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Homemade Energy Bars

When I’m really busy with work and going to practice, it is easy for me to get in the habit of grabbing a granola bar for fuel. Unfortunately most commercial granola bars are just high-calorie cookies in disguise. They’ve got too much fat, too much sugar, and are low in fiber. Even my old favorite Clif Builder’s bars still have too much sugar for me. To slow down for a refined sugar detox, I turn to this awesome nutrient-dense raw energy bar recipe that I found in the book “Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life” by Brendan Brazier.

First, the book is excellent. If you are looking to add more nutrient-dense food into your diet definitely check it out. When the ratio of nutrients to calories is high, you will be satisfied with fewer calories and not crave fat, high-calorie foods. It is really helpful to eat these foods in order to sustain energy and not feel hungry.

Dust off your food processor and let’s get started! I love how easy and fast this is.

Apple Cinnamon Energy Bars (Makes about 12 1-3/4 ounce bars.)

Directions
Process all of the ingredients to your desired texture. Add more dry ingredients if too wet. Mine tend to get on the mushy side. Then, dig in and have a taste. When you are ready to shape the mixture you can form bars, balls, or make a loaf to slice. I like to put plastic wrap over the mixture, roll it out with a rolling pin, and cut out bars. Then, I individually wrap them to store in the freezer. They won’t freeze solid which is convenient while on the go.

Ingredients
1 small apple, cored
1 cup fresh or soaked dried dates
½ cup soaked or cooked quinoa
¼ cup almonds
¼ cup ground flaxseed
¼ cup hemp protein
2 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
Sea salt to taste