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21 Stupid-Easy Energy Bite Recipes For Running Fuel

During my stay at Wellfit Malibu, I probably heard the words “energy ball” every 10 minutes thanks to the hilarious Lee and Davida who were indeed starving on the low calorie menu.

I of course then snuck in to their rooms and begged for said energy balls! One bite and I realized that I must once again attempt these delicious, whole food snacks. You see my first attempts have turned out to look more like blobs than balls.

So with their tips in mind, I went looking for some recipes to spark my kitchen creations and I just had to share what I came across because these recipes for runners are a must! They make for fantastic homemade energy bars during runs, pre-run snacks or post run refueling when you need those carbs!

Each of these come from recipe creators who have experience in the ball area and I KNOW are trust worthy for creating things they’ve actually tested and tasted multiple times! Healthy Energy Bite Recipes

Not sure the best way to sweetener your bites to keep them healthier! I’ve got a guide for you! Homemade energy balls are a fantastic way to keep the sugar down and your wallet happy.

Download your guide to natural sugar sweeteners (and what to avoid)

I consider this the ultimate round up of the best energy bars for runners because you can control the ingredients, the protein, the sugar and the amount you eat.

Chocolate Energy Bites

When you want a treat, but still want to feel healthy…it’s time to reach for a chocolate energy ball! These recipes will satisfy whatever craving you might be having!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bake Energy Bites from Gimme Some Oven
Almond Joy Protein Balls from Get Healthy Yu
Chickpea + Dairy Free Chocolate Energy Bites from RTTF
Trail Mix Quinoa Energy Bites from The Baker Mama
Fig Almond No Bake Energy Bites from Well Plated
Chocolate Fudge Red Velvet Cake Bites from Cotter Crunchenergy bars for runners

Fruit Based Energy Balls

Amusing that almost everyone in this group called them BITES and not BALLS…presumably because they know far too many of us aren’t mature enough not to giggle every time we say balls. We could simply refer to them as healthy snacks for runners, but where is the fun in that.

Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites from Paleo Grubs
Blueberry Lemon Energy Bites from The NY Melrose Family
Lemon Poppy Seed Energy Bites from Amy ‘s Healthy Baking
Healthy Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites from Desserts With Benefits
Raspberry Zinger Energy Balls  from The Wholesome Dish
Fig Newton Bites from The Lemon Bowlwhole food energy bites

Nut Free Energy Balls

I’ve often wondered if people with a nut allergy where simply excluded from the whole energy bite recipe experience, but it turns out plenty of people have found ways to make them with seeds and other things. Enjoy these desserts with benefits!

Nut Free Coconut Date Energy Balls by Diary of an ExSloth
Paleo Energy Bites from The Nourishing Gourmet
Nut Free Chocolate Energy Balls from FitMitten Kitchen
Date Energy Balls from Detoxinista
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Energy Bites from Running with Spoonshealthy energy balls

High Protein Energy Balls

Who needs a protein bar when you can make these at home and save yourself mola, calories and often chemicals. It also ensures if you’re like me that you have the option to avoid dairy and whey in the protein which is a well known allergen…hello inflammation and bloating!

No bake oatmeal protein energy balls by The Healthy Maven
High Protein Mint Chocolate Chip by Fit Foodie Finds (one of my personal fav flavors!!)
Brownie Batter Energy Bites by InIt4TheLongRun
Detox Protein Matcha Balls by The Healthy Chef
Sweet Potato Protein Bites by Pancake WarriorsHigh Protein energy bites

Why are energy balls such a great option for runners?

Not sure why everyone has gone so gaga for energy balls, energy bites and whatever other name they might go by? There are some very good reasons.

  • Unlike some bars you know the ingredients are nothing but WHOLE foods.
  • You can actually carry these on a run for fuel.
  • Their small size makes them calorie controlled, so when post run hunger strikes you can attempt not to go crazy.
  • Most are filled with foods that are going to replenish glycogen and help with muscle repair making them perfect for pre, during and post run.
  • All natural sugars.
  • Easy to make them gluten free.
  • Easy to digest for most runners (in other words no runners trots like with gels)
Whether you call them energy balls or bites, they're the perfect running fuel! 21 Healthy Energy Ball ideas Click To Tweet

What do you need?
A food processor or high-speed blender work equally well. After that it’s all about your hands!

Are they actually good for you?
The best thing is that they’re totally customizable to your preferences, your allergies and well based on the number you eat, your calorie needs! Just a few of the key ingredients that provide benefits:

  • Chia seeds: a known high protein plant based fuel that’s great for runners
  • Nuts: a high quality fat to keep you feeling full
  • Oats: a complex carb for lasting energy

How many do they make?
Most recipes make between 10-12 bites depending on size…which means I recommend making a double or triple batch and then tossing them in the freezer or the fridge to extend their life.

Which recipe should I try first?

Have you ever made balls or bites?

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Comments

  1. Oh I have tried many times to make ones that I really love but I always seem to fall short. A friend of mine makes the best protein/peanut butter balls and brings them skiing. They are perfect for eating on the char ilift in between runs!!
    I love all these different ones and will try, try again!!
    My recent post The Rundown – Whiplash

  9. have made some balls with dates, cashew, almond and a bit of cocoa for long run fuel. I find that they get very squishy after an hour or so in my pocket. Think it's the coconut oil melting (it's summer here in NZ). I'd love to try a recipe that will stay hard when I'm running. any ideas?
    My recent post My very own Running Buddy!

  11. Haha! I don't think I could live without energy balls, power balls, bites, whatever you call them! My hardest thing with posting energy ball recipes is trying to first name them, write the posts that come out without accidental ball jokes or phrases that just don't work, and trying to get the perfect photograph before eating them all! Good thing my family loves them too and that my husband gets a kick out of listening to me in the kitchen making or photographing them if he is around so now I try to call them bites. Simply delicious and nutritious the options are so endless you can't help but love them!

  14. I am in love with energy balls. Perfect for those nights you are craving a dessert or after a tough workout. We made something similar to this using millet and peanut butter and they were spectacular.

  15. This is really nice name and very attractive name in this recipe, Energy Bite Recipes For Running Fuel. I should try to served this Energy Bite Recipes For Running Fuel with plunger press coffee in my Cafeteria. Thanks for sending this recipe.

Website written, managed and maintained by Amanda Brooks. I am a certified personal trainer, but any advice should be taken as general information and not a personalized plan. All opinions, tips and reviews are based upon my personal life experience and the experiences of those around me. View my full privacy and review policy.