Back-to-School Heroes | September 2024

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Pistachio Energy Bites

A High Protein, High Fiber snack that will keep you energized between meals.

T here’s so much to love about these pistachio energy bits. They are full of fiber. They are high in protein. They also give you goo fats that are protective for your heart. Monounsatu- rated fats and omega-3 fatty acids are known to aid in lowering your LDL (bad) cholesterol and raising your HDL (good) cholesterol. But what I think I like most about this recipe is that it’s: After work, I usually have a couple of tasks be- fore dinner is ready. I try to get in my workouts as soon as my workday is over and I have to take my puppy on a long evening walk. If I haven’t done enough meal preparation earlier in the week, I still may have to prepare dinner. At this point, I’m hungry, becoming hangry, and will be more than likely to grab dinner out than prepare what I have at home. One or two of these pista- chio energy bites are just what I need to keep me satisfied until dinner is ready or to keep me from skipping a workout because my stomach is growling so loud. DELICIOUS IN 5 INGREDIENTS & 5 MINUTES PISTACHIOS Pistachios are nuts that are high in protein and are one of the only plant-based proteins that is a complete protein. A complete protein has all 9 essential amino acids. Since pistachios are a complete protein, it makes these bites an excel- lent source of protein as a snack between meals or to even complement a plant-based meal or diet. Pistachios are also high in monounsaturat- ed fats. Pistachios are a good source of B6 vita- mins, phosphorus, and thiamin. Because of the

good fats in pistachios and the nutritional content, they can be part of a heart healthy diet.

CHIA SEEDS Chia seeds are also a great source of protein, fi - ber, and healthy fats. Chia seeds are those same seeds from those commercials in the 90s. They were advertised as the new cool pet. Now they are being recognized as a superfood because of all their wonderful nutritional benefits. Chia seeds can be added to smoothies, oat- meal, cookies, and are a delicious bite in these pistachio energy bites. DATES Dates are rich in antioxidants and are high in fi - ber. This high fiber content makes dates benefi - cial for gut health. Dates are naturally sweet which means we don’t have to add lots of sugar to this recipe to provide sweetness. DRIED CRANBERRIES Many people are familiar with the benefits of cranberries. It is widely known that cranberries help to prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). But cranberries also help to add in the prevention of kidney stones and gall bladder stones because they are high in citric acid which helps to prevent kidney stones from forming. Cranberries are also high in amino acids and hydroxyproline which help to build collagen in the body. Cranberries also help to hydrate your skin. With all the natural benefits provided in these little energy bites, this recipe is something to keep in your rotation again and again.

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