Base miles and long days of riding need fuel that is more complex in nutrition and provides energy that lasts. The combination of fast-burning dates, maple syrup and slower-to-digest oats gives the body carbohydrates to work quickly without a fade. Adding coconut oil helps the body feel satisfied from the healthful fat, and since this fat source is a medium chain triglyceride (MCT), it is utilized more efficiently by an active body. Adding espresso powder supplies a burst of alertness, but if caffeine isn't your thing, skip it and turn to one of the other mix-in options.
These no-bake, make-ahead bites are the perfect thing to keep you going when you need lasting energy or just want a tasty snack without much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 25 pitted and chopped dates
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrpp or brown rice syrup
- 2 tablespoon espresso Powder*
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
Toss all ingredients in the food processor, and pulse until almost smooth. Remove and place the "dough" in a bowl. Use your hands to roll the mixture into tight, bite-size balls. Place in the refrigerator until firm, about two hours. Keep in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container until you need a snack. If taking on a ride, place a few into a small plastic baggie or other wrapper to stash in your kit pocket.
* Sub the espresso for one of these other options, or try rolling the bites in an additional ingredient to spice things up: spirulina, maca, cayenne, cinnamon, cacao nibs, cordyceps, reishi, beet powder, quinoa, coconut shreds or turmeric.
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