Fueling our kids with powerful foods can help improve their learning behavior, aptitude, and attendance. There are plenty of studies out there correlating a kids nutrition with their brain function - which we all know plays apart not only in how they learn and retain information, but more importantly it's major role in a kids mental wellbeing.
I don't know about you, but life can be busy and feel like I'm constantly on-the-go. These nutrient-packed power bites are great for practice days, working out, or when you just need a little extra boost. They are made with doTERRA Wild Orange essential oil which is known to help keep the body full of energy.
WILD ORANGE POWER BITES
Ingredients
1 cup finely shredded coconut, divided
1 cup almond butter
1 cup dried cranberries
½ cup raw honey
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chia seeds
3 drops Wild Orange oil
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into mixer, reserving just a half cup of the shredded coconut in a bowl to the side.
- Add essential oil.
- Mix until well combined.
- Roll into balls and coat in the other half cup of shredded coconut.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Who doesn't love a flavored popcorn with immune-boosting benefits? This is a great alternative to caramel corn and/or perfect as we head into fall/winter. This delicious popcorn is made with the doTERRA On Guard Protective Blend and Cinnamon Bark essential oils.
ON GUARD® POPCORN
Ingredients
1 cup popcorn kernels
¼ cup unrefined coconut oil
¼ cup pure maple syrup
5–6 drops of doTERRA On Guard Protective Blend
2–3 drops of Cinnamon Bark oil
Ground cinnamon to taste
Instructions
- Air-pop popcorn and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Melt coconut oil. Stir in maple syrup and essential oils.
- Pour mixture over popcorn, pausing to toss and mix.
- Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and salt. Mix thoroughly and enjoy.
Tip: If melting coconut oil on the stove top, be sure to remove from heat before adding essential oils.
I love a good granola bar! Even though things are getting better and you can find some decent store bought granola, nothing is better than homemade granola. Use this recipe as a guide, but I encourage you to play around and add the things that your family likes. This granola is made with doTERRA Tangerine essential oil, which is the oil of cheer and creativity - so there's that!
DIY GRANOLA BARS
Ingredients
2 ½ cups quick oats
½ cup Rice Crispies
½ cup of mini semisweet chocolate chips
¼ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon of salt
¼ cup coconut
⅛ cup flax seed
⅛ cup sesame seed
⅛ cup chia seed
⅓ cup coconut oil
¼ cup honey
½ teaspoon vanilla
2 drops Tangerine oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Mix all dry ingredients together. Set aside.
- Mix all wet ingredients together. Melt in a sauce pan over medium heat.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix uniformly.
- Allow wet ingredients to absorb into dry ingredients.
Tip: If mixture is too dry, add more coconut oil or honey; if too wet, add more oatmeal.
Line cake pan with parchment paper. Pour in mixture and pat down.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until lightly brown.
An alternative to the Wild Orange Power Bites, these delicious-n-easy to make energy bites are the perfect snack for fueling the body when you know a lot of energy will be expelled - PE, going for hike, a big game, or even a big test.
STRAWBERRY-CINNAMON ENERGY BITES
Ingredients
1 cup raw cashews
½ cup strawberries, chopped
¼ cup coconut butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla
1–2 drops Cinnamon Bark oil
Dash of nutmeg
Dash of sea salt
1 package chia seeds or coconut flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and chop strawberries. Set aside.
- In a food processor or blender, pulse raw cashews until they form a crumbled texture.
- Add in chopped strawberries and coconut butter. Pulse mixture.
- Add remaining ingredients and blend until they form into a batter. Place batter in fridge for 30 minutes or until firm.
- Remove the batter from the fridge and roll batter into medium balls. Roll balls in chia seeds or coconut flakes, coating the outside.
- Store energy bites in the fridge to keep fresh. Consume within two weeks.
Have you tried these yet? I'll be honest, I was a little skeptical when I first heard of them, but black bean brownies are a delicious and nutritious twist to a traditional chocolate brownie. You might be nervous about baking with black beans, but don't be! They have a very mild flavor and packed full of protein, which is excellent for our fueling your kids (and you!).
PEPPERMINT BLACK BEAN BROWNIES
Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 large eggs
¼ cup cocoa powder
⅔ cup honey
⅓ cup coconut oil
½ teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
2–4 drops Peppermint oil
¾ cup chocolate chips, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Place all ingredients, except for chocolate chips, in blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Pour batter into large bowl and stir in ½ cup chocolate chips.
- Pour into greased 8x8-inch pan and top with ¼ cup chocolate chips.
- Bake 30–35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Tip: If Peppermint isn't "your thing" you can also boost the flavor of your brownie with other essential oils, like Wild Orange, Cinnamon, or even Lavender.
You don't have to be a kid or going to school to enjoy a good snack, so hopefully you'll fuel your body and enjoy these too!
xoDanette