Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites: The Recipe That Got Away

A few falls ago, I sent out an email I was pretty proud of. It had this recipe in it, little pumpkin spice energy bites, no baking, all cozy.

One problem. The link to the recipe was broken.

I found out the way you usually find out... somebody kind wrote back and told me. So I sent the fix, and the bites have been a fall favorite around here ever since. This time, the recipe is right here on the page. No link to break.

They taste like Thanksgiving got rolled into a ball. Pumpkin, cinnamon, dates for the sweet, and a crunchy almond coat. I make a batch when the house starts filling up, because they sit in the fridge behaving themselves until the doorbell rings.

Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites

• 2 scoops Life Shake
• 10 dates, pitted
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup almonds, crushed, for coating

Blend everything until the dates and oats disappear. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of water until it holds together. Roll into balls, coat them in the crushed almonds, and freeze for 30 minutes. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week... if they last that long.

That is the whole trick. Real ingredients, nothing you cannot pronounce, and a treat you can hand to a grandkid or a neighbor and feel good about.

If you make them, I would love to hear how yours turned out. And if you want more of this kind of thing, my Be Better group on Facebook is where the Healthy Holidays recipes are gathering this season... come sit with us: https://www.facebook.com/groups/376283566440134

Cindy McAsey, Shaklee Independent Ambassador

Protein Needs for Different Ages, Genders, and Life Stages

🌞 Good morning, wellness warriors! It’s time to share more about the protein amounts story!

 

While the amounts we’ve talked about here are a good guide for most adults, needs will vary, especially based on gender, age, and pregnancy.

♀️GENDER/SEX

Did you know women build muscle mass at half the rate of men? 😯And, at age 30+, women begin losing muscle mass at an alarming rate of 3-8% every decade. Most of us aren't even getting close to the amount we need. Prioritizing protein can be a complete game changer.

                                        

👵AGE

As we age, we don’t use protein as efficiently for muscle synthesis, so eating more protein becomes key for maintaining muscles and strength. In fact, as we get older, muscle mass is as important in fracture risk as bone quality is! 

Infants and kids have their own unique protein needs, too. As children grow, a critical natural strength develops. Keep your kids active and fueled with enough protein!

Daily Needs for Aging Adults

• 50+ years: About 0.45–1.00g protein per pound of body weight

Daily Needs for Kids

• Infants (0-6 months): At least 0.80g protein per pound of body weight
• Infants (7-12 months): At least 0.73g protein per pound of body weight
• Children (4-13 years): About 0.43g protein per pound of body weight

 

🤰STAGE

Pregnant women need more protein to help build the baby's muscles, bones, and other tissues, especially in the second and third trimesters. For breastfeeding women, protein requirements are even higher so they can maintain muscle mass while providing adequate nutrition through breast milk.

Daily Needs for Pregnant Women

• Early Gestation: about 0.75 g per pound of body weight
• Later Gestation (32-38 weeks): about 0.68 g per pound of body weight

 

Daily Needs for Breastfeeding Women

• Recent research suggests about 0.77–0.86 g of protein per pound of body weight is ideal

 

➡️ Did you learn anything new that might change your protein intake?

 

References:

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/moms-nutrients.html.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7257931/

Protein Mix Comparisons

Protein powders and mixes are a super convenient, versatile way to get more protein into your day. But there are so many it gets confusing!

Let’s break it down so you can get the most out of them. 🌱💪🏽 From the milk-based to the plant-powered, each one offers something a little different.

 

• Whey: This byproduct of cheese-making packs about 20g of complete protein and 1g of fiber per serving.* It has a light milky flavor and is ideal for adding to baked foods.
• Soy: This vegan-friendly protein provides 23g of protein per serving. Because it’s low in one essential amino acid (methionine), it’s best incorporated into a diverse diet for optimal amino balance.* The taste has nutty undertones. The finely ground powder mixes well into oatmeal and soups.
• Pea: Sourced from yellow peas, this protein gives you about 21g of protein and 1g of fiber. It’s low in methionine, so it’s best in a diverse diet to optimize amino acid balance.* Easy to digest and hypoallergenic, it lends a creamy texture to smoothies and it bakes well.

Shaklee protein mixes and powders are listed here along with their protein sources—making it easy to choose the perfect fit for your wellness goals!

 

➡️ Which protein mix is your favorite and how do you use it? I like the Caffe Latte mixed in hot water with the Up & Glowing. (Collagen + green tea)

*Nutrient details may vary depending on product ingredients.

 https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/584345/nutrients