Athletes need to perform at their best, and to do that, they need to fuel their bodies.

An energy bar is a great pre- or post-run snack to boost your performance or help you recover. The problem is, most energy bars are loaded with sugar and calories and have added ingredients you can’t even pronounce. The solution is to make your own energy bars so you can control what goes in them. Try this energy bar recipe for a quick and easy snack before or after your next run.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of raw almonds
• 1/2 cup of raw walnuts
• 1/2 cup of raw cashews
• 1/2 cup of raw pistachios
• 1 cup of old fashioned oats
• 2 Honey Maid Graham Cracker Sleeves
• 1 cup of raisins
• 1/2 cup of natural peanut butter
• 1/2 cup of honey

Directions:

1. Add the almonds, walnuts, half the oats, and the graham cracker sleeves together in a blender and pulse.
2. Scrape into a large bowl and add the cashews, pistachios, raisins and the other half of the oats.
3. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, add the peanut butter and honey and microwave for 1 minute.
4. Add the peanut butter and honey mixture to the dry ingredient bowl and mix with a wooden spoon.
5. Once completely mixed, spread the mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Store in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, then cut into 16 bars.

Additional Add-Ins/Substitutions: pecans, macadamia nuts, mashed bananas, almond butter, apricots, chopped dates

Nutrition per bar

• Calories: 283.88
• Fat: 17.06 g
• Carbohydrates: 28.75 g
• Protein: 7.25 g