Have you ever needed a quick bite before exercise? This recipe is for you!

Protein bites contain a combination of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and satisfying sugars. The preparation is effortless and creates a plentiful amount that lasts for days.

Auburn University Sports Dietitian, Xaymara Gonzalez Adams, expressed the importance of this perfect snack by saying, “they are versatile and can be altered to fit any dietary restrictions! I recommend eating these 30 to 45 minutes before exercise to avoid an upset stomach.”

Overview

When I bought the ingredients, my total from Kroger amounted to approximately 15 dollars. The process only takes five minutes and creates up to 20 protein bites—depending on the size you make them. The recipe can be tailored to your liking— if you are like me, you can add a few more chocolate chips than the recipe calls for! If you have an allergy, you can eliminate that ingredient. The ingredients are straightforward— which is helpful for nutritional knowledge of what you are putting into your body. With that, each ingredient provides a unique benefit for your well-being.

Ingredient Breakdown

Peanut butter not only tastes great, but also has loads of perks. It consists of the nutrients zinc and magnesium. Zinc aids the immune system and the body’s metabolism. Magnesium helps muscle function and sparks energy. Peanut butter presents itself in a variety of ways like crunchy, smooth, or even organic.

Oats are one of the healthiest grains. They help stabilize blood sugar and reduce the possibility of heart disease.

Honey incorporates natural sugars that are not only tasty but beneficial! Honey can be utilized as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Chocolate may have an unhealthy misconception, but it actually serves as an important ingredient within these protein bites. Chocolate enhances brain functions along with boosting the immune system. Also, it tastes extremely delicious.

Protein powder is a fast way of getting protein in the body. It helps with building up muscle and controlling one’s appetite. There are many brands and flavors of protein powder, and it is totally up to the individual in what to choose.

ingredients:

2 cups quick oats

4 scoops vanilla or chocolate protein powder

¾ cup peanut butter

½ cup honey

½ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Combine the dry ingredients (oats and protein powder) then add in the wet ingredients (peanut butter and honey). The chocolate chips usually come last. If kept refrigerated, they can last up to a week. Let us know if you try this recipe in the comments or tag us on social media @AuburnCampusRec.

Be well, Auburn.