No-Bake Snack Bites to Give You Lasting Energy on the Bike

energy bites


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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