Homemade Powerbars!
If you’re like me, most traditional “health-food” bars just don’t make the cut.
There are a few I like, such as Lara bars (they’re raw!), however most nutrition bars are nothing more than a candy bar with a healthy sounding name. In fact, a snickers just might be healthier than some of the options out there. Palm kernel oil? Hydrogenated oils? We sometimes forget that labels matter when it comes to ALL types of foods, and fancy names and labels on health products are just for sales.
I decided awhile ago to start making my own bars, first because I wanted something small to have before morning long runs. Now my boyfriend takes them as an afternoon snack to boost his after-work workouts. I’ve realized I feel better and my athletic performance improves when I eat foods make with healthy, all natural ingredients. Plus, since I make only enough for our household, there are no added preservatives.
Here is one of my favorite recipes:
- 1 cup organic creamy peanut butter (or nut butter)
- 1 cup local honey
- 3 cups organic oats
- 1/2 cup wheat germ
- 2-3 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup raw unsweetened coconut
Start by melting the peanut butter and honey over high heat. When well mixed, add remaining ingredients. Form small bars (think half the size of a traditional bar) and place on a greased pan. They are rich, so a small bar is plenty. Chill in freezer for 1 hour, then remove from pan and individually wrap bars. I store them in a big bag in the freezer, but it is not necessary to freeze them.