The paleo diet usually helps promote decent energy levels throughout the day, focusing on whole organic foods and lean proteins. Still, sometimes you need a little pick-me-up, whether from a challenging routine at the gym or just an unusually taxing day. Therefore, it helps to have the following make-ahead energy-boosting snacks on hand.
1. Paleo Bars: Key Lime Flavor
Who doesn't love the infusion of lime and coconut? These key lime bars are not only delicious but also pack enough fiber and natural energy to keep you motivated.
Ingredients:
2 cups pitted Medjool dates
1 cup walnuts
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup cashews
Zest of 2 limes
Juice of 1 lime
1/8 tsp salt
Instructions:
Using a food processor or blender, pulse the cashews, walnuts, coconut flakes, and date to a fine chop. Then, add the lime juice and zest to the mix, blending until the mix clumps together, usually one to two minutes.
Transfer the mix onto wax paper or plastic wrap using a spatula, making sure to scrape the sides of the container. Press the mixture into an even square, wrap it, and chill it for about 30 minutes. Next, cut the square into bars, wrapping each and storing them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
2. Chai Spiced Almonds
Nothing boosts your energy like almonds. These Chai spiced almonds add an extra flare of deliciousness with honey, nutmeg, and cinnamon. This is one snack you will find difficult to put down.
Ingredients:
2 cups raw almonds
3 tbsp honey
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground ginger
Instructions:
While your oven preheats to 375° F, use parchment paper to line a baking sheet, rimmed. Spread the almonds over the baking sheet and toast for approximately 10 minutes.
While the almonds are toasting, stir the salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves together in a bowl and set it aside.
In a medium glass or microwave-safe bowl, heat the honey for 30 seconds. Dump the toasted almonds into the bowl and stir them to coat with honey. Next, add the spice mixture and continue stirring.
Finally, spread the almonds back out over the baking sheet, sprinkling with additional sea salt if desired, and put them back in the oven for an additional seven minutes. Allow the almonds to cool before serving, and store them in an airtight container.
3. Carrot Cake Energy Bars
Does dessert for a snack sound too good to be true? Well, it's not with these carrot cake energy bars. These easy-to-make bars will help fuel your entire day.
Ingredients:
3 cups shredded carrots
1 cup walnuts
3/4 cup pitted Medjool dates
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
Pinch of salt
Pinch of ground cloves
Instructions:
You can collect all your ingredients and place them in the food processor. Pulse the processor a few times to ensure everything is broken up. Next, blend continuously until everything begins to clump together.
Using a spatula, transfer the entire mixture to a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper. Shape it into a square and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour.
Finally, remove the square from the refrigerator and cut it into bars. Wrap each bar and keep it refrigerated.
What is your favorite energy-boosting paleo snack?