. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir as you go. Sometimes I have to put the glass bowl of “dough” in the freezer for ten minutes. Then roll balls. I always end up with at least nine. Store in a container and then freeze for ready to eat use.

Happy Vegan!

Recipe from blog of melissacrismon.com

© 2023 Melissa Crismon

Checkout my MerSea series books about an ordinary woman who becomes a mermaid.

Aboard a conservation ship, Sarah Sumner has an identity crisis while morphing into a mermaid and fighting whalers at fellow deckhand Gunner’s side. She seeks answers to her mutation, but through her journey, she finds deeper meaning in helping the whales. The MerSea series is an urban fantasy romance filled with action, adventure, and an inspirational, transforming tale.

Pineapple Green Apple Ginger Juice

Pineapple Green Apple Ginger Juice. Pic by M.C.
Pineapple Green Apple Ginger Juice. Pic by M.C.

I was feeling creative so I combined pineapple, green apples, and a chunk of fresh ginger. This refreshing raw juice is very hydrating.

Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which is an anti-inflammatory and helps aid digestion by breaking down proteins. The potassium in pineapple helps lower blood pressure. Apples control insulin levels because they slowly release sugars into the bloodstream. Ginger possesses antioxidant effects and is an anti-inflammatory. And many times, ginger is recommended for nausea. Some of this information is from The Ultimate Book of Modern Juicing by Mimi Kirk.

PINEAPPLE GREEN APPLE GINGER JUICE
1-inch slice of pineapple round
2 green apples
1-inch ginger

Yield: 16-ounces

Directions:
I use a MMV700 Omega juicer. Wash and cut produce into 1-inch pieces. After cutting off the skin of the pineapple, slice a round piece off and then dice it. Slowly feed the juicer to get the most juice.

Happy Vegan!

Recipe from blog of melissacrismon.com

© 2023 Melissa Crismon

Checkout my MerSea series books about an ordinary woman who becomes a mermaid.

Aboard a conservation ship, Sarah Sumner has an identity crisis while morphing into a mermaid and fighting whalers at fellow deckhand Gunner’s side. She seeks answers to her mutation, but through her journey, she finds deeper meaning in helping the whales. The MerSea series is an urban fantasy romance filled with action, adventure, and an inspirational, transforming tale.

MERSEA SERIES-SUPERFREAK, SUPERFLOP, AND SUPERFLY