Saturday, February 23, 2013

Paleo Pre-Workout Snack

So, today in my quest to find something to eat while heading out the door for a workout -- something that would fit within my paleo guidelines -- I had just two choices in my kitchen; A hard boiled egg or a banana. On most days, the banana would suffice, but today I just wanted something else. In my pre-paleo days, I would have grabbed a granola bar on the run. Today, it's not so easy.

So I went online and found the best recipe ever. This is my variation of the paleo bars found at The Meanest Momma. (I omitted the sunflower and pumpkin seeds, because, well... they're seeds.) I also altered the dried fruit quotient so it was equal parts dates, apricots and dried cranberries.... but then I forgot to add the almond flour. Oops. Still, they tasted pretty awesome, despite a little crumbliness.

PALEO BARS
Ingredients:
  • 1 cup whole almonds, chopped
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1 cup dates, chopped, (or other dried fruit.)
  • 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (I like the 'Let's Do Organics')
  • 1/4 cup almond butter
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
Chop and toast the nuts in the oven (or on the stove) until brown, about a minute or so. Careful not to burn. While they are cooling, chop up your dried fruit.

Combine remaining ingredients until well mixed and add the toasted nuts and dried fruit. Spread in a 9x12" baking pan and bake at 350° for about 12-14 minutes. Let cool completely and cut into bars.

These are soooo good and easily replace the granola, Clif and Z-bars I used to eat. In total, the bars cost about 80 cents a piece (I cut into 12 bars, your math may vary), which is more than a granola bar but less than a Lara -- and an easier on-the-go snack than a hard boiled egg.

Update: For my second batch, I cut into 18 bars and remembered to add the flour. I think I like the smaller size, but prefer them without the almond flour. (Who cares if they're a little crumbly?) Kept in the fridge, they're perfect.