Growing up, I was the one who ordered the oatmeal at breakfast.  I never liked the typical eggs, bacon and sausage (I know, I know… your face just made a weird look).

But you know what, I never eat a bowl of oatmeal anymore.  Sometimes it feels too heavy, especially in the summer.

But, I always feel like I should be eating oatmeal. Maybe it’s the runner in me and subscribing to running magazines, because I constantly see and hear about eating oatmeal before a race or to start the day off.  

Oats and peanut butter. Runners can live off it.  

So, here is how I get my oatmeal fix, in a light and untraditional way. 

I make these no-bake bites.

These are great on-the-go. I throw some in a bag and bring to work.  They are filled with healthy fats and gluten-free, which makes them easily digestible. 

So, you can forget unwrapping that granola or energy bar… those never taste quite like real food. 

And real food tastes good.

No-Bake Energy Bites {gluten free}

• 1 cup dry oatmeal (I use Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Oats)
• 2/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted
• ½ cup sunflower seeds
• ½ natural peanut butter (I prefer chunky varieties)
• ½ cup ground flaxseed
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• Few dashes of cinnamon
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips (optional)
• ½ chopped roasted almonds or walnuts (optional)

Directions:

- Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Let chill in refrigerator for about 30 minutes until dough is slightly hardened.   Scoop 1 tablespoon balls on to a plate or cookie sheet (I use a cookie scoop for uniform balls).  Roll each into a ball with your hands.

- Place on a cookie sheet or large plate and return to refrigerator for an hour or so until hardened.

-  Transfer the bites to an air-tight container and keep in the refrigerator. These won’t last long!

Never follow the crowd…

Unless they are running right there with you in a race.