No Bake Energy Bites

I discovered this recipe from Smashed Peas and Carrots via Pinterest, and it's a great little snack to have around. It's a satisfying sweet treat that's pretty good for you!

Ingredients

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)

1/3 cup honey

1 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

Directions

• Mix everything above in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated.  
• Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.  
• Once chilled, roll into balls and enjoy!  
• Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Sugar Popcorn

Popcorn is sort of a tradition in the Powers family (and it goes back generations). The family has a recipe and a certain way of making this delicious popcorn, but I have never achieved it. Sandy and Aaron are the masters. (Perhaps I'll see if they'll share the family secret and I can post it.)

For now, I'll share another popcorn recipe. Much to my husband's dismay, I occasionally make a different kind of popcorn... sugar popcorn. It's not as "pure" and wonderful as the family recipe, but I enjoy it!

Ingredients 
Equal parts (usually 1/3 cup each) of each of the following ingredients:

• Canola oil (other types like coconut work well too) 
• Popcorn kernels (Walmart brand is ironically our favorite)
• Sugar
• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Pour oil in pan, and turn heat to medium high.
2. Drop 3 kernels in and wait for them to pop.
3. Once they pop, quickly pour sugar and popcorn kernels into the pan, and put the lid on. Fast!
4. Give the pan a shake every 30-45 seconds or so to keep the sugar from burning.
5. Popcorn should be done in a couple of minutes. Pull off heat when the popping slows.
6. Dump in a bowl and add a pinch of salt, then toss.
7. Enjoy the sticky, crunchy yumminess!

Our Favorite Healthy Snacks

As we've begun to work towards living a healthier lifestyle, I've learned that one of the make or break things is the snack food I keep around the house. Here are some Powers family staples that are low-cal and filling. If I start feeling a little hungry, I just go grab one of these snacks and I know it won't throw me way off track for the day. Tip: some of these items, I portion out ahead of time (like chips and pretzels), so I don't go crazy and "accidentally" eat a whole bag of pretzels in one sitting!

• Reduced Fat Triscuits 120 calories
• Hummus (Roasted Garlic is my fav!) 50 calories
• Baby Carrots 30 calories
• Baked Tortilla Chips 120 calories
• Salsa and Pico de Gallo 20 calories
• Yogurt (Greek is best for you, but I love Yoplait Light) 90 calories
• Apples (Pink Lady, Gala) 70 calories
• Edamame 100 calories
• String Cheese 70-90 calories
• Bananas 90 calories
• Grapes 
• Almonds (and other nuts) 100-180 calories
• Yogurt Covered Pretzels 200 calories
• Pretzel Sticks 110 calories
• Granola Bars 140 calories
• Emerald Nuts Breakfast on the Go 200 calories
• Peanut Butter or Almond Butter 100-200 calories