It has been an unusually warm spring here Oregon this year. We are used to being cooped up and having gray days to no end come springtime, but instead we have been privy to dry days and evening sunsets.
Bliss.
The neighbors have been out starting their gardens and the kiddos have been riding their bikes outside after school. It’s as if summer came early this year. We aren’t holding our breath as we know the rain will soon set in, but it gave us just a glimpse of the fun summer is going to bring this year. The taste of warm air has gotten our family thinking and planning out just how many bike rides, hikes, and camping trips we can fit into one summer.
If you’re a #LifeFromScratch mama like me, you know that a little bit of planning has to go into these outings when it comes to eating well and keeping the kiddos fueled without the sugar crash.
One of the easiest things we make in our household for an on-the-go, healthy snack are raw bites.
They only take a few ingredients, five minutes to make, and are great fuel for park days, sports, hiking, biking and definitely camping.
They travel well and kids love them. Win! You can make and freeze these ahead of time and also try different flavors each time you make them because the base is always the same: 2 cups nuts to about 10-12 medjool dates. I chose to make raw lemon bites this time around because lemon is so refreshing and perfect for spring.
Lemon are also high in antioxidants and Vitamin C and the two work synergistically to fight free radicals, boost immunity, and stave off infections and illness like the flu and common cold. The lemon rind or zest contains five times more nutrients than the juice itself so these little bites are full of vitamins and nutrients.
- In a food processor, combine all of the ingredients and process until nuts are ground with small bits. You don’t want to let it go too long or you will end up with nut butter! You will know you have the right consistency if the mixture sticks together when you pinch it between two fingers.
- Start with 10 medjool dates, if it is not sticking together, add 2 more dates.
- When you get it just right, roll the mixture into snack-sized balls.
Make sure to buy organic lemons if consuming the peel/rind because of pesticide residue and wash thoroughly given there may be a wax coating on the outside.
Comments 4
These Raw Lemon Bites are delicious and soon easy! I’ve already passed the recipe on to several others who also love them!
Author
Thanks, Margot!
not a mommy but like the fuel idea
Author
Yes, these work great post workout or for a nutrient-dense snack.