Walkin' Along with My Fruity Oaty Bars

Shew. It has been WAY too long since my last post. I have had a lot of lazy summer nothingness going on, which I suppose could be a testament to my idleness OR a reason not to write blog entries about nothing. You choose.

I have, however, started exercising, walking three miles a day. I'm not one for working out, but I've realized that, however much I weigh, I do need to at least be in shape. My boyfriend and I have been keeping it up for the last three weeks or so, and already I feel as though I have much more energy (being usually a lethargic, lounging type person) AND I even want to start jogging.

Today was the first day of my jogging adventures. I'm trying to work my way up to a mile, which will be a big deal to me, since I've never been able to run that far in my life. (First, however, I must invest in a decent sports bra. These D-cups can't handle a mile's worth of up-and-down.) Naturally, my already swelling runner's ego is telling me that I need to start eating things like power bars that have lots of nuts and oats and other things made by woodland creatures. Also, my walking buddy/boyfriend was complaining about cereal sloshage, so I wanted to make him something...stickier...for a pre-workout meal.

So after an arduous afternoon of clicking around on the internet for recipes, I ambled on over to Kroger (Ha ha! Just kidding. I got a friend to drive me. My workout for the day was over at 11 a.m.) and purchased the necessary ingredients. I proceeded home and made a double batch, leaving a sinkful of soapy dishes for one of my parents to deal with. (Ha ha! Sucks to your asthmar, Mom and Dad!...I mean, thank you for buying me food and letting me mooch during the summer.)

Here is the recipe I used:


Peanut-butter Oatmeal Energy Bars

cooking spray
1/2 c. honey
1/2 c. peanut butter
2 tbsp. maple syrup
1 tbsp. canola oil
1/4 c. light brown sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon (I used a whole teaspoon, because I LOVE cinnamon)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. rolled oats
2 c. crisp brown rice cereal
1/4 c. toasted wheat germ (for protein!)
1/2 c. chopped roasted peanuts
1/2 c. chopped dried apricots
1/2 c. chopped dried figs (I used raisins, since I don't like figs)
1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1. Spray a 9 x 13" baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, peanut butter, maple syrup, canola oil, brown sugar, cinnamon. Stir and cook until mixture just begins to bubble, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

3. In a large bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, wheat germ, peanuts, apricots, figs, and salt.

4. Pour peanut butter mixture over oatmeal mixture and stir gently with a spatula until well combined. Transfer to baking dish, cover with parchment paper and press firmly into dish. Allow to cool completely (this goes faster in the fridge). Cut into squares or bars.

Makes around 14 bars.


I didn't press them down terribly firmly, so they're a little crumbly, but very delicious. They're very moist, and while it's cooking, the peanut butter mixture smells AMAZING. These were a big hit with my dad, who likes all things trail mix. They're 240 calories each, which I think is perfectly acceptable for breakfast or a snack before a run, especially since they're loaded with protein.

So while I may not become a health nut anytime soon, I think I could definitely be converted to liking wheat germ, whatever the heck that is.*

*Actually, according to Wikipedia, wheat germ is some part of a seed that contains 28% protein. You can add it to lots of recipes for an extra protein boost. Look for wheat germ in the oatmeal section.