If you're a fan of monster cookies and monster trail mix (and let's be real: Who isn't?), you'll have to try this fun energy bites recipe. They're such a nice little treat, and the mini M&Ms add in some whimsical color.

Ingredients:
11/2 cups large oat flakes
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup mini M&M's
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 tsp vanilla


Directions:
1. Add all of the ingredients to a medium sized bowl and stir well until everything is combined.
2. Roll into 1-1/2" balls and set them on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Wash your hands after every 4 balls to help keep the ingredients from sticking to your hands.
3. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to help them harden. (Optional).
4. Store the leftovers in a zip lock bag in the fridge.


Recipe via onelittleproject.com

Here's the perfect answer to all your brownie cravings -- brownie protein bites! They're so much healthier, and they happen to be easier to make to boot.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
5 Tbsp brown rice syrup
2 Tbsp nut or seed butter
2 Tbsp non-dairy milk

Directions:
1. Add all ingredients to the bowl of a food processor or blender and process until they have fully combined to form a dough. Depending on the ingredients you used, you may need to add a splash of extra milk or a small sprinkle of coconut flour. The mixture should stick together easily when pressed without being overly sticky.
2. Using a heaping tablespoon, roll dough between your hands to form balls. Set aside on a plate and repeat with remaining dough. Store balls in an airtight container at room temperature, or in the fridge for extended periods.

Recipe via runningwithspoons.com

These pass the kids test, and you know a healthy recipe is solid when it's happily enjoyed by the under-10 set.

Ingredients:
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup oats
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup coconut flour
2 Tbsp coconut oil
Desiccated coconut

Directions:
1. Place first four ingredients in a food processor with 1 tablespoon of the coconut oil
2. Whiz, whizz, whizz, it will take some time, be patient
3. Eventually it becomes a fine paste and form a ball
4. If the mixture looks dry add the second spoon of coconut oil. It depends a little on how much oil is released from the sunflower seeds.
5. Use a teaspoon to scoop balls
6. Roll the balls in desiccated coconut
7. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight

Recipe via mykidslickthebowl.com

Sometimes, there's nothing better than a snack that's both sweet and salty -- especially where pretzels are involved. This delicious snack will fit the bill for multiple cravings, while still keeping things healthy.

Ingredients:
1 cup dry oats (I like 1/2 old fashioned oatmeal and 1/2 quick cooking)
1/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup crushed pretzels
1/4 cup chopped roasted salted almonds
dash of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla, optional

Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, add all of the ingredients and stir to combine well. The mixture should be a bit sticky. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Use a spoon to scoop about a tablespoon of the cookie ball mixture into your hand. Roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture. This should make about 12 oatmeal energy balls.
3. Store the balls covered in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for much longer.

Recipe via blessthismessplease.com

Who invented Almond Joys? Seriously, whose idea was it to combine almonds, coconuts, and chocolate for the supreme culinary experience? This protein ball recipe gives you Almond Joy-level joy (and some extra protein, of course).

Ingredients:
2 cups dates
2 cups almonds
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (reserve 1/2 cup for rolling)
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 T unsweetened almond milk

Directions:
1. Put 1/2 cup of coconut flakes into the food processor and process to break up flakes slightly (about 1 minute). Do not over-process or it will become coconut butter.
2. Remove flakes and set aside
3. Place dates in the food processor and process until they have broken up and come together into a ball.
4. Break up date ball with hands and add in almonds, cocoa powder, 1/4 cup of coconut flakes and sea salt.
5. Process for several minutes, scrapping down the sides as needed.
6. Add in vanilla extract and 1 T of almond milk.
7. Process until mixture comes back together into a ball. If it doesn't do this, add in 1 more tablespoon of almond milk. It should look like the photo above.
8. Remove mixture from the food processor and roll into 2 dozen balls.
9. Roll each ball in the coconut flakes you processed earlier.
10. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for several weeks.

Recipe via thehealthymaven.com