Non-GMO— Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, present a huge list of concerns that we aren't going to get involved with here; we suggest you Google it if you don't have an opinion yet. Many people and countries believe that GMOs present threats to not only nutrition but the natural world as well, which is why they are banned in many countries, While it isn't the single biggest preference for us when it comes to healthy ingredients, it certainly makes the list. Chocolate Chips: To me these are essential because I'm a chocolate lover. I love using really dark chocolate ( or even unsweetened chips) but my kids prefer semi-sweet chocolate chips. However, you can use dried fruit instead. Step-By-Step Instructions At this time, you feel drowsy because your body is naturally wired for a nap at what would be the hottest part of the day in a human’s natural environment. It has little to do with your actual activity level or energy storage consumption. Can energy bars help you stay awake? Yes, energy bars often contain enough sugar to give an adult of regular size and weight a boost in alertness, which is why some people still use them to get over the 3 PM slump. However, energy bars usually don’t contain as much benefit for grogginess as caffeinated beverages, which directly suppress the hormones responsible for making you feel sleepy. Additionally, energy bars taken to remain alert can result in a “sugar crash,” leading to more significant drowsiness down the road. While you may still enjoy the benefits of the energy bar over time, they’ll be less noticeable, and you may even get a stomach cramp from eating food right before working out.

Health is an inextricable ingredient in living the outdoor lifestyle. Participating in outdoor sports not only makes you healthier but being healthier makes outdoor sports easier and more fun. We all know that nutrition plays a critical role in living a healthy life, and this simple fact should be even more obvious when it comes to what we are eating while playing outdoors. For that reason, we decided to rate each bar based upon how healthy the ingredients contained within it are. Chia fresca, also known as “Mexican lemonade,” is a refreshing way to use chia seeds. This natural energy drink is made of water or coconut water, lemon or lime juice, chia seeds, and sweetener. For extra flavor, add a few sprigs of mint. They’re fortified with several vitamins and minerals as well, and the healthy fat content is fairly high, which provides good energy density. Pour the almond butter mixture over the oats. Use a big spoon or a spatula to mix really well, so that the oats and other ingredients are no longer dry and are completely covered with almond butter. Taste the mixture and add a pinch more salt if needed.

Seed Bar Ingredeints!

We took a peek at the ingredients list of all the bars we tested and rated them for the above qualities. Those with whole, natural, and organic ingredients, have little to no added sugars, and are non-GMO scored the highest. Kate's Real Food met every one of these criteria, deserving our applause. Another top scorer is Taos Bakes, and surprisingly Honey Stinger Waffles, which do have a lot of sugar but are natural, organic, and non-GMO. Power Crunch Protein Bars were the most heavily processed and non-natural of all the bars that we featured above (many other even more heavily processed and unnatural choices were tested but not worthy of our recommendation), while products made by Skratch Labs were also sadly non-organic nor very natural. Energy Bar Alternatives This date bar recipe can also beturned into energy balls by simply rolling the dough into 1 inch balls! We love to make it both ways and Big C loves his with a sprinkle of pyramid salt on top. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. These energy balls seriously give you energy. All. Day. Long. Not jittery energy like you’ve had too much sugar or caffeine, just I-could-get-so-much-done-right-now energy!

Larabars are all-natural energy bars that are built around a base of dates and peanuts, as well as other natural ingredients that vary depending on the flavor. Nutritionally, they contain iron, sulfur, manganese, copper, calcium, phosphorus and potassium which are all essential to maintaining good health. They also contain vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin K. How to make these bars Used by Aly Dixon, GB Marathon Runner in Rio and Steve Way, fastest British marathon runner over 40 and first Englishman home in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Marathon. Step 2. Melt the coconut oil then mix it together with the peanut butter and maple syrup until smooth and creamy.

Connect with us

In a smaller, microwave safe bowl, combine almond butter, maple syrup and vanilla. Warm the mixture in the microwave so that it’s easy to stir - about 35 seconds - then stir until the almond butter is smooth and completely mixed in with the syrup. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper. The parchment should be long enough to hang over two edges of the pan so that you can fold the paper up and over the bars (the parchment should be about 20 inches long) Avoid the artificial ingredients found in many salad dressings by making this chia seed vinaigrette. It combines chia seeds with honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.

Whole, Unprocessed Ingredients— Eating natural foods is simply better for you, and we prefer bars that feature these foods over processed alternatives.Chia seeds make a great low-carb substitute in recipes that use breadcrumbs as a binder. You will typically need to use less chia than breadcrumbs. For most recipes, 1 to 2 tablespoons is all it takes. Place a piece of parchment in an 8 x 8 baking pan ( all the way up the sides too). Spray lightly with oil. Family-friendly: These bars are kid-friendly and adult-approved. It’s a recipe the whole family will love.