No-Bake Gluten-Free Nutrition Bars

Yesterday was my second boot camp class with Antje Fimmel  from BeneFitnessPDX.  I was definitely feeling it today but I am starting to feel stronger.  Today, I am trying to keep their mantra, "Eat Clean, Train Dirty", in mind as I plan my meals for today.  I was not, however, remembering that mantra as I scarfed down JellyBellys at the movies last night. :(  But today is a new day and I thought it would be fun to experiment with making my own post-run nutrition bar.  After doing some research, I found a really easy way on food.com to make a nutrition bar at home with natural, healthy ingredients.  I just modifications to make them gluten-free and for my own taste.  And they turned out quite delicious; better than the store-bought brands if I do say so myself. :)  All you need is:

• 3/4 cup natural almond butter 
• 1/2 cup honey (maple syrup works, too)
• 1 1/2 cup certified gluten-free oats
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup cashew pieces
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Heat the honey and almond butter over low heat until they are just combined and easy to stir.  You don't want to "cook" them or have the mixture start to boil.  You just want to get it warm enough to mix with other ingredients.  Then, stir in the oats 1/2 cup at a time until a dough-like texture is created.  

Add in your dried cranberries, cashews, and chocolate chips.  You can really use any dried fruit or nut combination you like; these are just my favorites.  And you don't have to add the chocolate chips as they are not exactly "eating clean."  But sometimes I just can't help myself!  You can also add whey protein powder to them if you want them to be a "protein bar".  The almond butter and the cashews were enough for me. Spread the mixture in to an 8x8 greased pan.  Make sure the dough gets really pressed in to the pan so it is flat and feels like a solid surface.

Refrigerate for about 3 hours until they are firm.  Then you can cut them in to any shape you like!  I recommend putting plastic wrap around each bar as they will stick together if they are stacked on each other.  They really are a post-workout great snack .  I had one after a run today and it did the trick!

I think I will add these to Allergy Free Wednesday! Anyone else have any snacks to fuel-up before or after a workout?  Share in the comments section!