Raise your hand if you’re ready for this crazy weather to calm.down. Both hands flailing wildly in the air…ahem.

If you live around the Midwest, you know what I’m talking about. If you don’t, well, for the past 5+ days it’s been a full blown sauna outside…wet, heavy with humidity, and hot. Walking outside, I instantly feel my hair get 10x bigger and it feels like I’m breathing in a lake. Fortunately, I work in a super air-conditioned building and only have to experience this extreme weather for about 20 minutes each day…but still. #firstworldproblems

Before this extreme weather, I was lingering on to any bit of summer left that I could. I was dodging back-to-school talk as much as possible (which is pretty tough considering my work is talking nothing but back-to-school) and holding on to watermelon, grilling, and lazy summer days as much as possible.

But now…now I’m ready for fall. I’m accepting the fact that school is here for most people already and everybody’s thoughts are already geared towards apple and pumpkin picking (okay, I admit, I’ve been thinking about this for awhile, too), and most of all, I’m accepting the fact hoping that cool weather will be here soon.

One recipe that always makes me think “back-to-school” are Protein-Packed Energy Bites. There are so many variations of this simple creation—all of which are probably delicious—but I’ve been making variations of this one for years.

Well, what does “for years” really mean, anyway? I mean, I’m only in my mid-20’s, so how long can “for years” be? Now that I think about it, I guess “for years” in this instance means about four. Maybe I should have written “four years” instead of “for years”…

I digress. These are the trivial things that run through my mind on a daily basis.

These little balls of energy are basically just that. With peanut butter, oats, chia seed and flaxseed, these little bites will give you or your kids lasting energy—no 30-minute energy boost/sugar-high that comes with a just as quick energy crash here. They may be small, but they sure are mighty with lots of staying power, so you won’t be hungry again in 30 minutes either. Oh, and the small dose of chocolate chips is an added bonus. :)

But seriously, with all these healthful ingredients full of fiber, healthy fats, and protein, they make for the perfect snack. I’m satisfied with just one or two in the afternoon with no need for “a little something more” (and if you know me, that’s pretty incredible since I’m always hungry!). In just a few quick bites, they give me just enough energy to keep me going ’til supper time—perfect for when I’m on the go or in a rush. And since they’re so small, they’re easy for me to pack into my lunch bag to save for my afternoon snack. Oh, and my favorite? They make for a great post-workout snack. Can you tell that I love these things? I mean, I’ve been making them for four years, you guys! ;)

But most importantly, they taste so good! They may look questionable at first, but I guarantee, you and your kids will love them! Just this past week I had kids make them in a cooking class and they gobbled them right up. Not to mention, they loved getting their hands messy and rolling the mix into balls. Perfect way to include your kids in the kitchen!

Recap: They’re simple. They’re delicious. They’ll keep you going even on your toughest and busiest days. Oh, and they’re versatile—swap out the chocolate chips for dried fruit (or use both!) or use wheat germ instead of flax seed (I’ve also done this before and they turn out just as great). The possibilities are endless.

So whether you’re still holding onto summer or are jumping head first into the coming fall festivities, these no-heat-needed (perfect for this weather!) Protein-Packed Energy Bites will fit both parties—a perfect treat at the pool or a great, healthy after-school snack. Whatever the reason, you’re going to love them!

Protein-Packed Energy Bites

Makes ~40 small bites (you can also make the bites larger to make about 20 bites)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, creamy or crunchy (or any other nut butter)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup coconut flakes (sweetened or unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (or wheat germ)
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Mix the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla together in a medium bowl. Add in the remaining ingredients and mix until thoroughly incorporated.
2. Roll the mixture into small balls with your hands. If mixture is sticky and hard to work with, let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Alternatively, washing your sticky hands and then starting again will also help you make the balls more easily.
3. Store energy bites in an airtight container, lining layers with wax paper, and keep refrigerated.

Want more energy bite ideas? Try these! 

• Oatmeal-Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Snack Bites by Two Healthy Kitchens
• Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites by Amy’s Healthy Baking
• No-Bake Almond Joy Snack Bites by Two Healthy Kitchens