Almond Butter Energy Balls

I'm not a huge fan of dates. I feel like food bloggers, especially those who do the plant-based or raw thing, use them in many recipes. The texture creeps me out (I'm not a fan of raisins either), if I'm being entirely honest. That said, I found myself sticking them in the cart on my short shopping trip the other day. Why? I wanted to make some energy bites that are low in Weight Watchers points.

I didn't end up doing very well with those trials -- so that recipe is still in development. It's actually getting really close. But I did come up with these guys, which are around 4-5 points each, depending on how you scoop them (flat tablespoon versus heaping).

Immediately after eating them, I get a boost in energy. They're perfect for before or after workouts. That's for sure. I have a 7-miler on the schedule tonight, so I'll definitely be packing a few of these in before I lace up my shoes.

ALMOND BUTTER ENERGY BALLS

What you'll need . . .

• 1 cup dates, pits removed
• 1/4 cup smooth almond butter
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Handful or two chocolate chips (optional -- highly recommended)

Method . . .

1. Pulse the dates in your food processor until they come together into a ball. 
2. Then tear that ball up into small pieces (to distribute more evenly in your processor) and combine with the rest of the ingredients.
3. Pulse until you get a sticky dough. It may not pull together, but it should stick together when you press on it.
4. Then scoop tablespoon amounts into your palm and roll into a ball. Repeat until you have 12-16 balls.
5. Keep in an air-tight container in your refrigerator.

I wanted to thank you guys for your amazing feedback and sharing with my whole Real Life // Being Happy post. It's nice to know I'm not alone in how I think and feel. It's nice to know I'm not alone is just being happy with where I am in this world. I am hoping to get some time to respond more personally to your comments today. Nap strike + looming work deadline hasn't been helping in this area!

Related:

Chocolate + Nut Butter Energy Chunks
Chocolate Chunk Energy Cookies
Cocoa + Nut Butter Energy Balls
Cacao Nib Energy Chunks
Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bars
Automatic Healthy Eating // Learn to Love Alternatives 

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Cookie Dough Balls + Thoughts

A lot of my energy chunk recipes incorporate either raisins or dates into the mix. I can’t handle even looking at either of those ingredients right now (ugh), so I decided to come up with a tasty treat recipe that’s packed with other good stuff. Eat these guys instead of dessert or while you’re on the run. They’re tasty with breakfast or whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.

And they come together fast!

COOKIE DOUGH BALLS

What you’ll need . . .

• 1-1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/3 cup almonds or other nuts
• 1/4 cup peanut butter*
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons flax meal
• Handful unsweetened coconut flakes
• Pinch salt
• Handful chocolate chips

* I’m sure other nut butters and substitutes would work great too. Maybe Nutella?

Method . . . 

1. Place rolled oats (uncooked, of course) and almonds in your food processor and blend until smooth (almost like a flour). 
2. Then add the rest of the ingredients -- except the chocolate chips -- and pulse until well combined.
3. Fold in the chocolate chips. If you’d like your mix less wet, consider adding more oats or coconut flakes to taste.
4. Spoon in heaping tablespoonfuls into your palm and roll into balls.
5. Store in an airtight container in your fridge for a week or more.

Ada climbed up on our footstool and took some photos of these bites with her Kidizoom Camera. We got it for her a couple months ago because she was starting to show an interest in photography (hmmm, I wonder where she get that from?). Anyway, it’s adorable to see her frame out her shot and excitedly look at the images she gathers throughout the day.

Click!

I’ll admit it feels somewhat disingenuous to post a recipe right now. But I don’t know what else I should be doing. It’s hard to deal with what’s going on while home alone most days, but I don’t really think I’d feel much differently otherwise. I mean, it’s universally difficult no matter what. I have had a lot of support from friends and family, and I’m so grateful for the love from this community. So, I’ve been throwing myself into taxes and freelance stuff while also allowing myself time to plan the next steps and mourn. I keep wondering what the right thing is I should be doing or feeling.

I’m sort of astounded at all the things I’ve dealt with in the last several years. I’ve blogged about most of them, which I’m sure can make this space seem like a drag (sorry) -- but it’s LIFE. Not always the life I imagined living. Sure, we’ve dealt with our fair share of stuff that not many people we know can relate to, but still. I’ve been learning more to take it all day by day, though it’s not always possible.

I get down on myself every now and again for having some anxiety and being negative (realistic to a fault?), but when I look at everything I’ve experienced, I realize I need to give myself a pass on some of it. Why wouldn’t I feel this way sometimes? Is there even a “normal” way to deal with some of these situations? And I wasn’t sure if I wanted to share the play-by-play of all that’s going on now, but I’m so glad I did. It’s been helpful to know that so many have gone through it and come out the other side. I hope my own experience can help someone else not feel so alone.

While I don’t always cope in the most textbook perfect sort of ways, I’m learning everyday that I’m stronger than I think I am.

More soon.

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Food, Fitness, Family

FAMILY

Friends and family, I don’t even know where to begin thanking you for your incredible support after yesterday’s post concerning baby #2. Your personal stories, confidence, and love is completely humbling and so much appreciated. At this point, we are seriously torn and hoping Monday’s appointment will give us resolution either way. It’s the not knowing that hurts the most. I very badly want to be one of those beat-the-odds stories, but I’m also just grounded in reality after everything we’ve been through in the past.

Otherwise, we’re trying to go through the motions of life and keep things normal. A few of you asked if Ada knows what’s going on. We made the mistake of mentioning a baby early on (it took so long to get to that point, I was elated!), but we decided to keep it like “well, the doctor needs to tell us if there’s a baby in mommy’s tummy” -- so that’s what she understands now. She asks often. She’s been amazing, wiping tears from my eyes and cuddling with me during some tough moments. I am trying my best to stay strong and hold myself together for her benefit, though.

It’s Wednesday already, so only five or so days until we know. I think at this point, if things aren’t going to go well, I’m hoping for things to resolve naturally on their own. Like I wrote, I’ve been very sick -- way worse than I was with Ada -- and I’ve read that morning sickness can continue long after a pregnancy isn’t viable. What a cruel joke that would be. I’m honestly a little scared of going through a true miscarriage since my chemical pregnancy was more like a late period. Anyway, only time will give us answers. Thank you so much again for everything.

FOOD

I’ve had an extremely limited list of foods to go on lately. I’ve been eating Kix cereal like it’s my job. Choking down Siggi’s yogurt for some tart protein. Drinking ginger ale because sometimes it’s the only thing that works (those tiny slim cans are like medicine to me right now). Sorbet bars. It was like overnight I couldn’t eat vegetables anymore, though I’m trying to sip a green smoothies most days of the week.


And I’ve made lots of energy balls. I have a new recipe to share for a “cookie dough” variety, but right now I think I’ll just list the old favorites. I have made all these recipes multiple times. It’s great to have a batch in the refrigerator to grab for easy snacking.

• Chocolate Almond Butter Energy Chunks
• Cookie Dough Balls
• Double-Chocolate Granola-ish Bars
• Nutella Balls
• Cocoa-Hazelnut Energy Chunks
• Maple-Walnut Energy Chunks
• Marathon Chunks
• Chocolate-PB Energy Chunk
• Cacao Energy Chunk
• Runner's World Energy Bars
• Choc-PPB Energy BARS
• Chocolate Chunk Energy Cookies
• Nut Butter Energy Balls

FITNESS

Exercise is going OK-ish. I’ve been really tired and the weather had been so awfully cold (finally nice this week), so I haven’t been running as much as I’d like. And most recently, a good, long walk has felt way better than running or anything else. I’m at this point presently when I could care less about exercise to get fit . . . it’s all mental. I must admit it’s really hard to get so out of shape from my previous levels, but I simply don’t have the energy to spare right now.

I will run half marathons again. Someday.


Week #1: 270 min of exercise

M: REST
T: 40 min bike
W: 4.2 mile run
R: 4.2 mile run
F: REST
S: 60 min walk
S: 45 min Barre, 45 min x-country ski

Week #2: 265 min of exercise

M: REST
T: 30 min bike, 30 min walk
W: 4 mile walk
R: 30 min bike, 30 min Barre
F: REST
S: 4.7 mile run
S: 4.2 mile run, morning walk

Again, from the bottom of our hearts: THANK YOU.

Whatever happens, it’s so nice to have the support of you all.

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Chocolate + Nut Butter Energy Chunks

It’s been a while since I posted a good energy chunk recipe. I’m actually working on one that’s GORP-based, so keep your eyes peeled for that soon. In the meantime, I needed something to snack on before my workouts. I love the instant jolt of energy I get from these little balls. Yet, I don’t experience a huge sugar crash because the sweetness is naturally derived.

These energy chunks are great for snacks and dessert. Especially when you’re doing a Weekends-Off Diet approach. Ada loves them, too. If you’d rather let the nut butter steal the show, leave out the cocoa powder. Toss in chocolate chips, nuts, seeds, and anything else your heart desires.

Whatever you do, enjoy!

CHOCOLATE + NUT BUTTER ENERGY CHUNKS

Makes 20-24 balls. Gluten-free and vegan.

What you’ll need . . . 

• 12 pitted dates
• 4 heaping tablespoons nut butter (I used PB)*
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups GF rolled oats
• pinch sea salt

* Would also work with sunflower butter, soy butter, etc. -- any kind of substitute you like!

Method . . . 

1. Pulse dates in your food processor until they break up a bit. 
2. Then add the rest of the ingredients minutes the maple syrup and vanilla extract and pulse. 
3. Add in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until your mixes well incorporated and sticks together. You may wish to add more/less maple syrup depending on your sweetness and/or texture preference.
4. Scoop out in heaping tablespoons onto wax paper. Then roll into balls.
5. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week.

// SIMILAR RECIPES

• Chocolate Chunk Energy Cookies
• Chocolate Almond Butter Energy Chunks
• Cookie Dough Balls
• Double-Chocolate Granola-ish Bars
• Nutella Balls
• Cocoa-Hazelnut Energy Chunks
• Maple-Walnut Energy Chunks
• Marathon Chunks
• Chocolate-PB Energy Chunk
• Cacao Energy Chunk
• Runner's World Energy Bars
• Choc-PPB Energy BARS

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Homemade Holiday: Cranberry + Almond Chunks

So, I just finished off another mug of the DIY Drinking Chocolate (with almond milk) -- I can’t wait to experiment with different blends and flavorings. And my favorite way to drink it is mixed with coconut milk from the can. Yum. Now onto a fun Cranberry + Almond Energy Chunk you can mix together and give to family + friends with just a few instructions included.

And these are great to give to yourself as well!

CRANBERRY + ALMOND ENERGY CHUNKS (MIX)

What you’ll need . . .

(Dry Ingredients To Package)

• 1/3 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
• 1/3 cup almonds 
• 1 cup rolled oats 
• 1/4 cup flax meal 
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds 
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 
• pinch sea salt

(Wet Ingredients To Supply With Instructions)

• 1/2 cup nut butter (I like using peanut or almond butter)
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup maple syrup (or honey) -- start with less and add more as necessary
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method . . . 

1. Put almond in a food processor and pulse until they are broken up but still chunky.
2. Then combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl and put in whatever container you plan to give your gift in. (Ball jars work great, but you can sometimes find some unique glass containers are thrift shops, etc.)
3. Then write your instructions and include it with the gift. Along with the ingredients, just explain that you pour the mix into a bowl and add the wet ingredients. Mix until well incorporate. Then spoon by heaping tablespoons onto plates or a baking sheet and put in the fridge for around 1 hour before eating (firms them up). Store in airtight container for a week or so. Makes 18.

Well, that’s all from me today. We got just enough snow to cancel Ada’s preschool (again) today, but not enough to keep Stephen home with us. So is the life of a work-at-home mom. Be sure to check out the latest installment of the guides -- 30 Gifts Under $30 for Baby as well as my latest TTC-lite update over on Writing Chapter Three.

If you hop onto (never)homemaker, you may also notice things look a little different. I’m slowly trying to wrap my head around merging the blogs, starting with a very minor redesign. If you care about this sort of stuff, I’d love your thoughts!

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!

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Chocolate Chunk Energy Cookies

I had some time yesterday to go through my stats from last year and identify our 25 Top Recipes of 2013. I put all of them on a handy Pinterest board if you're interested to check them out and try them (and share, if you want!) if you haven't had the chance. What I've discovered time and time again is that you guys like homemade energy bars.

So do I!

We make them often, but I don't always share the recipes because they're gobbled up quickly. This particular recipe I'm sharing today is something I like to eat before/after my runs. Sometimes I even use it as a healthier alternative to dessert. Energy bars aren't always low in calories, but they have a good mix of natural sugars and good protein sources to keep your body feeling strong and your hunger at bay.

This batch features 85% cocoa chocolate chunks from Aldi.

CHOCOLATE CHUNK ENERGY COOKIES
vegan + gluten-free recipe, makes 24

What you'll need . . . 

• 1 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 cup raw walnuts
• 1-1/2 cups rolled oats (uncooked -- use GF if you are gluten-sensitive)
• 2 tablespoons flax meal
• 2-3 ounces dark chocolate, pulsed 

Method . . . 

1. Place all ingredients -- except 1/2 cup of the oats, flax meal, and chocolate -- into your food processor and pulse until it sticks together.
2. Then pour into a large bowl and add the oats, flax meal, and chocolate chunks. Mix with a spoon or by hand until well incorporated.
3. Then scoop out by the tablespoonful and form into "cookies" in the palm of your hand. 
4. I store mine in the fridge in an air-tight container for easy grabbing.

Nutrition info: 125 calories each, 13g carbs, 7g fat, 3g protein, 7g sugar

// SIMILAR RECIPES

• Chocolate Almond Butter Energy Chunks
• Cookie Dough Balls
• Double-Chocolate Granola-ish Bars
• Nutella Balls
• Cocoa-Hazelnut Energy Chunks
• Maple-Walnut Energy Chunks
• Marathon Chunks
• Chocolate-PB Energy Chunk
• Cacao Energy Chunk
• Runner's World Energy Bars
• Choc-PPB Energy BARS

PS: There's a great sale on Athleta dresses and activewear today on Zulily. I ordered this dress with the last of my Christmas money (Yes, I still had some! Even I can't believe that!). Can't wait until summer. Seriously. 

As the ice starts to fall outside. Ughhhh...

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Automatic (Healthy) Eating // Tip 4 + Recipe

You know all about my previous and present struggles with sugar (and so-called detoxes). For me, completely cutting it out (a suggestion I've received many times) just isn't an option. I fail. So, I've slowly developed a taste for less sweet treats that are intended more for fueling my body than spiking my glucose levels.

I still eat traditional desserts -- and often -- but if I keep what we have at home in check, I'm in a better place. Take these energy chunks, for example.

// TIP 4: Learn to Love Alternatives

At the start of each week, I like to make up a batch of homemade energy bars or chunks or some other healthed-up snack/dessert option. I make enough for the entire week so I'm not tempted to get out all my baking gear out of desperation on, say, a Wednesday night. That way, if I'm craving something chocolate-ly, and I always have that craving, I have a (healthy) option already on hand.

What I make changes from week to week, but I love playing with this basic Chocolate-Peanut Butter recipe for energy chunks and then modifying it for whatever ingredients I have in my pantry.

CHOCOLATE ALMOND BUTTER ENERGY CHUNKS

What you'll need . . .

• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup natural almond butter
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

Method . . .

1. Put all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until blended, but still chunky.
2. Add more almond butter if batter is too stiff.
3. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Keep in an airtight container in your fridge.

* You can replace walnuts with other nuts, almond butter with other nut butters, maple syurp with agave, honey, or other natural sweetener, and leave out the cocoa powder. Totally customizable! 


From a purely caloric standpoint, you might not be saving much here. But if your main goal is to feel great, have more stable blood sugar, and consume simple foods (good goal, btw!), making alternative treats is in your favor. You can get the healthy fats, etc. you need, all while feeling satisfied + avoiding the brain fog associated with eating too much pure sugar.

Here are some more ideas:

• Cookie Dough Balls*
• Double-Chocolate Granola-ish Bars
• Nutella Balls
• Cocoa-Hazelnut Energy Chunks
• Maple-Walnut Energy Chunks
• Marathon Chunks
• Chocolate-PB Energy Chunk
• Cacao Energy Chunk
• Runner's World Energy Bars
• Choc-PPB Energy BARS

Alternatives go beyond making entirely different items for those sweet treats you know and love. Something as simple as a swap of applesauce for oil,  natural, low-glycemic sweetners for sugar, or wheat flour for white is all you need to transform a cookie from conventional to healthful. Here's a handy chart to help with ratio calculations.

And don't underestimate the power of adding things INTO a recipe versus taking them away. You can toss in flax meal, nuts, dried fruit, oats, or a number of other good ingredients to make a treat more wholesome.

At very least, you can make small batches in a pinch:

• Half Dozen Chocolate Chippers
• Half Dozen Brownie Cookies
• Half Dozen Peanut Butter Cookies
• Half Dozen GF Chocolate Chippers
• Half Dozen Chocolate + Peanut Butter Cookies

For more healthy dessert and snack ideas, you can browse our recipe archives (vegan selections are noted with *). I try to make good swaps whenever possible. If you'd rather browse via photo, check out our Pinterest board for previous posts.

How do you make treats healthier? What's your favorite recipe?

(If you're catching up, check out tip #1: stock up on frozen veggies + tip #2: buy greens and actually USE them + tip #3: create simple, go-to meals.)

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Chocolate-Peanut Butter Energy Bars

I've been making a point to have these in the fridge at all times. Especially with gluten-free month, it's been a necessity to have something easy to grab and go. Oh, Ada calls them "cookies" . . . and they're simple enough for me to feel fine about giving them to her.

(Healthy) cookie!

Using a muffin tin is optional, but highly recommended to make them feel more like a bar. I gobble up energy balls like crazy. Before I know it, they're all gone. These flattened rounds seem to last a bit longer. Or satisfy better.

Something!


CHOCOLATE-PEANUT BUTTER ENERGY BARS
* you can easily substitute in whatever "nut" butter you choose

What you'll need . . . 

• 1 cup raisins
• 1/3 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes (I only had reduced fat on hand, but I'm sure regular works)
• 1-1/2 cup rolled oats, uncooked
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• coconut oil (optional -- for greasing muffin tins)

Method . . . 

1. Place all ingredients in your food processor -- save 1/2 cup of the oats.
2. Pulse 5 to 7 times, then add the rest of the oats and continue pulsing until well incorporated, but still somewhat coarse.
3. Scoop heaping tablespoonfuls into a regular muffin tin. Then flatten with your fingers -- but I also found that a round spice container covered in plastic wrap was the BEST tool to flatten uniformly and easily.
4. Store in the fridge until hardened, about an hour. Then store in an airtight container for a week or two, maybe longer -- but they won't last that long.

These are vegan, gluten-free (if you use GF oats), and -- as I mentioned above -- can also be peanut-free. I made them with homemade almond butter and they turned our fabulously. I am also sure you could use dates in place of raisins. And maybe honey for the maple syrup.

There's opportunity for variations, that much I know.

And I plan to play around and give you some ideas soon. These bars are perfect for pre- and post-run fueling. I think I may try to craft the perfect combo for my marathon training. I hate gels and other store-bought energy aids.

Happy Tuesday -- you have time to make these NOW!

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Chocolate-PB Energy Balls

After a good morning, my day got even better. My parents offered to watch Ada this afternoon so I could go grocery shopping alone. It was glorious. I'm sorry to say I didn't exactly stick to our usual budget. We've been running low of staples for a while now, so I decided to get them all in one big shop.

Our refrigerator is stuffed to the gills with what I'm hoping is enough food for two weeks.

Since I had a late breakfast, I also had a late-ish lunch, which wasn't anything remarkable: A large sweet potato stuffed with a black bean-veggie mix and a bit of cheese broiled on top. I'll post a recipe later in the week because I plan to have it again.

I like to eat snacks throughout the day, too.  I'll admit, though, that lately that snack has either been Goldfish or Reese's peanut butter pumpkins. Plural. I don't mind indulging, but my habit was getting ridiculous.

So, I wanted to try and get my fix in a slightly healthier way. I'm a huge fan of homemade energy chunks. Done!


CHOCOLATE-PEANUT BUTTER ENERGY BALLS

Toss the following ingredients into your food processor:

• 1 cup rolled oats (uncooked)
• 1/2 cup natural no-stir peanut butter
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Method . . . 

1. Pulse all ingredients until they form into a thick batter/ball. 
2. You may adjust the consistency by adding more maple syrup, but start with just 1/4 cup and go from there. 
3. Then scoop out balls using a tablespoon measure. 
4. Roll in the palm of your hand. Store in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 2 weeks.

These may just be a cookie in disguise. Something I made to seem healthy, but really isn't. I don't know. At least the ingredients are simple and the sugars can be more easily digested/processed by my body. Now I just need to stay away from the candy aisles until after Halloween.

I'm so glad that some of you have decided to join me in making your own strides toward health and happiness in a new way. I find that the first two days are usually pretty easy for me. It's sticking with it that's the hard part.

A miso stew is on tap for dinner. I'm also hoping to get in a solo walk of 3 miles or so later this afternoon. Maybe even a few sun salutations if I'm feeling particularly inspired. My legs are definitely feeling the race, so whatever I do will be easy. And beyond all things food and exercise, I'd like to organize our mail tonight. It's been hanging over my head for a few weeks now.

Have a lovely evening. And if you'd like to read a bit about our weekend, check out Writing Chapter Three.

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Our Recipes: Snacks, Starters, and Energy Chunks

SNACKS, STARTERS, AND ENERGY CHUNKS:

• Cookie Dough Balls*
• Healthy, Homemade Couscous Crackers*
• Double-Chocolate Granola-ish Bars
• Nutella Balls
• Vegan Tofu Wings*
• Flax Crackers*
• Three Seed Crackers*
• Goat Cheese Bruschetta
• Roasted Pears with Brie
• Dessert Parsnip Fries
• Cocoa-Hazelnut Energy Chunks*
• Maple-Walnut Energy Chunks*
• Marathon Chunks*
• Chocolate-PB Energy Chunk
• Cacao Energy Chunk*
• Runner's World Energy Bars

* means VEGAN

BACK TO ALL RECIPES >>>

OR BROWSE BY CATEGORY:

GRANOLA & OATS	PANCAKES, ETC.	SMOOTHIES
SPREAD, SAUCES, DIPS	SALADS	SOUPS & STEWS
SNACKS & STARTERS	SANDWICHES & BURGERS	PIZZA, ETC.
STIR-FRIES, ETC.	OTHER MEALS	BREADS
CAKES & CUPCAKES	COOKIES & BROWNIES	PIES & TARTS
ICE CREAM & PUDDING	DRINKS	CONVERSIONS

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Long Run Fuel: Marathon Chunks

While I was training for my first marathon, I made sure to abide by the whole "eat as you will on race day" rule for all my long runs. I religiously ingested strawberry, no-caffeine Clif Shots at miles 6, 13, and 20. During the actual race, I listened to another runner's last-minute advice and took one (or at least half of one) at each "milestone" -- the 5K, 10K, 15K, Half Marathon, and 20 mile distances.

I often felt nauseous during my training. Especially gaggy on race day. All that gel sloshed around in my stomach. Ick. The texture and taste just didn't agree with my system.

UGH . . .


And I know I'm not alone. This time around, I haven't been eating the same thing every run. There were times when I chugged coconut water. Other times when I drank Gatorade. I had an apple once. I did some gels another time. I had a cookie on my first 20-miler. I decided this weekend that I needed to pick and stick with one method for the next couple weeks.

Of course, GU and other endurance energy products can be miracle workers. They've been tested by thousands of athletes -- pros and novices alike. There are gels, blocks, "chomps," and countless other types. They are infused with vitamins (like C and E, to protect muscles against free radicals) . . . full of electrolytes . . . some even feature herbs and other ingredients like ginger to ease the stomach. Still, they just don't agree with me.

But that's OK. Each runner is unique. It only makes sense that each runner's specific fueling needs/preferences are also unique. For me, it's a texture thing. And a taste thing. I figure that people were running marathons and long distances way before GU came along. Why not fuel my running with some homemade power? It may not be "technically" what you're "supposed" to eat for "maximum" performance.

But if I feel good -- if my stomach cooperates -- why not at least give it a try?


I came across this awesome homemade Larabars recipe (on Espresso and Cream) the other day. I loved the idea -- so I set to make my own version, using the recipe as a guide for my dried fruit-to-nut ratio. What resulted is not only delicious, but it also helped me feel full -- my energy was sustained throughout my run.

MARATHON CHUNKS

What you'll need . . .

• 1 cup dried, pitted apricots
• 1 cup raw cashews
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/3 cup raw sunflower seeds

Method . . .

1. In a food processor, combine the apricots, cashews, peanut butter, vanilla, and maple syrup.
2. This can be tough work for your food processor. I actually blew the motor out on mine, so I'd recommend using one that is larger (mine's only 4 cups) for this process.
3. Then turn out the mixture into a medium bowl and fold in the sunflower seeds.
4. You may wish to adjust the peanut butter and/or maple syrup to meet your desired consistency.
5. Remove from bowl and press into an 8 x 8-inch foil-lined baking dish.
6. Refrigerate overnight before cutting into chunks of desired size. Ours were about 1 to 1-1/2 inch squares.

Stephen and I each tested these chunks out for their long run legitimacy on this past weekend's 20-miler. And we return to you with four thumbs up! It felt good to eat "real food" on the run. Half a chunk is about all I ate at each of those milestones I listed above. I did still drink some (very watered down) Gatorade, if you're wondering, but not until after the half marathon mark.

TIP: Get some of those Ziplock 100 calorie bags. They are big enough to slide in 3 to 4 chunks . . . yet small enough to stuff into your belt (I have a SPIbelt). Opening and closing is a breeze.

How do you fuel on your long runs? Are you a fan of GU and blocks? Do you have your own special recipe for fullness and energy? We'd love to hear any tips or tricks you have up your sleeve (or in your fuel belt!). Just leave a comment or email us at neverhomemaker [at] gmail [dot] com.

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Cacao Nib Energy Chunks

I love energy chunks. What can I say? They're quick to prepare. They're easy on the stomach. They're healthy. And this one, in particular, is raw. Well, I *think* it's raw. But those of you who eat a raw diet can tell me the answer to this question, and then we'll know for sure: Is agave syrup raw? If so, then, yes. They're raw. If not, it's back to the drawing board.

Anyway, the best thing about energy chunks is that you can pretty much go wild with your ingredients. I recently purchased some cacao at a local health foods store. My friends have suggested some tasty uses for the little nibs . . . but for my first try, I thought I'd go with substituting them for chocolate chips.


What exactly is a cacao nib? According to Nativas Naturals, the company who produces what you see above, it's "a sweet, all natural chocolate product is reminiscent of a chocolate-coated coffee bean" and has "soaring levels of antioxidants, as well as trace minerals like magnesium and iron."

At first, the nibs taste a little . . . well . . . not like chocolate. But when you put them in things -- like this energy chunk -- you seriously get some amazing chocolate flavor. Give 'em a chance. It's chocolate with all the nutrition nature intended!


What you'll need . . .

• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 1/4 cup agave nectar (or I think maple syrup would be delish!)
• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 1/4 cup cacao nibs
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Method . . .

1. Put all ingredients in a food processor and blend. I suggest blending all but the cacao nibs. Then add them in a pulse a few times.
2. Adjust the wet ingredient level (the agave) depending on your desired consistency.
3. Use a tablespoon to scoop out heaping amounts and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.
4. Refrigerate for a couple hours until firm.

And if you like this recipe, you'll be sure to enjoy these other energy-packed treats!

• Cocoa-Nut Butter Energy Chunks
• Vegan Energy Bars
• Vegan, Gluten-Free "Nutella" Balls
• Coconut-Carob Chip "Cookies"

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