Toasted Pecan Cranberry Energy Bites

These Toasted Pecan Cranberry Energy Bites are loaded with the good stuff. They’re super healthy, gluten-free, vegan, and naturally sweetened.

Confession: I’m 33 years old and I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up–gasp! Having a successful and satisfying career has been, and still remains, my number one goal in life. I have stressed over this one goal for as long as I can remember.

Maybe it’s because I’m a woman, or maybe it’s because I have a mild case of obsessive compulsive disorder, but I have this deep, almost innate, need to be able to support myself. Yes, I’m married. I’m lucky enough to have a partner in crime that contributes to the long list of money grubbers that we “willingly” pay each month to live this life of mild luxury. I truly am blessed, despite my sarcasm.

But nothing is guaranteed in this life we walk through day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year. What if…

something happens to him?

we don’t make it for the long haul?

he’s abducted by aliens?

What if? What if? What if?

It’s that short, yet profound, question I ask myself and obsess over every. single. day. It’s the root cause of a majority of my stress–let’s say 80-ish percent. That’s a fairly large percent.

And that’s just the cake. The icing is the fact that I’m also trying to prove myself to myself. I have high expectations, maybe a little too high. There’s this invisible bar that’s constantly looming above my head. My fingertips brush up against its cool, smooth surface, but I’ve never actually been able to fully grasp it and complete a set of chin-ups, which, unless you’re the hulk or a power lifter, is nearly impossible.

I currently have two degrees, an Associate’s Degree in Biology and a Bachelor’s Degree in English with a concentration in writing. I originally intended to advance my biology degree with the goal of becoming a nurse but decided it wasn’t for me after working closely with a group of doctors for 11 years.

And yet I’m thinking about going back, for yet another degree, in Dietetics. Am I crazy? Please tell me I’m crazy, because it might be the exact motivation I need to reel it in on the idea of going back to school and the stress that comes with it. Not to mention the huge bill that never seems to go away despite the large monthly payments.

Let’s take a breather from big life decisions and talk about these Toasted Pecan Cranberry Energy Bites I made you. They’re a super healthy snack that also happens to be gluten-free, vegan, and naturally sweetened. <---The whole package, folks! In one delicious little bite. I've been trying to stick with a gluten and dairy-free diet these days since that seems to work best with the digestive issues I'm experiencing. I miss ice cream, and sometimes I do eat it--because I can't help myself--but I pay the price for it the next day. So, for the majority, I stick with what works.

The ingredients that go into these Toasted Pecan Cranberry Energy Bites work together at keeping you healthy and satisfied in between meals. They’re loaded with protein, vitamin c, omega-3’s, and fiber.

Toasted Pecan Cranberry Energy Bites

Yield: 12 -14 bites

Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 10 mins

5 from 5 ratings

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Ingredients

• 1 cup toasted pecans
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 6 medjool dates, pitted
• ¼ cup almond butter
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
• 1 tablespoon hemp hearts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

• Place all of the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the mixture forms a loose dough ball.
• Roll into 1-inch balls. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Best enjoyed at room temperature (I let them sit out for a few minutes before enjoying). The bites will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Author: Jennie / One Sweet Mess

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