{"id":664,"date":"2013-02-27T18:22:58","date_gmt":"2013-02-27T07:22:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ascensionkitchen.com\/?p=664"},"modified":"2017-07-02T13:07:48","modified_gmt":"2017-07-02T01:07:48","slug":"raw-energy-bars-for-girls-who-workout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ascensionkitchen.com\/raw-energy-bars-for-girls-who-workout\/","title":{"rendered":"Raw Energy Bars for Girls who Workout"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Lemon-Almond-Energy-Bar_2\"\"Lemon-Almond-Energy-Bar_1\"<\/p>\n

I’ve called these ‘Raw Energy Bars for Girls Who Workout’. They’re my take on a natural protein<\/a> bar and they’re far prettier than those awful sticky, chewy, gritty things sold at the gym.<\/p>\n

I make these frequently and keep a container of them in the fridge to enjoy during the week, as they really are that delicious. I think it’s that classic combo of creamy coconut butter with nuts and lemon. Divine.<\/p>\n

[bctt tweet=\"Raw Energy Bars for Girls Who Workout - protein-packed whole food deliciousness! \"]<\/p>\n

The ingredients make for a fairly balanced snack – we’ve got some low glycaemic oats (I always use whole grain) in there as a source of fibre, while the mix of almonds, pumpkin seeds, hemp and chia lend both heart healthy monounsaturated fats, and quality protein<\/a> – with hemp and chia bringing all 9 essential amino acids to the table.<\/p>\n

I’ve written an in-depth article on plant sources of protein here<\/a> if you are after further information\/inspiration.<\/em><\/p>\n

The pumpkin seeds are perhaps my favourite inclusion – they are such a great source of the mineral zinc<\/a>, which is so critical to immune health. Zinc is also involved in wound healing, healthy skin, and maintaining our sense of taste and smell.<\/p>\n

I have written in detail on the importance of this mineral here,<\/a> including tips on how to include more zinc rich foods in your diet.<\/em><\/p>\n

Finally, I highly recommend ‘activating’ the almonds and pumpkin seeds in this recipe prior to making the bars. Activating is just a fancy term for soaking them in water for a few hours (or even overnight), then dehydrating till perfectly dry and crunchy. During this process, the anti-nutrient phytic acid is neutralised. This is beneficial as phytic acid will otherwise form a complex with minerals in the gut and prevent their absorption. Additionally, the overall nutrient profile increases and it makes for a far tastier end product. Of course, this recipe works perfectly fine if you don’t have time to soak and dry before use.<\/p>\n

Enjoy!<\/p>\n

Raw Energy Bars for Girls who Workout<\/strong><\/h3>\n
RAW • DAIRY FREE • PROTEIN RICH • HEALTHY FATS  <\/strong><\/h5>\n

| makes 10 bars, in an 8x8 inch tin |<\/p>\n