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You are here: Home / Recipes / Appetizers and Snacks / A Protein-Packed Lunch Option: No Bake Energy Balls

A Protein-Packed Lunch Option: No Bake Energy Balls

July 27, 2015 By Angie Kauffman · Disclosure: This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. {I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.}

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Back-to-school time is creeping upon us, which means that it will soon be time again for bedtimes, homework, lots of new school supplies, and life falling back into more of a routine.  One of those school time routines that Molly has grown to love is taking her lunch to school.  While she eats the majority of her lunches as school hot lunches, she meticulously plans out her days of taking her own lunch to school at the beginning of each month when the school lunch menus come home.

Even though Molly tends to enjoy the school lunches, she loves deciding on what she’ll eat and then packing up her lunch.  She tries to come up with lots of creative ideas to make her lunch fun, and I often find her grabbing out things like our special sandwich cutter (that turns a regular sandwich into two dinosaurs).

A Protein-Packed Meal Option: No Bake Energy Balls {easy enough that even kids can make them!}

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One of her complaints, however, is that she enjoys drinking milk with her lunch, but then that means waiting in line with the kids getting hot lunches just to get and pay for her milk.  This means that, sometimes, she opts to take juice to drink just so she can head straight to her lunch table.  She was very excited when we got to try out the perfect-for-lunch boxes, and other single serving situations, 12 oz Shamrock Farms on-­the-­go mmmmilk bottles, which include a choice of chocolate, white, and strawberry milk.

Shamrock Farms milk-on-the-go

One of the recipes we made was the No Bake Energy Bites.  Molly decided on a couple of modifications that she wanted to make.  Yep, that’s right.  She checked out the recipe and decided that she wanted to make it all on her own.  To make that happen, we used regular flake coconut that was not toasted.  She also decided on mini chocolate chips instead of regular ones.  Lastly, she decided she wanted to add some chia seeds.

A Protein-Packed Lunch Option: No Bake Energy Balls {plus fruit kabob skewers - all easy enough for kids to make on their own!}

Molly’s Modified No Bake Energy Bites

Ingredients

  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup peanut butter (though any nut butter would work)
  • 1 cup dry oatmeal
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl until well blended.  These can be difficult to blend well, but I suggested to Molly that she mix it with her (clean!) hands when she was running into difficulty.

2. Roll mixture into balls.  You may need to add another tablespoon or less of the nut butter, if you have too much difficulty binding dry ingredients together.

3. Chill the energy balls in the refrigerator until they are firm.

We thought that another fabulous addition to the lunch was fruit kabobs.  To make them easier to fit in a small plastic storage container, we opted to thread fresh fruit onto 4-inch sucker sticks that we had.  This also meant there were no pointed ends.  Score!

A Protein-Packed Lunch Option: No Bake Energy Balls {This recipe is just part of this protein-packed lunch!}

In addition to the No Bake Energy Balls and Fruit Kabobs, we rounded out the meal with string cheese, a few crackers, and a 12 oz Shamrock Farms 2% Strawberry Milk.  Although we are sharing the meal by showing it on a plate, these are all things that could be easily packed up in Molly’s insulated lunch bag with a cold pack.

A Protein-Packed Lunch Option: No Bake Energy Balls

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Filed Under: Appetizers and Snacks, Recipes Tagged With: kids in the kitchen

About Angie Kauffman

Angie, mom to three very fun kids, is the founder of Real Life at Home.  With degrees in elementary education (B.A.) and special education (M.S.Ed.), as well as being a former homeschooler, she is passionate about supporting both parents and teachers by providing printables, crafts, and activities to help children learn and grow.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. lisa brown says

    July 27, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    I like to pack a sandwich, piece of fruit or raisins, a juice box, milk, or water, cheese crackers or cheerios, maybe nuts or pretzel sticks.

    Reply
  2. lisa brown says

    July 27, 2015 at 12:33 pm

    tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/625705557022932992

    Reply
  3. Julie Wood says

    July 27, 2015 at 12:47 pm

    My son loves Greek yogurt, carrots, chicken fajitas, and a fruit cup!

    Reply
  4. Julie Wood says

    July 27, 2015 at 12:47 pm

    Tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/625709143802773504

    Reply
  5. Elena says

    July 27, 2015 at 1:12 pm

    I like to pack sandwiches or turkey wraps, veggies, fruits and water bottles

    Reply
  6. Elena says

    July 27, 2015 at 1:12 pm

    tweet: https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/625715039278903296

    Reply
  7. Natalie says

    July 27, 2015 at 1:49 pm

    I like to pack fresh fruit, especially apples, yogurt and crackers for lunch. If I want a more substantial lunch I love to pack a turkey sub or chicken wrap!

    Reply
  8. Natalie says

    July 27, 2015 at 1:50 pm

    https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/625725040508563456

    Reply
  9. Mami2jcn says

    July 27, 2015 at 3:44 pm

    I like to add little notes of encouragement along with a Hershey’s kiss.

    Reply
  10. Mami2jcn says

    July 27, 2015 at 4:02 pm

    tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/625758092941217792

    Reply
  11. steve weber says

    July 27, 2015 at 4:05 pm

    I pack: a sandwich, yogurt, fruit, chips, granola bar, veggies and a dessert

    groogruxking40 @ gmail dot com

    Reply
  12. steve weber says

    July 27, 2015 at 4:06 pm

    tweet- https://twitter.com/groogruxking40/status/625759120952406016

    Reply
  13. Jessica To says

    July 27, 2015 at 4:09 pm

    I like to pack cheese and crackers for my son.

    Reply
  14. Kelly D says

    July 27, 2015 at 4:43 pm

    I like to pack a cheese sandwich, a box of raisins and some fresh veggies with a dip. I also like to pack a frozen yogurt tube to help keep everything cool and it makes a great snack.

    Reply
  15. Kelly D says

    July 27, 2015 at 4:44 pm

    tweet
    https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/625768672485867520

    Reply
  16. Will G says

    July 27, 2015 at 5:18 pm

    Little Debbie Snacks

    Reply
  17. Will G says

    July 27, 2015 at 5:19 pm

    https://twitter.com/willgriesmer/status/625777596521914368

    Reply
  18. Rachel says

    July 28, 2015 at 1:16 pm

    I like to pack a sandwich/wrap, raw veggies, a piece of fruit, yogurt and water.

    Reply
  19. Rachel says

    July 28, 2015 at 1:21 pm

    https://twitter.com/RachelGriesmer/status/626079860297961473

    Reply
  20. Maggi says

    July 29, 2015 at 4:28 pm

    I love packing sandwiches with chips and hummus!

    Reply
  21. Jeffrey says

    July 29, 2015 at 7:36 pm

    My kids like homemade cookies, they take after me! I usually make monster cookies or chocolate chip.

    Reply
  22. Jeffrey says

    July 29, 2015 at 7:39 pm

    I tweeted: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/626537339045588992.

    Reply
  23. rachel cartucci says

    July 29, 2015 at 11:10 pm

    I like to an orange,carrots and usually some type of sandwich for my son….and he really loves kale chips too.

    Reply
  24. Barbara says

    July 30, 2015 at 3:57 pm

    I like using pita bread for sandwiches and adding chips and fruit.

    Reply
  25. Jessie C. says

    July 30, 2015 at 11:34 pm

    I like to pack Mac & cheese bites and mini chicken pot pie in my child’s lunchbox.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

    Reply
  26. Jessie C. says

    July 30, 2015 at 11:35 pm

    tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/626958178123563009

    Reply
  27. shelly peterson says

    July 31, 2015 at 2:11 am

    I like to pack a sandwich or meat, cheese and crackers with a veggie and a gogurt and some fruit.

    cshell090869 at aol dot com

    Reply
  28. shelly peterson says

    July 31, 2015 at 2:12 am

    tweeted
    https://twitter.com/cshell202/status/626998682383069186
    cshell090869 at aol dot com

    Reply
  29. Mena says

    July 31, 2015 at 4:37 pm

    I usually pack a sandwich or soup, vegetable (they love carrots/celery with ranch), fruit (oranges, grapes, melon), with a Thermos of ice cold water. For fun, at times, a Hershey kiss or other small candy. Thanks for all the ideas and contest!

    Reply
  30. Kristen says

    August 1, 2015 at 8:00 am

    I like pita sandwiches and fruit.

    Reply
  31. Kristen says

    August 1, 2015 at 8:01 am

    tweeted
    https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/627448778098737154

    Reply
  32. Heather says

    August 1, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    I love making lunch fun for my kiddos, they tend to eat it all if it is fun to eat, so bite size, fun size shapes or pieces! They love when I pack olives, and healthy sandwiches that are in a shape. I do veggies and dips, fruits and yogurts, bottled water. My kiddos are now 2nd and 6th, and they still look forward to finding out what Mom packed, and sometimes I also include a fun, loving note. My kiddos have food allergies, so this has always helped them look forward to eating, instead of it being a chore and uncomfortable. It’s helped them develop the right habits for eating and we don’t eat processed food. 🙂

    Reply
  33. Amy M. says

    August 1, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    Tweet: https://twitter.com/theamymichaels/status/627536325625925632

    Reply
  34. Amy M. says

    August 1, 2015 at 1:49 pm

    For my lunch I love eating salad, sandwiches, or leftovers! For sides I usually stick with fruit, veggies, yogurt, or pretzels.

    Reply
  35. sherri crawford says

    August 2, 2015 at 6:06 am

    i like to include yogurt and a granola bar

    Reply
  36. Barbara M says

    August 2, 2015 at 6:46 pm

    I like to pack turkey roll ups – a big hit with the kids!
    Add crackers with hummus and fresh fruit.
    thank you

    Reply
  37. Barbara M says

    August 2, 2015 at 6:46 pm

    Tweeted https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/627972924042047488

    Reply
  38. Madeline says

    August 8, 2015 at 8:32 am

    I like to pack peanut butter and banana sandwiches, carrot sticks, and apples.

    Reply
  39. Madeline says

    August 8, 2015 at 8:37 am

    Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/629994843817791488

    Reply
  40. Monica F says

    August 10, 2015 at 6:52 pm

    We love to have salads with cheese sticks or a sandwich with all the fillings but not the bread. We try to have more veggies and less fruit with lunch but my youngest definitely has a sweet tooth.

    Reply
  41. Mindy Sims says

    August 16, 2015 at 4:13 pm

    I like to pack easy, paleo-ish, gluten-free items like these energy balls!!! Thank you for the recipe and giveaway!

    Reply
  42. Mindy Sims says

    August 16, 2015 at 5:07 pm

    I tweeted this:

    No Bake Energy Balls @RealLifeAtHome + a giveaway! reallifeathome.com/protein-packed… #SweepstakesEntry

    But I don’t know how to get the url! 🙁

    Reply
  43. Debra C says

    August 17, 2015 at 7:33 am

    Microwave MAC and cheese

    Reply
  44. Susan Smith says

    August 22, 2015 at 4:42 pm

    My son loves yogurt, cheese sticks, fruit snacks or apple sauce in his lunches

    Reply
  45. Susan Smith says

    August 22, 2015 at 4:44 pm

    https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/635190449389629440

    Reply
  46. Rebecca says

    August 23, 2015 at 5:25 pm

    I usually pack a sandwich, chips, apple and a cookie.

    Reply
  47. Debbie B says

    August 28, 2015 at 11:17 pm

    i like to pack a sandwich and some fruit

    Reply
  48. Debbie B says

    August 28, 2015 at 11:18 pm

    I posted a tweet here:

    https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/637464113052954624

    Reply
  49. Ellie Wright says

    September 3, 2015 at 3:20 pm

    My boys like yogurt and fruit salad as part of their lunches.

    Reply
  50. Ellie Wright says

    September 3, 2015 at 3:21 pm

    tweeted

    https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/639517038969421824

    Reply
  51. Thomas Murphy says

    September 4, 2015 at 12:14 am

    My son likes turkey and cheese sandwiches.

    Reply
  52. Thomas Murphy says

    September 4, 2015 at 12:15 am

    tweeted
    https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/639652894531264512

    Reply
  53. Tabathia B says

    September 4, 2015 at 5:11 pm

    I like to pack fruit every day, either a muffin, wrap with turkey and cheese or a mini sub with turkey and cheese and milk/juice

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  54. amanda sakovitz says

    September 4, 2015 at 5:17 pm

    My kids like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

    Reply
  55. amanda sakovitz says

    September 4, 2015 at 5:18 pm

    tweeted
    https://twitter.com/aes529/status/639910258454986753

    Reply
  56. Tabathia B says

    September 4, 2015 at 5:24 pm

    tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/639907758440095744

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  57. Claudia Davis says

    September 4, 2015 at 6:54 pm

    https://twitter.com/davisesq212/status/639934523304738816

    Reply
  58. Claudia Davis says

    September 4, 2015 at 6:55 pm

    I like to pack a PBandJ sandwich, juice box, water, pretzels, and grapes.

    Reply
  59. Stephanie Phelps says

    September 4, 2015 at 7:03 pm

    I love to pack turkey rollups and apples with peanut butter!

    Reply
  60. Stephanie Phelps says

    September 4, 2015 at 7:04 pm

    I tweeted
    https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/639936793429831680

    Reply
  61. Tina m says

    September 4, 2015 at 8:44 pm

    I love to pack sandwich, fruit and yogurt.

    Reply
  62. Tina m says

    September 4, 2015 at 8:48 pm

    https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/639962305472524288

    Reply

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Meet Angie

Angie, mom to three very fun kids, is the founder of Real Life at Home.  With degrees in elementary education (B.A.) and special education (M.S.Ed.), as well as being a former homeschooler, she is passionate about supporting both parents and teachers by providing printables, crafts, and activities to help children learn and grow. Read More…

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