Nature’s Energy Bar: Date Bars with Strawberries, Golden Berries and Cashews

Dates are natures perfect sweetener.  I always try to use dates first and foremost as a sweetener before anything else.  It is about as whole food as you can get.  Zero processing has to be done to this all natural dried fruit.  They come off of the trees looking that way (all dried and everything) just ready to be used in real food treats.  As a good source of potassium and carbohydrate they make a delicious energy bar.

You may have seen other date bars in the store which are great when you are in a pinch but they can be pricy.  Most energy bars in general, even the ones made from tons of processed imitation ingredients are expensive.  If you are looking to eat more real food on a budget then creating a version at home is a great way to save some money.  Only a few ingredients is all you need and the flavor combinations are endless.

Navitas Naturals Golden Berries, if you have never tried them, are sweet and tart little super foods.  Goldenberries have been cultivated for thousands of years.  They contain a high amount of vitamin A and C, fiber, and potassium.  Fun fact: at 2 grams of protein in just one ounce, they contain a decent amount of protein for a fruit.  I love them for their tartness as they remind me of (once loved favorite) sour patch kids.

 A little carbohydrate lesson shall we?  These bars do contain carbohydrates in the form of 100% natural fruits.  One date contains about 15 grams of carbohydrates.  The role of carbohydrates in our bodies include providing energy for working muscles, providing fuel for our central nervous systems, enabling fat metabolism, and preventing protein from being used as energy.  Carbohydrate is the preferred source of energy or fuel for muscle contraction and biologic work.  That being said carbohydrates are good but in the right amount, at the right times, and in the right forms.  Excessive carbohydrates in the form of highly refined sources can cause problems including blood sugar imbalance and weight gain.  Key point here….don’t eat the whole batch at once.  haha.

In my perfect world an energy bar would contain carbohydrates…check…protein…check…fat…check…all while coming from real food ingredients…check.  Even add some hemp seeds to increase the protein content further if you are looking for a good post workout snack.  Now lets get moving!

What are your favorite real food energy bar recipes?  Let me know in the comments.