My boys have always been big eaters. Add in 2-3 swim practices a week and they are truly bottomless pits. They wake up in the morning and the first thing I hear is “what’s for breakfast?” As soon as they walk in the door after school it’s “what’s for snack?” They finish swim and say “did you pack a snack?”
Do you perhaps see a theme here?! It’s hard to keep up with their appetites without falling into the prepared food pit. The pantry is usually well stocked with various nuts which they love. Cheese and yogurt in the fridge. Plenty of fruit.
I’ll also make homemade granola bars sometimes, the crunchy kind. Then for the chewy version I make these granola balls. It’s so much easier to roll them in balls then dealing with a limp granola bar!
It’s really a perfect snack. Protein, fiber, not too terribly messy, easy to pack… And of course the kids love it, that helps! Change things up and make them different, whatever mood you’re in. Dried fruit, mini chocolate chips, almonds, peanuts, coconut. Whip up a batch and let the snacking begin!
Granola Balls
1 c. natural peanut butter
1/3 c. honey
2 c. old fashioned oats
1 c. chocolate crispy rice cereal
1/4 c. ground flaxseed
1/2 c. chopped peanuts
1/4 c. mini chocolate chips
Unsweetened coconut, optional
Whisk together the peanut butter and honey in a small bowl, set aside. In a large bowl mix together the oats, cereal and flaxseed. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and mix thoroughly, until all the oats and cereal are coated. Stir in the peanuts and chocolate chips. Roll into 1 1/2 inch balls, if desired roll the balls in coconut.
NOTE: You can swap out the ground flaxseed for chia seeds or wheat germ. Swap out the mini chocolate chips for dried fruit.
Yields: 30 balls
Feeding My 3 Sons 
You made me smile with the opening Gretchen as growing up my mother always called me a ‘big eater’ – those exact same words….how I wish she had presented me with such lovely nutritious balls!
They really are big eaters! These have quickly disappeared and will need to make some more.
These look fun. I bet they gives the boys plenty of energy for their swim meets.
Sometimes I wish they had a little less energy!
Such great snacks for busy active kids 🙂
Thanks Elaine. Busy and active indeed.
Great idea! I love snacks like this!
They disappeared quickly! Guess I’ll have to make more soon.
Great snacks!
These look delicious! Gonna whip up some for my hubby and girls this week! Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Hope you enjoy!
I love all the ingredients in it. I have bookmarked.
The boys can eat these FAST!