Healthier Energy Bites to ring the new year!! Feel good without feeling guilty…
It’s January, folks. 2015. A New Year. Filled with new possibilities, goals and experiences.
I don’t know about you, but I kinda over-ate. Especially with the sweets. While we were in Dallas, I pretty much stayed on track with my exercise routine by running on their treadmill and my dad kept telling me “enjoy the holidays! The diet can start next year!”
For me though, it’s not about going crazy and eating to my heart’s content. It’s about balance, eating okay, still indulging a little over the holidays but still exercising and staying on track as much as possible with my running because, if you work out regularly, you know workouts keep you sane and focused. At least this is what they do for me.
On the plane ride over to Dallas, I was reading my Bon Appétit magazine and read that they are launching their Fifth Annual Food Lover’s Cleanse on January 2, today!! This 14-day cleanse is about bringing people back in their kitchens and “making delicious, satisfying, food with vibrant unprocessed ingredients like whole grains, healthy seafood, and winter’s best produce. We think the all new menu gives you an incredible range of flavors.”
This is going to be my focus for 2015, at least the first quarter (I’m just concentrating on Jan- March right now folks). Delicious, satisfying, food with vibrant unprocessed ingredients like whole grains, healthy seafood, and winter’s best produce. . not sure this sounds appetizing to you on January 2 but this is what I am shooting for. For myself, my family and here on the blog.
Now, life is not living if you are constantly denying yourself the things you want to eat and if you don’t allow yourself to indulge every once in a while. . so, we’ll have sugar (just not lots of it), we’ll have dairy, we’ll have carbs, and good Lord, there will be chocolate. Just in moderation.
Because, I know for myself, if I don’t have something sweet, I’ll go crazy. I wouldn’t be fun to live with. But I can still have my energy bite sweets and eat healthy too.
Enter these no-bake Chocolate Sesame Butter Flaxseed energy bites! These are like the best things ever. If you have never made these for yourself (a version of these), you seriously need to make some, like now. These are the best because you can pack these little guys with good, healthy stuff and chocolate chips (or whatever you want) and raisins and other dried fruit and you’ve got yourself one little satisfying sweet treat or snack.
You can use peanut butter to hold these together or, today I used my Soom Chocolate Sesame Butter spread. Now, if you like tahini (if you make hummus at home, you know what this is), you will love this chocolate sesame butter spread. I think it’s quite delicious!! Soom Chocolate Sesame Butter is made with pure tahini – White Humera sesame. They also make Tahini, pure sesame butter. Their products are all-natural, kosher, gluten-free, vegan and made in a peanut-free facility. Soom Foods was started by three sisters in Philadelphia and you can read their story here.
I keep these energy bites in a plastic bag with me in my purse so I have something to snack on while running errands or most recently, when I was traveling.
These delicious energy bites of joy are packed with old fashioned rolled oats, raisins, dried cranberries, raw whole flaxseed, flaxseed meal, almonds, sunflower kernels, chocolate sesame butter, honey and more!
I hope you give these energy bites a try and be sure to enter the giveaway below so you can enter to win a Soom Sampler pack, a 12oz tahini and 12oz chocolate sesame butter, like you see above.
Who else will be eating healthier this month?
Chocolate Sesame Butter Flaxseed Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup Soom chocolate sesame butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup peanut butter chips or morsels
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup sunflower kernels
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1 heaping tablespoon raw whole flax seeds
- 1/2 cup flaxseed meal
- Special equipment suggested: cookie scoop
Instructions
- Using a food processor, pulse together all of the ingredients until fully combined and the ingredients have formed together.
- Using a cookie scoop if you have one, form the mixture into balls (about a tablespoon) and place them on a baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes and enjoy! Energy bites can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3-5 days.
The Giveaway!!
(open to residents within the United States only)
Disclosure: This is not a paid, sponsored post. I really love Soom Foods and wanted to help introduce this product to you all. The giveaway is sponsored and made possible by Soom Foods.
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
I am so intrigued by Soom chocolate sesame butter – Alice – and I am so intrigued by these bites! Love LL the healthy ingredients in them! Happy New Year!
hipfoodiemom says
Thank you, Shashi. . happy new year to you too!!!
Allie | Baking a Moment says
Yay! I have a big jar of chocolate Soom in my cupboard- it is so good! I love everything you’re saying about how you want to eat for the next few months. That’s totally me too! I’ll have to check out that food lovers cleanse; it sounds perfect!
hipfoodiemom says
Allie, yes, I feel very inspired and ready. . in fact, we just got back from grocery shopping. . it’s going down yo. and it won’t change overnight but baby steps. . 🙂 esp for the hubs. . 🙂
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
I like how you think, Alice! I always have to have a little something sweet during the day or at the end of the day. Giving up dessert is not an option for me! Loving these energy bars!
hipfoodiemom says
haha, Liz!! sweets in moderation right?! I hope you try these!!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
I’ve never seen chocolate sesame butter – I love the idea of that! These energy bites are just what I need today!! And I like your plan…I’m looking forward to making choices that reap healthier rewards, too!
hipfoodiemom says
Annie, yes . . this is the plan. . at least for the first few months. . and we’ll see how it goes. . you need to try the chocolate sesame butter. . I think you would love it!
Janet says
Wqw I never heard of chocolate sesame butter! I’ll look for it so I can try it.
hipfoodiemom says
I hope you do, Janet!! check out the soom website too!
Julie | This Gal Cooks says
I love your take on eating healthy. I totally agree – all in moderation. Sometimes I forget about that, though, and end up eating way too many cookies, brownies or chocolate pudding pie. Ha, those are my sweets weaknesses!
LOVE these little energy bites, Alice. I need to check out that website so I can buy some of the chocolate sesame butter. It sounds like something I’d eat straight from the jar!
hipfoodiemom says
Hi Julie, yup it’s good and a healthier alternative to chocolate hazelnut spread. . yeah, sweets are my weakness too. . that’s why when I bake, I need to either invite people over or give it away or it’s too much temptation!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) says
These look fantastic. I definitely overate as well and will be starting another juice cleanse next week. Sigh I need to get my life together haha.
hipfoodiemom says
you and me both! Hang in there, J!!!
Emily says
These look delish! I’m so with you that my workouts keep me sane- especially during the holidays!
hipfoodiemom says
thanks so much, Emily!!
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
This chocolate sesame butter stuff sounds amazing! I need to jump on the bandwagon and get a jar. Once I do, these energy bites are definitely happening!
hipfoodiemom says
Thanks so much, Jen!!! I hope you try these!!
Linda |Brunch with Joy says
I’ve never tried this but it does sound fantastic. And yes, I overate and now trying to keep everything balance.
hipfoodiemom says
Thanks so much, Linda!!! happy new year! and no worries girl, we are all in the same boat!
Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits says
Oooh, I’ve never seen that chocolate tahini spread before! It looks absolutely delicious! I’m still traveling right now, so I’m not quite in the body cleansing state of mind yet. I’ll probably be reflecting about it like you did on the way back home!
Definitely will try these energy bites!
hipfoodiemom says
Thanks so much, Lisa!!! Hope you are having a fabulous trip!!!
Tara says
These look really good. It’s nice to have a treat to indulge in that isn’t going to slowly kill you. I’ve never tried the Soom butters before so I’ll have to look out for them. Thanks for sharing.
http://absolutelytara.com
hipfoodiemom says
of course, thanks Tara!
Brittany @ Barr & Table says
I’ve never seen chocolate sesame butter but how could it be bad?!
hipfoodiemom says
Brittany, it’s not bad . . and only 3 ingredients: tahini, powdered sugar and cocoa powder. I’m sure the powdered sugar is for taste but hey, a way better alternative to chocolate hazelnut spread!
Shinee says
Love it, Alice! Thanks for sharing these energy bites and introducing to these (new to me) sesame butter. Chocolate one sounds divine!
hipfoodiemom says
Shinee, you need to try this!!! happy new year!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
I heart energy bites, and the chocolate sesame butter sounds like a wonderful flavor twist!
hipfoodiemom says
Thanks so much, Erin! This chocolate sesame butter is winning, yo.
Valerie says
Yum!! these would be perfect at the office to stave off the 3pm craving!
hipfoodiemom says
I know, right?! Thanks so much Valerie!
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen says
Um, yah, I definitely over ate too! But these little energy bites look like just the thing to get back on track!! Happy New Year!! 🙂
hipfoodiemom says
Thanks so much, Renee!!! We all over-ate so this is what january is for. . 😛
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
Yes! These delicious, healthy energy bites are exactly what my body is craving today. I didn’t go overboard with the pigging out this holiday season AND I actually started going to the gym, so I didn’t do as much damage as I usually do in the calorie department. But then again, I ate five chocolate covered macadamia nut candies today, soooooooooo I should totally take your cue and start eating clean again. This would be the perfect snack to keep at my desk. Happy New Year, dear Alice!
hipfoodiemom says
Happy New Year, Nancy!!! dude, sounds like you are doing just fine!! and five chocolate covered mac nut candies is nothing!!!
Rust says
This year I’m on an eat-healthier kick …cutting out processed foods as much as I can, more home cooking.
Mira says
Happy New Year! I feel the same way Alice, trying to eat healthier and loose a few pounds in the first 3 months of the year! These chocolate energy bites are so easy to make and great for a snack! Would love to try this sesame butter, never seen it before. Pinning!
hipfoodiemom says
thanks so much, Mira!! yeah, healthier eating, woot woot!!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
These look amazingly good! They’re definitely in need after this indulgent holiday season! 😀
hipfoodiemom says
Thank you, Lorraine!!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
Energy bites are one of my go-to snacks! I have to admit that I have never tried sesame butter but I probably would eat it right from the spoon. I’m excited to try this version from Soom! Happy New Year, Alice!
hipfoodiemom says
Hi Ashley!!! I had never heard of Soom until they contacted me. . but it’s delicious and a much healthier alternative to the chocolate hazelnut spread.
ATasteOfMadness says
I would also go crazy without something sweet. These look like the perfect way to get through the day!
hipfoodiemom says
Thanks so much!!! yeah, I could never give up sweets!!
Carla Pepmiller says
I know it’s a cliché but I’m going to lose weight this year. For real.
hipfoodiemom says
Carla, you can do it!!
alexandra robertson says
My new years goal is too eat more veggies….lots of veggies…and eat healthier in general
Kathleen says
Actually, the chocolate sesame butter sounds great already from Soom Foods. I haven’t heard as many people talk about sesame butter, so I would like to try.
hipfoodiemom says
You will love this, Kathleen. . good luck!
Ala says
I’m so on board with you for this first new quarter, Alice–cheers to these energy bites and cheers to eating our way through a hearty, heart-healthy great year!
hipfoodiemom says
Yes, Ala!!! Healthier eating in 2015!! woot woot!!
Kelly says
I love these energy bites! The chocolate sesame butter sounds totally amazing and I can’t wait to check it out! Eating cleaner for the next few months sounds perfect and since I always have to have something sweet too healthier snacks like this are just what I need! Happy Happy New Year, Alice!
hipfoodiemom says
Thank you, Kelly!!! I could never give up or stop eating sweets so need to find a better way to enjoy them! 😛 Happy New Year!!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I can’t believe that 2015 is already here! These energy bites look incredible, Alice! I’m in awe of this flavor combination. Chocolate and sesame seems to go so well together! Love the looks of these, too. Pinned! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
hipfoodiemom says
Thanks so much, Gayle!!! happy new year to you!!
Amanda says
Can’t wait to try this!!!
hipfoodiemom says
Thanks, Amanda!! 🙂
Rosie says
I love to make treats with tahini!!!! and I do every week!!! I don’t use a recipe, but one fav I like to make is to heat the tahini with honey, and melt unsweetened chocolate. Then I add almond flour, dried orange peel, protein powder, and any combo of other nuts, seeds, etc. Then I press it into an 9×9 over parchment, put in the refrigerator and cut into small squares. Last night I used tahini in my asian sauce for my stir fry – sooo good!!! I would love to have this!!!
hipfoodiemom says
Rosie, your bars sound great!! I need to try your recipe! 🙂
Liz says
Oh, yeah, I definitely need to get back on track when we get home! Thanks for providing the perfect nibble for when my willpower wanes! Happy New Year, my friend—looking forward to more inspiration from you this year!!!! xoxo
hipfoodiemom says
Awh, thanks Liz!!!
Nagi@RecipeTin Eats says
Now THIS is an energy bite!! I make energy bites to take on rafting trips and the like and this is one that I know even the guys will go crazy over! I know you say to refrigerate but there is no dairy in the list of ingredients so do you think it would be ok even if not kept in the fridge??
hipfoodiemom says
Hey Nagi!! I refrigerate mine initially to help meld them together and then, after that, yes you’re right, they don’t have to stay in the fridge . . sometimes I like mine cooler so I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge! 😛 but room temp in a plastic baggy or airtight container is fine! 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Chocolate sesame butter sounds amazing! These bites look satisfying and delicious 🙂
hipfoodiemom says
Thank you so much, Medha!!! you need to try this!
Kristi Rimkus says
I saw your post over on Google+ and had to stop by for the recipe. This would be perfect for a pre-workout snack.
hipfoodiemom says
Thanks so much, Kristi!!!
Christina Heggins says
Chocolate Sesame Butter?! I’m all in, and these ingredients sound super nutritious + delicious!
hipfoodiemom says
Christina, you need to try this . . much healthier alternative to chocolate hazelnut spread!
Annette says
I’d love to try them, because they’re nut-free butters. I used to be able to tolerate nuts, but not anymore. Even almond milk and almond flour will have me doubled over in pain.
Brenda Haines says
My goal this year is to eat better, and Soom Foods looks like a great way to start.
hipfoodiemom says
Mine too!! thank you, Brenda!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I didn’t ‘kinda’ overeat. I did it loud and proud, knowing I was going to have to suffer and pay it off from January 2nd. I enjoyed every single mouthful though, so no regrets. Well, only a little.
The energy bites don’t sound like suffering to me! Bring one on. 🙂
hipfoodiemom says
Maureen, haha, I love it!! yes!! enjoy every single mouthful!!! and hey, no worries!! that’s what January is for!!
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
What a great (and timely) post. We too are feeling the burden of the holidays 🙂 which means we’re looking for great healthy recipes – and only looking at the near future to make sure we’re successful! I love these, so I’m totally pinning because I need these in my life! Happy 2015!
hipfoodiemom says
Awh thanks so much Kristi!! and once you have all the ingredients for these, you can make them again and again!! happy new year!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I’m definitely trying to eat healthier this month. These energy bites look so good! I had no idea there was such a thing as chocolate sesame butter spread!
hipfoodiemom says
Thank you so much, Christine!! I hope you try it!!
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
Happy New Year Alice!! These bites look amazing, I’ll definitely need to keep my eye out for Soom, it sounds like an awesome company!
Marye says
These look really fabulous – and would make it easy to get back on track! Yum!
Amy @Very Culinary says
Both my kids have a peanut allergy. Whhhyyyyy? *shakes fists* So thanks goodness for sunflower butter. Chocolate sesame butter?? I must have. Totally love this snack (minus the peanut butter morsels, obvi.)
hipfoodiemom says
Amy, I bought some sunflower butter for my kids so they could bring sandwiches to school for lunch . . but they didn’t go for it . . but I love it!
Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven says
These bites seriously look SO amazing, Alice! I’m fully embracing health food too right about now, but I am NOT ready to give up my chocolate or carbs. 😉 Enter these gorgeous ‘thangs. I so need to get my hands on some of that sesame butter so I can make these! Pinned.
hipfoodiemom says
Sarah, I can’t give them up either!!! We’re talking moderation and better choices. . 🙂 happy new year!! We have snow today in WI!
Brianna Ketchum says
i want to try them out because they all look so good…and my goals are to eat healtheir lose weight get a job and to be happy
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Wow! These sound great – so many delicious flavors! PS love that your focus is on the first quarter of the year – nice goal! 🙂 Happy 2015!
Alisa Fleming says
I want to try them as I’m working on creating some recipes w/ tahini since it has a fair little calcium dose and other great nutrients! Those bites look amazing btw.
rana durham says
Chocolate sesame yummy I love to try that
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
I always carry healthy snacks like nuts, fried fruit or power balls like these when I am on the go.. so this is an ideal recipe for me. I HAVE to get my hands on that chocolate and sesame butter, never have I seen a product like it before. Thanks for bringing my attention to it Alice!
David @ Spiced says
Wow…I don’t think I’ve ever heard of chocolate sesame butter. But it sounds awesome! I totally need to give it a try…and soon. Oh, and I totally agree with you…the holidays were awesome, but I over-ate a bit. Now we have to get into the 5am gym routine, and that’s gonna be rough. I’m thinking a need some of these energy bites to help me out! Pinned!
Laura says
I am totally intrigued! I ADORE chocolate peanut butter so I bet I would love this too! Pinning! And the balls look awesome also!
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
I really appreciate Bon Appetit’s approach to a cleanse – no weird ingredients, not a fad kind of diet. And these little chocolate sesame butter energy bites are the perfect sweet-tooth satisfier when your trying to lighten up food choices. Just love these, Alice!
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
These energy balls sound amazing and super delicious! Love the sesame butter- that is great!
Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen says
I “kind of” overate too aka I could not look at food for like three days because of all the macaroni and cheese (and salad of course! right…) that I devoured plus the copious amounts of cake. I’m so for restarting with energy balls like this!
Sarah | Broma Bakery says
I’ve been looking for a great energy bite recipe to add to my workout routine! I think I just found THE ONE. Pinned!
Mir says
I’m all about healthy snacks like this, Alice! As long as you still make that merlot cake from time to time. 🙂
These do look delicious!
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
I too like to keep things balanced! I love that these are on the healthier side, so I can still suffice that sweet tooth of mine!
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
I was just reading that Bon Appetit, too! That cleanse is exactly the way I want to cleanse my body of the WAY overeating that happened in December. Like, a disgusting amount of overeating. I just stepped on the scale this morning and nearly fainted. Ugh, not good. These bites sound like exactly what I need to stay on track because I, too, need sweets!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
These bites are just what I need for my healthy afternoon pick me up! Love!
laurasmess says
Happy new year beautiful Alice! This sounds like such a gorgeous product, I’ve never heard of it (possibly not available in Aus) but I’m glad that you’ve used it to make these delicious little energy bites! We do have similar nut butter mixes here though, there’s a peanut and cacao butter by a company called Mayvers which I might use to try your recipe!! Yay for a healthy start to 2015. Like you, I tried not to overdo it in the holiday season but I still had enough to feel like I want a bit of a cleansing period to start the new year. Eating heaps of wholefoods and drinking lots of water at the moment. Sending you love and praying for a blessed new year for you, your husband and the kids (thanks for being such a beautiful blogging friend over the past year and a bit, I appreciate you!) xxx <3
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting says
Oh I can’t wait to check out the Food Lover’s cleanse! Plus these chocolate sesame butter energy bites, just wow!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I love Soom! It is the only tahini I use! I am dieing to try the chocolate one though!
Anita H says
I have never heard of chocolate sesame butter . I will have to give it a try. These energy bites sound delicious.
Lisa B says
I love Soom Foods tahini! So many uses – sweet and savory.
Amy says
this looks excellent!! I just discovered Soom this past fall and am loving the chocolate one. My new years resolution is to be selfish and take better care of myself. If I don’t exercise regularly and eat the healthy foods I like, then who will??
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
Ugh, I’m right there with you!! But these? Are perfect. Now I have THREE energy bite recipes printed to make! 🙂
marla says
Mmmmmmm! I love the idea of chocolate sesame butter!!