KTbites for all

When I snack, it's a complete mental battle... to snack or not to snack? Sometimes, I am craving a snack because it really does feel like I have a hollow leg. Other times, I know I'm looking to snack because I am bored. Either way, I haven't been so great about picking snacks that are both healthy and satisfying. Most of the time, I'm craving something sweet, and my mind immediately jumps to cookies and candy. Recently my quest has been to find healthy and satisfying snacks that can either be packed up for snack, eaten while on-the-go, or (for J-Hay at least) something quick and nutritious to eat before leaving for physical therapy.

Which leads me to backstory numero uno: J-Hay sent me a link at least a month ago for a recipe imitation of Larabars. Looked interesting, but we weren't buying them on a weekly basis, so the recipe wasn't a high priority for me. Last week, I was cleaning up my email, and found his email again. A lightbulb went off. This recipe is relatively simple, requires few ingredients, and duh, I've read enough Larabar wrappers to know exactly how to make my own. Dates, nuts, more nuts, and maybe some fruit. So simple!

Banana Bread KTbites

• 10-12 small dates (not medjool, but if that's the kind you have, I think only 5-6 would be needed)
• 1/2 cup raw pecans
• 1/2 cup banana chips

First, cut your dates in half. Otherwise the food processor won't know what to do with them. Add all ingredients into the food processor and rev it up. Process all ingredients until it begins to stick together. At this point, add about a tablespoon or so of water to the mixture. This will help the mixture form a ball. Then, once the mixture has fully congealed, shape it into whatever form pleases you. I'm personally partial to the "bites" form, i.e. balls. Just easier to eat. No silverware required. Place your KTbites into a tupperware container and put into fridge to firm. You can eat them right then and there, but I prefer to wait until they sit in the fridge for a bit. YUM.

And then there is the version created for J-Hay, with the help of his genius idea to add protein powder. Backstory numero dos: J-Hay can never get enough protein.  (side note: J-Hay is not a meathead, I swear) If it's some type of snack food or baked good, he asks about adding protein powder. And I may be kind of selfish, because most of the time I decline to add protein powder, and it's mainly because protein powder just isn't as appetizing to me as it is to him. Sorry babe! These KTbite recipes are just so simple that it's easy peasy to make a few different batches when preparing for the week. Which means J-Hay and KT get their own stock of KTbites. Nom nom nom.

J-Hay's Caramel Toffee Fudge KTbites

• 10-12 small dates
• 1/2 cup macademia nuts (cashews work too)
• 1 scoop Optimum Nutrition Caramel Toffee Fudge protein powder 

Same instructions as above, but you will probably need a tad bit more water due to the protein powder. And just as a warning, this mix tends to be a bit stickier.

Now it's time to be creative! Start with dates and add your own ingredients. Almonds! Raisins! Dried apples! Whatever floats your boat. Just keep it simple and keep it real.