Chia seeds have some interesting properties that make them really fun to use. Most notably, they can absorb so much liquid! When they do, they become this jiggly, gelatinous texture. When I use them in liquid it’s usually one of these ways: While you may still enjoy the benefits of the energy bar over time, they’ll be less noticeable, and you may even get a stomach cramp from eating food right before working out.

almond butter – this not only adds a creaminess to the bars but also provides a good dose of healthy fats. Look for a brand with just one or two ingredients (almonds and salt). Also, try to use almond butter that’s creamy and drippy. Some of my favorite brands are Wild Friends creamy almond butterand 365 organic creamy almond butter. ZonePerfect is something of a cross between an energy bar and a meal replacement bar, but for this reason, it’s a good choice for long outdoor trips. The well-known “3 PM slump” is another time not to eat an energy bar. Although you may be tired from the natural dip in circadian rhythm that most people experience, the energy provided by an energy bar is not the right kind for this occasion.Enjoy:After chilling the bars, cut your dough into 6 bars. Store these in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy them. Substitutions & Notes

When ranking the best energy bars, the first thing we looked at was the carb and sugar content. We preferred products like Kind Bars and Redd Energy that stayed around 10-20g of carbs and sugar, as we found this was the sweet spot. Products like Power Bars , who had more than 20g of sugar, were ranked lower or axed, as we found this amount to be unnecessarily high. Sugars and carbs that came from natural sources, like dates, were also preferred – which is why Rx bars ranked so highly. The subjects showed a marked shift away from fat metabolism, particularly in the leg muscles. If you are having lower body fatigue at elevation, low carb intake might be the cause—you should look for an energy bar that’s high in carbs. By considering the caloric and energetic demands of your chosen activity or lifestyle, you can find the right energy bar that will keep you firing on all cylinders. There are plenty of fast and slow burn carbs in this latest recipe, to keep you moving without the any post gel crash. The sea salt flakes are a natural form of electrolyte replacement. Chia seeds give homemade granola, energy, or protein bars a fiber boost. Try making chia seed energy bars made from dates, coconut oil, chia seeds, vanilla, and any add-ins you choose such as dark chocolate, coconut, and dried fruit.All you need to make vanilla bean chia pudding is almond milk, chia seeds, and vanilla beans. Top this versatile dish with a dash of cinnamon, chocolate shavings, lemon zest, or a drizzle of maple syrup. You may also layer the pudding with fresh fruit to create a tasty parfait. Pecans: Nuts are optional, but they add a really delicious crunch to these otherwise soft and chewy bars. I love pecans, but you can use any type of nut you want. Just make sure the nuts are chopped in small to medium pieces. Roasted nuts have more flavor and crunch. You can lightly toast the nuts yourself or use store-bought roasted nuts. For a bump in energy and protein to get you to your next meal, RXBAR is the way to go. The minimalist ingredients and focus on high-quality protein means you don’t have to worry about your energy bars getting bloated with excess ingredients or added sugars.