Mid-Workout Energy Bars

Skip the store-bought energy bars and whip up these no-bake, Paleo-friendly snacks to bring on your workout instead!

Typically, we don’t endorse energy bars as a meal replacement; however, athletes often need a little something extra to help them through their tough workouts.

Enter these mid-workout energy bars! Healthy nuts, seeds, and dried fruit are held together with dates, almond butter, and a bit of coconut oil for the ultimate snack that will keep you going.

Best of all, you don’t have to bake these bars. Simply mix all the ingredients together, form the raw ingredients into a square pan, and freeze to set.

Start with a base of dried dates. Soak them in hot water for about five minutes to soften them up, then drain and add them to a food processor with nuts and seeds. We used raw almonds and pumpkin seeds, but you could also use cashews in place of the almonds, and add unsweetened coconut and/or cacao nibs if you like.

Once the mixture is chopped but not super fine, add melted coconut oil and almond butter, then mix just enough to combine. Pour the mixture into a mixing bowl and stir in hemp seeds. (You could also use sunflower seeds here if you prefer.) Use your hands to transfer the mixture to a prepared baking pan lined with parchment paper. Press evenly, then add to the freezer for 20 minutes to set. Don’t freeze for too much longer, or it’ll be hard to slice them into squares.

Store your mid-workout energy bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you plan on enjoying your bars on the go (which we recommend!), keep them chilled with an ice pack in a gym bag or locker. Since it’s made with coconut oil, it could melt or soften at room temperature.

Tip: Done with your workout? Turn to these bone broth recipes for the ultimate recovery drink.

For hundreds of pure Paleo recipes, be sure to check out  The Real Paleo Diet Cookbook  and  The Real Paleo Diet Fast and Easy.