Coconut-Almond Energy Bars

Great as a pre-workout snack! From Runner's World Magazine (~2009) 2 c. rolled oats 1 c unsweetened coconut 1/2 c dates (or raisins) 1/2 c raw almonds 1/2 c sesame seeds 1/2 c sunflower seeds 1/2 c cashews 1 1/2 c tahini (or natural peanut butter) 1 c honey 1 t vanilla

1. Combine rolled oats, one cup unsweetened coconut, dates (or raisins), raw almonds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and cashews.
2. Mix 1 1/2 cups tahini (or natural peanut butter) with one cup honey and one teaspoon vanilla. Microwave for one minute.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients. On a greased baking sheet, spread mixture into a one-inch-high rectangle. Bake at 350° F for 15 minutes and cut into 12 bars.

This recipe for energy bars, adapted from The Bakery in New Paltz, New York, has powered runners, bikers, and climbers for nearly 30 years. The dates and honey provide quick carbs, while the nuts are high in healthy fats, which help sustain energy levels. "People doing the fat-free thing often find they're hungry all the time," says Cooke. The oats keep cholesterol in check, and research shows "the fiber in oats may offset the risk of upper-respiratory infections, which are common in runners," says Dikos.