Calm Your Cravings with a Bite-Sized Reset
You know those moments when you’re stressed, tired, and your hand is reaching for the snack drawer on autopilot? Especially after 40, midlife cravings hit differently—often triggered by a spike in cortisol rather than true hunger.
That’s why I created these Stress-Soothing Energy Bites—a quick, no-bake snack designed to calm your cravings, stabilize blood sugar, and nourish your body in the middle of a hectic day.
Inspired by my go-to trail mix, these bites combine healthy fats, fiber, protein, and a touch of dark chocolate for mood-boosting satisfaction. Plus, they’re portable, freezer-friendly, and take just minutes to prep.
Recipe: Stress-Soothing Energy Bites
Yields: 16 energy bites
Serving Size: 1 energy bite
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup raw almonds (about 100g)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (50g)
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cacao, 40g)
- 1/3 cup dried cherries, unsweetened (50g)
- 1 cup rolled oats (80g)
- 1/2 cup almond butter (120g)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (50g)
- 1 tsp ashwagandha powder (optional, 5g)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
- In a food processor, pulse the almonds and pumpkin seeds until coarsely chopped.
- Add oats, dried cherries, dark chocolate chips, ashwagandha powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse a few times to mix.
- Add almond butter and maple syrup. Process until the mixture is sticky and holds together when pressed.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Why These Energy Bites Support Stress Relief
- Almonds & Pumpkin Seeds: Rich in magnesium and healthy fats to calm the nervous system.
- Oats: Provide fiber to stabilize blood sugar and prevent energy crashes.
- Dark Chocolate: Boosts mood and provides antioxidant support.
- Dried Cherries: Natural source of melatonin for better sleep.
- Ashwagandha (Optional): An adaptogen known to reduce cortisol levels.
- Balanced Fats + Carbs: Keeps you full and satisfied without blood sugar spikes.
Nutritional Info (Per Energy Bite):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 151 kcal |
| Protein | 3.9g |
| Fat | 9.8g |
| Carbohydrates | 12.9g |
Try This:
Pair one of these bites with a calming cup of herbal tea during your mid-afternoon slump, or keep a stash in your bag for when cravings hit on the go.
More Stress-Soothing Snack Ideas:
Want to see how I created the original Stress-Soothing Trail Mix that inspired these bites? Check out the blog post.
💜 Love this recipe?
Let’s turn meals like this into a stress-free, nourishing routine.
I help women 40+ feel better in their bodies with simple, plant-forward strategies that support digestion, hormones, and energy — without dieting or deprivation.
👉 Book your free 20-minute wellness consult
Just a few spots available this month!
✨ Want more support? Learn about my coaching program here →
Stress-Soothing Energy Bites: A Grab-and-Go Snack for Midlife Cravings
Tame midlife cravings and lower cortisol naturally with these no-bake stress-soothing energy bites. A quick, grab-and-go snack packed with hormone-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients
To Make:
-
In a food processor, pulse the almonds and pumpkin seeds until coarsely chopped.
-
Add oats, dried cherries, dark chocolate chips, ashwagandha powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse a few times to mix.
-
Add almond butter and maple syrup. Process until the mixture is sticky and holds together when pressed.
-
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls.
-
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 16
Serving Size 1 ball
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 151kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9.8g16%
- Total Carbohydrate 12.9g5%
- Protein 3.9g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
