Sweet Potato-Oat Energy Bites

These little balls are so tasty, they might be motivation enough for you to work up a sweat. The sweet potato adds natural sweetness and good nutrition. The mixture will be quite moist when rolled, but the oats and flax will draw out some of the moisture when the mixture is chilling in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

• 1 medium sweet potato peeled and chopped
• 1 cup pecan halves
• 3/4 cup rolled oats gluten free if desired
• 1/2 cup pitted dates
• 2 Tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp allspice
• Pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup dried shredded unsweetened coconut

Servings 8

Print Recipe

Instructions

• Place sweet potato in steamer basket set in pot with at least 1 inch of water. Bring water to a boil and steam sweet potato until fork tender, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool. Alternatively, you can also boil the sweet potato until tender.
• Place pecans, oats, and dates in food processor container and process until finely chopped. Add sweet potato, flaxseed, honey or maple syrup, orange zest, allspice, and salt to container and blend until mixture clumps together.
• Using damp hands, form mixture into 1 inch balls. You should get about 16 balls.
• Spread coconut out on plate. Roll balls in coconut and chill in refrigerator to help balls firm up. Keep chilled until ready to use.

Notes

The energy boost
Oats are a great source of slow-digesting complex carbs, which can help you power through a workout (or your workday).