A healthy snack and more homemade energy bars!

The week is flying by... the first week of February is almost over!

I was so excited about my afternoon snack today...

I LOVE edamame. It is so easy to bring a pot of water to boil, add the edamame, boil for another 5 minutes and enjoy! I love it with a bit of sea salt. :)

Then I made a green smoothie that was a hit with the whole family...

It was super easy to make! I just took fresh kale, frozen strawberries, frozen mango and coconut water and blended it all together...

Yum! A great way to get an additional dose of fruit and veggies in for the day. My kiddos loved this smoothie! It was gone in about five minutes :)

Then I was feeling energetic and decided to make energy bar #2 from the October 2014 issue of Runner's World. Last week I made Cranberry Walnut Bars and you can find the recipe and details HERE!

This energy bar is called El Guapo's Great Energy Bars and was created by Bill Lynch - a chef at the Bristol Bar and Grill in Louisville.

These yummy bars are vegan and gluten free.

Okay. Let's get started!

First gather all the ingredients...

Then preheat the oven to 350 degrees and coat a 9 inch square pan with a little bit of olive oil.

In a large bowl mash two (very ripe) bananas with a fork..

Then add the brown sugar, coconut oil and vanilla. Use a hand mixer or whisk to combine until smooth...

In a separate bowl, combine the baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg, soy flour, oats and coconut...

Add the banana mixture and stir just until combined...

Fold in the pecans and raisins...

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20 minutes or until the top puffs and turns golden brown...

Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely. Cut into bars and wrap individually to keep them fresh...

These bars are delicious! My son said they kind of taste like banana bread. They are perfect for an on the go snack, or something healthy to eat pre or post workout.

For the complete list of ingredients, more about the chef and full directions for the recipe go HERE!

How many running or fitness magazines do you subscribe to? Which ones?

I just get Runner's World in my mailbox, but I plan to add some others this year. They are all so fun (and informative) to read!

Happiness Is Running Life!

xo,

Natalie