Paleo Energy Bites - My travel go to

Been a crazy week. Took my son to check out a college last Monday. Which was a 2 1/2 drive there and then 2 1/2 hour drive home.  Long day, but wouldn't have missed it for the world!!!! Man he is growing up to fast. I can't tell you enough to enjoy every moment you have with your kids. Being a step mom is the toughest job I have ever done, but every moment that I connect with them is worth every tough moment. I won't forget the grin on his face when I said I was taking the day off work to go with him to check out this college.  Those are the moments that make all the tough times worth it.  The long drive and talks about the rest of his life, college, soccer, girls, school are moments I can't get back.  Don't forget to take the time to spend with your kiddos!

This weekend we traveled again for a dance competition and soccer. Very thankful they both in same town this time.  Another long day in the car.  We did have some fun the night prior, checking out the mall and trying a new restaurant, Arthur Bryant's BBQ (on my husbands bucket list, not mine).  I loved watching my son interact with my daughter and how they encouraged each other as they went separate ways to compete.  It was a long day as parents.  My husband was the taxi driver to dance, to soccer, back to dance, back to soccer, to lunch, to soccer and back home again.  I was the make up artist and hair dresser and cheerleader.  Ok I was the worrier.  I love to watch my kids no matter what they do whether, dance, music, running or soccer, but I get so nervous it is emotionally exhausting. The results were amazing!!! I could see an amazing improvement in both my kids ability and confidence. 

Quite the experience! Line was out the door! The turkey was the best!

Many parents ask me why we go to such great lengths for our kids to compete.  This is why, to watch them learn,  for them to work as part of a team, their personal level of growth as they win and when they lose, their character as humans are always being stretched and for that it is all worth it.  Most of all, it is the love they have for what they do and the gratefulness they show for what we do for them.  My daughter told me it was my job to pin her new awards on her jacket yesterday, as I am the one who does her hair, makeup and takes her to dance.  Yes, this mom got a little teary eyed.  Again appreciate every moment you have with your kids.

When we travel we try the hardest we can to eat as healthy and Paleo as we can.  I have to be honest it is not easy.  Making good choices is hard when you need quick and fast. The trick is being prepared.  Traveling with as much healthy food as you can.  Fruit, veggies, healthy snacks and lots of water, helps for sure.  My go to is these Paleo Energy Bites.  I love them when we are on the run and need a quick pick me up.  Riding in the car for hours and we don't want to stop or buy something unhealthy, I instead eat a bite.  Between costume changes at the dance competition this momma snuck a bite and on the ride to brothers soccer game after dancing all morning a great treat.   My son loves to have one about an hour before playing soccer and my other daughter and I love them before runs. We use to make them with Peanut Butter and real chocolate chips, but in that my husband and youngest daughter can't eat chocolate and I went Paleo too, we had to find a Paleo version.  After a few tries, we found one we all like.  Hope you enjoy and these will be a reminder to you to enjoy every moment with your kiddos!

Paleo Energy Bites

3/4 cup Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
3/4 cup Almond Butter
1/8 cup Honey
1/8 cup Maple Syrup (pure)
1/4 cup Flaxseed, ground (you can also do half and half wheat germ)
3/4 cup unsweetened coconut shreds
1/4 cup Enjoy Life Semi Sweet Chocolate Mini Chips

These are my savior with eating Paleo and my husband and daughter unable to have milk.

Mix all together.  I find using my hands works best.  I then roll them into small balls and store in a Tupperware dish in the fridge.  They don't really melt so as long as not in really hot place can travel with you a container or small baggies. I enjoy them as my sweet afternoon snack at work.  You could use chopped nuts as well, or dried berries too, but this is the way my families likes them the best.