Peanut Butter & Almond Granola Bites

I've found the kryptonite to make working out for me, well, work out.

I've always enjoyed exercise. I even hold a degree in exercise science! But a couple years ago, this non-runner ran her first 5K. It was so empowering, this baby (read: me) cried as I crossed the finish line in 28:50. Don't laugh, it's not the flashiest time, but it was the first time I had trained for anything and followed through. 

Last week, I hopped back on the elliptical to get ready to run another 5K with some friends.  But I 

L O A T H E  the elliptical, even though it is the only way I can train when the weather outside is below zero. Yes, you heard me right, BELOW ZERO!  And though you may think these protein-packed granola bites are my kryptonite, they are not. 

I've hijacked my eight year old's Nook and recently downloaded a book twice recommended to me - The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. My husband and I are fortunate to have nominal debt, but this book promises to teach you to live without it! Who doesn't need that, right?  Whether you are into money management books or not, this particular book has done for me on the elliptical what a good Pitbull song does in my ears...I get energized!  Pure exercise kryptonite.

But these granola bites do make a good post-workout snack...

Or an afternoon work snack...

Or a homework snack...

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups old fashioned oatmeal 

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1/2 cup quinoa - rinsed and patted dry

1/2 cup almond meal

1 tbsp coconut oil, melted

1/4 cup honey

1 tsp vanilla

2 tbsp turbinado sugar (optional)

1/2 cup natural peanut butter

2 egg whites

Place the oats and slivered almonds into a blender or food processor and pulse 3-4 times to break up the ingredients a little bit. Place them into a stand mixer and add the {rinsed & patted dry} quinoa and almond meal. Using the mixer, stir to combine ingredients. Add the coconut oil, honey, vanilla, peanut butter, and sugar (if desired) and  mix at medium speed until combined. Add the egg whites one at a time until a dough comes together.

Form the dough into balls by measuring out a tablespoon of dough into your hands. Do not roll them in your palms, but use your palms/hands to press the dough into a tight ball. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 min at 350 degrees per batch. Allow to cool on a baking rack and store in an airtight container for up to a week. (Or a week and a half - mine are still tasting great!)