I've been trying to live a healthier lifestyle in an effort to reduce my risk of developing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension,which are prevalent in the Caribbean region, particularly here in Saint Lucia. In my quest to lead a healthier lifestyle I have taken up walking (other forms of exercise will be added in due course- for now taking up walking,though a modest start is a giant leap for me -yes people my lifestyle has been that sedentary! (Sigh) In my defense though -which okay let's admit it,isn't really that much of a defense....but it is valid a reason - given everything that having a career and family to look after entails, I haven't yet been able to commit to any kind of exercise routine to get washboard abs and buns of steel (lol). But the desire to exercise is there and they say to do something you must first have the desire right ....so I have the desire and I have started walking.
In terms of eating healthier I have started reducing the amount of sugar I consume and I've been consuming less processed foods. I've realized that when I am hungry (i.e. between meals) is when I consume the bad stuff,you know the processed and sugary snacks: the cookies,the potato chips et cetera. To combat this,I have started making myself these protein energy bites. They taste yummy, are filled with protein and fiber, and as an added bonus these energy bites are also great for boosting milk production for lactating mothers.
Ingredients
1 cup Oats
2/3 cup Peanut Butter
1/2 cup Cranberries (you can use semi-sweet chocolate chips or coconut flakes if you prefer)
1/2 cup Ground Flaxseed
2 tbsp Honey
Method
Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix or knead them together with a spoon or your hands (I used my hands) and then roll them into little balls.
This recipe gave me thirteen balls however the amount of balls you get may vary depending on the size of the balls. I formed the balls immediately after mixing the ingredients together however you can leave the mixed ingredients in the fridge for a little while (e.g fifteen to thirty minutes) to make it easier to form the balls.
