Homemade energy bars and a good gym session

Tuesday was good...

Nothing spectacular - just a happy, productive day.

I was excited to make homemade energy bars! I am always in need of a snack pre or post workout and the idea of making my own was very appealing. I love that I would know exactly each ingredient that went into the bar.
I found a recipe that is super easy and they are delicious!

In the October 2014 issue of Runner's World (pages 77-81) they have a great section of DIY energy bars, I decided to make the Four ingredient Cranberry Walnut Bars created by Pam Anderson (she has a wonderful blog with the most amazing recipes! Go HERE to check her out!)

Here are the ingredients:

1 cup walnut pieces

1 cup pitted dates

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

- Preheat over to 325F

-Place walnuts in a small baking pan and toast for 10 minutes or until fragrant and lightly browned.

- Remove from oven and set aside to cool.

-Line an 8 inch square baking pan with plastic wrap. Coast the inside with cooking spray. I don't use cooking spray, so I spread a tiny bit of butter instead.

-In a food processor, combine the dates, cranberries, walnuts and coconut, 

- Process until fruit and nuts are ground into fine pieces.

- Add one tablespoon of water.

- Continue to process until mixture begins to hold together when pressed with your fingers.

-Pour mixture into prepared pan. With your hands or back of a spoon or measuring cup, spread the mixture out and press to compact.

-Refrigerate for 1 hour, then cut into 16 squares and serve. YUM!! They are so good! I can't wait to share them with the family!

I went to the gym and had a fun 90 minutes on the bike...

Worked on holding the plank for 2 minutes...

Finished the workout with the rest of my core routine, and just felt all kinds of happiness at the end of a great workout!

I'm also happy that even though I can't run in my Brooks Adrenaline GTS anymore (it is a stability shoe and I need a neutral shoe!), they make a great shoe for going to the gym :)

I hope you had a great workout today!

What is the longest time you've ever spent on a stationary bike?

90 minutes has been my max so far, but I'd like to extend the time gradually.

What type of running shoe do you wear?!

Now I am wearing the Brooks Ghost 7!

How many miles are you running today?

Happiness Is Running Life!

xo,

Natalie