Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Energy snacks

I've always been a morning person. I enjoy getting up early, and having time to myself before I start the day. I can tell a big difference when I do. Running first thing in the morning, before breakfast or coffee, is my favorite routine. I always hated running in the cold, until I trained for a half-marathon last year. Now I prefer it to running in the sweltering summer heat. There's something about running half-asleep in the cold that I find invigorating. I think part of it is wearing proper running tights. I could live in them (and often do on the weekends).
As the weather is becoming colder, I've started to increase my distance again. With that comes an increase in appetite. I decided to make homemade energy snacks, instead of buying larabars at the store. These snacks are so easy to make (if you have a food processor) and are to eat on-the-go. I thought Josh would be skeptical, but he loves them. I've already made several batches the past few weeks. What do you munch on pre- or post-workout?

Feel free to add substitute your favorite dried fruit (dates, cherries, cranberries) here. Another variation I tried was with more apricots and coconut butter. These snacks are loaded with heart-healthy fats, omega 3s, fiber and protein to keep you satisfied.

Energy snacks
2 cups almonds
4 dried apricots, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes
1.5 tsp cocoa
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp almond extract
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp flax, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes
Shredded unsweetened coconut

Soak the almonds in clean, filtered water for at least 4 hours.* Pour out water and rinse almonds. Put almonds into a food processor with the remaining ingredients (except the coconut) and blend. If it's too dry, add a little melted coconut oil or more honey. You should be able to roll into 1 inch balls easily with your hands. Roll through the shredded coconut and enjoy pre- or post-workout.

*I think this step is key. Not only does it help your body digest the almonds easier, but it give the snacks a better texture.

9 comments:

JTG said...

These are SO good. Such a surprising texture and taste.

la domestique said...

I like how these look like yummy cookies rather than energy bars. Fun!

Wellwin said...

how much time does it take to cook the whole recipe?

Unknown said...

Wellwin - The longest part is soaking the almonds. But it takes minutes in the food processor. You roll each by hand. I'd say about 30 minutes including clean up.

Adrienne said...

These look really good! I always need help knowing what to "grab" and what to have on hand for my husband to snack on. I'll give these a try! If you have a second, visit my blog today ~ I encouraged you with a little "award" (awards, I think, in blog land means we get to tell other bloggers how much we like them!) Love visiting your blog!

Ani Mendez said...

ouu!!! se ven riquisimas!

Chelsea said...

Yum! Have to try these. I'm currently training for a half marathon with a friend. Oh! Speaking of my friend, she recently had to go dairy free and LOVES to cook. Any suggestions for a really excellent dairy free cookbook?

Unknown said...

Hi Chelsea! Fran Costigan and Babycakes bakery have great vegan baking cookbooks. Here are some vegan cookbooks: Veganomicon, Vegan Soul Kitchen, Eat, Drink & Be Vegan, and Vegan Planet. Good luck with your training!

Mike said...

This is great. I always get excuses from my family that they don't know what healthy snacks they can so they don't snack throughout the day. Now I can share with them this and they can stop giving me excuses. The more often you eat the better.