I had a somewhat humbling experience this morning when I got stuck between two wing mirrors in the parking lot. I was trying to slip between two cars and underestimated the size of the baby bump. I had to squat instead and wobble through sideways at chest height.

The day before I’d received the very confusing compliment of “Gary saw you the other day and said you looked great from behind!”. I think the flattery lies perhaps in not looking pregnant “all-over,” but it feels odd none the less.

Despite being all-bump, it’s wild when your body changes so rapidly – especially when you clearly don’t have a grasp of how wide you are! Gosh pregnancy is wonderful and weird all at the same time.

Despite the weirdness, I keep reminding myself how much easier life is with this little one on the inside.

Most of my friends are starting to empty their nests and laugh heartily at the idea that we are starting again from scratch.

I know, I know. It’s going to be a little crazy. But, I’m hoping it will also be another big, fun adventure. And it’s a few years before I have to start worrying about lunch boxes!

In fact, by the time this one needs a lunch box, Chloe will have flown the nest … which is a good reminder to just slow down and enjoy the ride.

Last week I gave you some lunch box options, while moaning about how much I really don’t love that particular chore.

Wow, did it uncover some fellow lunch-box haters …. and I’m glad I could help! Sometimes all you need is a few outside ideas and a list!

I had also posted lots of Bento-box inspiration to Facebook for those with younger children. As a result, I was repeatedly asked for the energy bite recipe, so here it is!

The nice thing about this recipe is that it’s nut-free, using sunflower seeds instead.

This makes it handy for schools with a no-nut policy, but if you don’t have that restriction, you could replace the seeds with ¼ cup natural almond or cashew butter instead.

You can also switch out the dried blueberries for raisins (or just more dried cranberries) but do try and find Medjool dates. Medjool dates have a much softer texture and more of a caramel type flavour than California dates.

These are also no-bake, which makes them great for summer prep as you don’t even have to turn on the oven. You will need a decent food processor though.

If you don’t have one, borrow one from a friend and gift them a share of what you make!

These keep beautifully for a week in the fridge or for months in the freezer, so long as you use an airtight container.

As pictured, I rolled these energy bites in the Let’s Do Organic dye-free sprinkles, but you could drizzle them in melted chocolate if you prefer that option. Or both! Either way, they are a fun and delicious little treat to slip into a lunch box, or to have yourself as a snack. Enjoy!

Chocolate energy bites

Ingredients:

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup dried blueberries (or raisins, or more cranberries)

15 Medjool dates, pitted

1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds

1/4 cup cocoa powder

2 tsp extra virgin coconut oil

2 packages Let’s Do Organic sprinkles

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients (apart from the sprinkles) in a food processor and mix until well blended and a ball of dough forms around the blade.

2. Then roll the mixture into small balls.

3. Place the sprinkles on a plate and roll the balls in the sprinkles.

4. Transfer to the fridge to set!

• The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Burns BA Hons, Dip ION, BNTA is a fully qualified Nutritional Therapist trained by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in the UK Join Catherine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nutrifitandnaturalnutritionbermuda or instagram @naturalbd