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Homemade Energy Bars Recipe
Wasting Money on Powerbars and Clif Bars? Make Your Own and Save Money
Wander into any grocery store or Walmart in the country and you’ll be overwhelmed by the assortment of PowerBars, Clif Bars, 5 Hour Energy drinks, caffeine gels, etc. today. They are all extremely handy when you’re in a rush, but making your own homemade energy bars with this recipe will save money. Another issue is all those mystery ingredients. Wouldn’t you rather control what’s in your food? Especially if you eat organic?
In addition, with a smidgen of creative ability as well as imagination, you can whip up your favorite flavor. This easy recipe covers the basics, but remember that there is virtually no end to an ingredient list that can be added for both texture and taste.
A Quick and Easy Cooking Experience
These delicious energy boosters are excellent for munching during long runs or bike workouts, as well as your not-to-be-missed post-workout recovery snack for glycogen replacement.
This recipe is quick; it only takes around a half hour to prepare so you can do it the evening beforehand. If you plan on enjoying it after your workout, carry it in a cooler during the warm summer months along with the sports drinks (they tend to get gooey when warm).
Of course, this won’t be necessary in the winter months when old Jack Frost is visiting.
Essential Energy Bar Ingredient List
My preference is to use organic food ingredients whenever possible.
- 3/4 cup protein powder (the regular kind actually works better for the texture rather than the “designer” types)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (you don’t want added sweeteners; some grocery stores have peanut grinders in the bulk food area so you can whip some up fresh)
- 1 cup brown rice syrup
- 1 cup organic cereal (or I understand Post Grape Nuts Cereal works well)
Optional ingredient suggestions: chocolate powder, vanilla extract, chopped nuts, and chopped dried apricots. Emptying a few cinnamon capsules into the mix is a good idea; it is an excellent supplement offer health benefits. WebMD.com tells us, “Lab studies have found that cinnamon may reduce inflammation, have antioxidant effects, and fight bacteria.”
Other things to keep in mid when you select your ingredient list are the length and the intensity of your planned workout. Tailor-make your bars using the appropriate foods by considering the glycemic index.
Note: This recipe tends to make a fairly gooey energy bar; if you like them stiffer, keep them on ice and/or add a higher percentage of dry ingredients.
Recipe Preparation
Add your brown rice syrup and natural peanut butter into a double boiler. If you don’t have one you can just float a smaller pot or metal salad bowl in a large sauce pan of water. As soon as it is well heated, mixed, and smoothly liquefied, add in your cereal.
Next stir in your protein powder and mix it all up well. Well done, you are finished with the cooking portion! Next, spread the mixture on a no-stick cookie pan.
Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the mixture to cool and set up properly. Once it’s cold, you can cut the bars to your favorite size. Use sheets of wax paper to keep them from sticking together. Enjoy!
Opinions and tips are welcome and encouraged in the comment section below. Why not add a comment?
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