Because I am not above hiding healthy stuff…

​My middle kiddo eats well, and I mean WELL.  There is nothing he won’t try and he often grabs fruits and veggies first.  But for my other kids, I have taken the not-so-high road for years and just hidden extra healthy stuff. And no, I am not ashamed…you gotta do what you gotta do. And with my kiddos eating more and more and more by the minute, getting smart with snacks helps us to be able to be more relaxed with food on the weekends, at sporting events, and when we are rushed for time. What I am about to share with you packs an extra protein and fiber filled punch, because both are needed for our boys who seem to need five square meals a day.

Behold…Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Balls. See what I did there? Please tell me you are now singing old Chia-Pet commercials! These little energy goodies can be customized according to your families likes and made ahead of time for the week.  The only drawback? They need refrigeration, not necessarily to keep them fresh, but to keep their shape…see the underlying less-messy-when-chilled warning.
 
So let’s make some!
 
Chia Balls
 1 Cup Peanut Butter
¼ Cup Melted Coconut Oil
¼ Teaspoon Himalayan Salt
½ Cup Cocoa Powder
1 Tablespoon Vanilla
½ Cup Raw Honey
¾ Cup Hemp Seeds
¾ Cup Chia Seeds
1 ¼ Cup Quick Cook Oats
 
Extra Cocoa Powder or Powdered Sugar (Save to roll in)
 
Dump in a bowl and mix until combined...very scientific, I know.  Chill at least 2 hours until set.  Scoop and roll into bite-sized balls. Roll into Cocoa Powder or Powdered Sugar…Keep in mind that the Cocoa Powder is a much healthier option, but can be bitter. 
 
You can also add your favorite mix-ins such as raisins, craisins, sunflower seeds, M & Ms, peanuts, butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, etc.  If your kiddos aren’t thrilled with chia seeds or hemp seeds, you can swap them for flax seeds or adjust the amount of each you put into the mix. 
 
So here’s to keeping our kiddos fed…whether they know they are eating the good stuff or not.  And cheers to you mamas and papas who are also eating these with coffee…because that’s what you’ll find me doing! And if you are not a mama or a papa and kids aren't even on your radar that's ok too...because adulting is hard and chocolate just plain makes things better. 

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Stay...In The Moment