If you run, bike, hike, cross country ski or even walk long enough, there will come a time when you need to eat along the way. In general, I plan to fuel during workouts that will last longer than 90 minutes, but the off-the-shelf fair can get old (and expensive) after a while. A person can only down so many gels, gummy chomps or other sugary packaged processed food before it gets to be kind of “yuck.”
So, I have been working on a more natural energy food for long runs and rides. Today, I present you with a cookie-like bite that isn’t too sugary, but packs a nice energy punch. There is a hint of sweetness, but not that “my teeth are going to fall out of my head” kind of sweetness that comes with many energy fuels.
Most packaged energy fuel runs between 90-100 calories per serving, so that was my target. These two-bite cookies come in at 110 calories of natural goodness. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and toss them in your fuel belt or bike bento box and you’ll be set!
Almond Quinoa Energy Bites
Makes: 2 dozen
Time Required: 15 minutes to make quinoa, 5 minutes to prepare batter; 12-14 minutes to bake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 2.5 cups cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 apple, chopped
- 2/3 cup mix-ins (dried cranberries, raisins, chocolate chips, etc.)
Method:
- Preheat oven to 350F
- Prepare quinoa according to package directions
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, blend almonds until they are finely ground. Add apple and maple syrup and blend until combined. Add quinoa and blend until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed
- Pour mixture into a large bowl and stir in your mix-ins
- Drop by tablespoon onto a prepared cookie sheet
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until the cookies are lightly browned
Nutrition
Based on raisins as the mix-in.
These even pass the “2Chili” test, so I hope you like them as an endurance fuel alternative!