Ditch The Protein Bars & Make These Super Easy, Quick DIY Snacks--No More Hangry!

September 19, 2017

No matter what diet or lifestyle you follow, you’ve probably noticed that workout snack options are endless; from protein bars to energy cookies to squeezable gels–the choices are definitely vast. A good thing is that a lot of these snacks are vegan nowadays–and some are even vegan and healthy. But more often than not, a lot of them come with added sugar, often refined, or tons of preservatives and “natural flavors”–they are actually not so natural, but mostly chemical. Indeed, most workout snacks have a long ingredient list with unnecessary additives that don’t really add nutritional value.

Ditch The Protein Bars & Make These Super Easy, Quick DIY Snacks--No More Hangry!

In addition, workout snacks tend to be pricy, and your love for granola bars can definitely add up. A lot of these snacks are marketed in a way to make consumers feel like they have to buy a certain product because it will “boost your protein intake” or help “alkalize your body.” Even if these claims are true (in some cases they’re certainly not!), these snack options come in disposable packaging that ultimately leads to more waste, which is something we all want to avoid!
The good news is that most of these snacks can easily be made at home–and for a good deal cheaper!

Check out my favorite DIY snacks, for pre and post exercise (and hectic work days!), that you can make it big batches in advance. As an added bonus, they’re super easy to transport. Guaranteed nutritious and affordable at the same time.

3 DIY Snacks to Fuel Your Workouts & Your Busy Days

1. Simple granola bar

Granola Bars

 

1 1/2 cup oats

1/4 cup tahini

1/4 cup maple or coconut syrup

1/2 cup mixed raw nuts of any sort (almonds, chopped)

1 cup Medjool dates, chopped finely in a food processor (almost paste-like)

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Prepare and 8×8 muffin pan with baking paper and pour ingredients into it. Press down well until about 1-inch thick and evenly flattened.
Put into the freezer for about one hour then cut into 8-10 bar-shaped pieces. Transport in a small, reusable container.

2. Chia fruit squeeze

Chia Seeds

1 small beet

1 ripe banana

1/2 cup strawberries

1 medjool date

4 oz apple juice

2 tbsp chia seeds

Blend all ingredients except for chia seeds. When smooth, add in chia seeds and mix well. Refrigerate for 30 minutes and enjoy! You can fill little pouches or reusable containers with the chia squeeze.

 

3. Date fudge

Dates - DIY Snack

6 Medjool Dates

6 tsp of peanut or almond butter

Use Medjool dates for this recipe–they are super sweet and fudgy! Just remove pit and stuff with a teaspoon of almond or peanut butter. Can be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge in a plastic container.

What are your favorite DIY snacks?

Also by Isabelle: How To Stay Slim This Fall Even With All The Pumpkin-y Foods #BeStrong

Related: Best Post Workout Routine Includes These Alkaline Snacks & We’re Not Complaining

Top 10 Vegan Snacks to Fuel Your Workouts

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Photo: Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash, Isabelle Steichen, Stacy Spensley via Flickr, Wikimedia Commons

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​Isabelle grew up in Luxembourg and transitioned from an omnivore, cheese loving life to a plant-based diet after she finished her master's in urban studies in Paris and moved to NYC in January 2013. Her decision was triggered by environmental, ethical as well as health reasons. She is passionate about veganism and health and has a plant-based nutrition certificate from e-Cornell. The Plantiful is her blog and creative outlet that she uses to share her love for all things plant-based. Isabelle is also a health coach and a certified yoga teacher with focus on restorative.

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