Raw Protein-Packed Quinoa Energy Bars

Ever have one of those crazy days where you don’t know where you’ll squeeze in a workout? These energizing raw quinoa bars can be just the motivation needed to get you into the gym, even for just a quick session.

We all know that exercising is a great way to tone your body, detoxify cells, and boost your metabolism. But it also matters what kind of food you feed your body before and after working out. It’s not always easy to blend up a protein shake, especially if you’re going to the gym straight from work. It’s a good idea or have something handy so you don’t have to think about it.

Maybe you can relate to this: I used to have a big problem when I first started to seriously work out. I didn’t pay too much attention to what I ate, so instead of feeling energized I craved different foods and gained a few pounds. It was only when I started making a conscious effort to have something energizing before a workout, and something nourishing after a workout that things started to click.

Now I always carry these energizing bars with me and have them within about an hour before working out. They are packed with everything your body needs to face the upcoming challenge: protein to feed the muscles, healthy monounsaturated fats that help you burn calories, and natural sugars that will give you the required energy.

There are plenty of energy bars at the supermarkets, but making your own will spare your body from refined sugars that burden the liver. These store bought bars add calories, create acidity in your body, and also add in other unnecessary chemicals and preservatives. Every time you can, turn to raw, home-cooked snacks and desserts, as refined sugar is one of the biggest enemies to maintaining your health.

You can pretty much play with the ingredients any way you like, but the base for making these raw energy bars stays the same. Seeds like quinoa or amaranth, soaked overnight, load them up with quality protein that contains all nine essential amino acids to build and restore muscle cells.

They also add minerals like magnesium to give you energy and help the cells of your body eliminate excess water, sodium, and toxins through their membranes. Rolled oats feed your system with carbohydrates that gradually release energy, and also with fiber to help your digestive system eliminate toxins. Dry pitted dates and dried cranberries fuel your body with natural sugars for energy, and also potassium to take the detoxification even further.

My favorite combination for these raw energy bars always includes quinoa, raw pumpkin seeds, raw sunflower seeds and dry pitted dates. It’s so simple to make, and from this you can build your own variations, adding a variety of dried fruits, different nuts, raw cacao powder, or any other superfood to help your body face your next workout challenge.