Recipe: Energy Balls

Having quick and healthy snacks around the house can make it a lot easier to stay on track towards your dietary goals. Snacking is sneaky. It's the hidden meals throughout the day that add up. “Energy balls” are a quick and easy snack that you can customize so many ways. Start with some base ingredients and then add whatever flavors you like! 

    Oats, Peanut Butter, and Honey are all you need for a nutrient dense base to energy balls! Oats have complex carbohydrates and fiber, which will give you energy and help you feel satisfied. The protein in peanut butter is awesome for healing and building muscle mass, meaning this can be a great post workout snack. Lastly, honey is full of antioxidants which protect your cells from damage. 

    Choosing your mixins is the fun part! You can create all sorts of different flavor combinations. Get some extra nutrients in by adding seeds, nuts, or dried fruit! 

Recipe: 

• 1 ¼  Cup Oats 

• ½ Cup Peanut Butter 

• ⅓ Cup Honey

• Mixins of choice

Making these energy balls is as easy as 1.2.3.

1. Combine the ingredients

2. Refrigerate for thirty minutes to make rolling easier

3. Then roll into balls!

    Enjoy!

Here are some benefits of running to get you motivated!

1. Improve your cardiovascular Health

   • Getting out and running just one mile can significantly impact your health! The many benefits such as decreased risk of heart disease, reduction of blood pressure and cholesterol, and strengthening of the heart will get you tying up your laces!

2. Improve Brain Health

   • Running can also positively benefit you mentally. Exercising can produce new brain cells through a process called neurogenesis, leading to increased brain performance! Running can strengthen your memory, ability to concentrate, and improve your overall mood. 

3. Sleep Easier

   • Going on a run can help your sleep quality. A quick mile can decrease the time it takes to fall asleep, it's all about using your time wisely! One thing to keep in mind is that exercising stimulates the autonomic nervous system, which is activated while awake, so you may find it difficult to fall asleep directly after a run. Try going on a run earlier in the day, so you can also enjoy all of the positive mental benefits as well!

4. A habit

   • Running is a healthy habit to add to your life! It can be something positive to turn to and take your mind off of things for some time when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. After a run, you might have a clearer head and are able to tackle difficulties through fresh eyes.