BJCDNN / Thursday, December 21, 2017 / Categories: Digestive Diseases, Healthy Living Steps to a Glad Gut: More Fiber Many digestive health issues can be resolved or aided by lifestyle modifications such as: Losing Excess Weight Stop Smoking Eating smaller portions, and more frequent meals Increasing the fiber in your diet or include bulking agents, such as Metamucil or Citrucel, which can result in larger, softer stools that reduce the pressure in the colon Reducing Stress Monitoring your bodies unique response to foods With those guidelines in mind, try these Energy Bites. Packed with protein and fiber, these easy snacks give you the energy boost you need to finish the day strong. 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1/2 cup pumpkin puree 1/2 cup lightly salted chopped nuts (Almonds or Peanuts) 1/2 teaspoon ginger 1/4 cup hemp hearts 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds, salted 4 medjool dates pitted and chopped 1/2 cup rolled oats 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips In a food processor or high power blender, process all seeds and nuts, pour into a bowl and set aside. Process oats, pumpkin puree and spices until well combined. Combine pumpkin mixture with nut mixture and pulse in food processor until combined. Stir in dates and mini chocolate chips. Prepare a lined pan with parchment or foil. Form 1 inch balls of mixture and place on prepared pan. Place entire pan into freezer for 30-60 minutes. Once frozen store in a freezer safe container. Makes 20 bites Per bite: 110 Calories, 0 mg Cholesterol, 7 g Fat, 1 g Saturated, , 20 mg Sodium, 10g Carbohydrates, 2 g Fiber, 4 g Protein Nutrition Services at Missouri Baptist Our dietitians provide expert nutrition coaching to help you become the healthiest you possible. Proper nutrition can help manage the symptoms and complications associated with many diseases like diabetes or hypertension. Eating well can help promote your general health, promote a healthy pregnancy or optimize sports performance. For more information about our nutrition classes, learn about individual coaching, or to register for an upcoming class, call (314) 996-LIFE. Print 11165 Rate this article: No rating More links Energy BitesPacked with protein and fiber, these easy snacks give you the energy boost you need to finish the day strong.