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After finally getting back to running since my surgery back in December, these three-ingredient energy bars have been everything.
It’s pretty amazing how long it can take you to get back into the swing of things. Last year, I ran three times a week without thinking twice about it. I never put it off. Then after my surgery, I fell into a wicked slump.
You might remember when I wrote about my Hearty Vegetable & Quinoa Soup and the mention of my group of friends experiencing two cancer scares. Well. One ended up not being a scare after all, and we’ve had to face the brutal reality of a loved one being diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma.
He’s a warrior and he’s obviously going to come out of this a flippin’ champion. But the pillow-scream that followed that dreaded news could only flash a fraction of my hurt and frustration. I find it extremely difficult to wrap my head around the fact that someone who puts good into this world, while also leading a healthy lifestyle, could be dealt such a garbage hand. Sure, I’m aware of the fact that these things can’t be controlled—but I cannot let go of the it’s-not-fair of it all.
But it was an eye opener and it got my ass back in gear.
After all, running is *the* best medicine for anxiety, frustration, and anger.
And every time I feel like skipping a run, I remind myself that I’m fortunate enough to have the health to do it.
3-Ingredient Blueberry Almond Energy Bars.
I have a bad habit of forgetting to eat breakfast; I love breakfast—especially big and substantial weekend breakfasts that involve runny yokes and silky smoked salmon—but during the week, my priority is a colossal mug of coffee.
And then I get lost in emails and to-do lists.
So when the time comes to lace up for a run and I realize I haven’t put anything in my belly, I panic.
Well, used to panic.
Because these bars, for a deep lack of a better term, are #bae. (I’ll never use that term here again.)
I can’t take credit for the genius behind this because it comes from The Kitchn, but I had to make a go-to version for myself, bring it here, and share it with you.
The Dana version comprises the following:
- 1 cup of roasted almonds
- 1 cup of dried blueberries
- 1 cup of pitted + dried dates
This results in ooey gooey chewy goodness.
BUT YOU. You can fiddle around and make your very own version, too. Swap the nuts and dried fruit for different variations—just keep the dates, because they act as a binding agent. Though I’m thinking figs could work. If you try it, let me know.
Besides those ingredients, all you need is a food processor or a high-powered blender. (I used the latter and had great success.)
If you make this dish, snap a photo and tag me on the Insta @killing__thyme! I love seeing your creations, and you’ll get a chance to be featured in my monthly newsletter.
3-Ingredient Blueberry Almond Energy Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted almonds
- 1 cup dried blueberries
- 1 cup pitted dried dates
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375° F.
- Spread the almonds over a baking sheet and bake until slightly toasted and aromatic—about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them.
- Remove almonds from oven and allow them to cool. Once cooled, put them into a food processor or high-powered blender along with the dried blueberries and the dates.
- Pulse the mixture to break everything apart. Blend for about 15-20 seconds and, if using a high-powered blender, use the tamper to press down on the ingredients. Pulse, blend, and keep this going until the mixture is sticking together and forming a bit of a ball.
- Empty the mixture onto wax paper or parchment. With your hands, press the mixture down and form as best of a square as you can, about 8 x 8".
- Wrap/secure with the wax or parchment paper and place in the fridge for about an hour.
- Remove from fridge, cut into 12 smaller square, place in a container, and refrigerate for up to three weeks.
Instead of patting on wax paper, spoon blended ingredients into a sandwich bag. Press flat and close for individually sealed bars.
This would the perfect post-workout meal. Can’t believe this has only three ingredients in it.
This is exactly the kind of food I like to snack on!! I will definitely be making these!
This is such an inspiring post in so many ways, I have a friend going through a similar health scare and it puts everything into perspective. Love these bites, I’m going to make them today!!
Loving the fact that this recipe is only 3 ingredients! Can’t wait to make it! Pinning for later. :)
I love simple recipes like this! Blueberries too!
This is such a healthy yummy after school treat for kids! Pinning this.
I would never think they would stick together like that – great idea! Thanks!