Healthy Snack Alert! 5-Ingredient No-Bake Fig Newton Bites

My hubby loves Fig Newtons.

His claim to fame? He can eat them by the sleeve. Quite a feat!

After checking out the ingredient list on a package of Fig Newtons, including the whole grain ones we used to buy, I decided I wanted to find a healthier way to create a similar taste and texture but without all of the processed ingredients in the traditional fig cookies.

We make it a priority to nourish ourselves with high quality, wholesome food because we want to be around for each other in as optimal health as possible for a long time 🙂

How do I decide whether or not something is a nourishing food choice? I’ve found it helpful to follow some of Michael Pollan’s food rules:

1. Avoid food products containing ingredients that a third-grader cannot pronounce.
2. Avoid food products that contain more than 5 ingredients.
3. Avoid food products containing ingredients that no ordinary human would keep in a pantry.

I love the simplicity and directness of his common sense approach to eating! 

The core ingredients in these Fig Newton bites

Now, back to the bites!

These Fig Newton Bites are awesome for a few reasons:

• Only 5 ingredients
• No baking required
• They taste like the filling of a Fig Newton!

You could easily whip up this simple recipe with your kids in a matter of minutes. The combination of protein, fiber, healthy fats and a touch of salt makes these a great choice for a filling and healthy snack.

My husband, Bill, has been bringing the bites with him as a snack to the summer camp where he works as a counselor. In fact, the other day he gave one to another counselor, who responded by saying he was surprised by how good they tasted…and has asked for more each day Bill brings them!

5-Ingredient No-Bake Fig Newton Bites

Ingredients

• 3 cups dried figs (remove the hard stems)
• 1 cup walnuts halves
• ¼ cup flaxseed meal*
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

You can find flaxseed meal in the gluten free aisle of any grocery store, online, or at Home Goods!

Click here for the full recipe from another blogger, The Lemon Bowl.