Bars: protein bars, energy bars, granola bars, cereal bars, etc. Nutrition bars are everywhere, and dominate an entire section in the grocery market. So, which bars should we buy? Which bars are actually good for our bodies? Big money corporations have caught on to the fact that we love a quick snack on the go. The result: hundreds of bars on our grocery shelves, in gas stations, and even in the checkout line of stores like Target and Michaels. Agh!

The bars themselves make spectacular claims; muscle growth, fat free formula, 100 calories, all natural, protein packed, help fight fatigue, lose weight! Amazing!

Of course these wordings are loosely regulated, and nearly anything can be plastered on the front of their pretty packages. That’s why we always divert our attention to the ingredients list. You know the drill; the highest ingredient on the list means there is the most of that particular ingredient. The last ingredient on the list means there is the least of that. The problem is, of course, when there are 30+ ingredients that you need chemistry degree to decipher.

Step away from the bar isle. It is time to make your own. Pretty please?

Making homemade bars is simple, more cost effective, and will only take you 10 minutes to throw together. Once they’re wrapped up in parchment paper, the bars are easily transportable to soccer practice, a business meeting, or just a long ass day when you know you’re going to need a pick-me-up.

Unlike our supermarket foes, these bars are made with wholesome ingredients that will make you sparkle and shine. They don’t include unnecessary additives, preservatives, and nasties to make you dull and icky. The dates and figs give the base of our bar a nice chewy and sweet texture. The walnuts and almonds are a great boost of heart healthy fats and protein too. (Take that nasty protein bars!) Hemp seed hearts are also a source of complete protein with 20 amino acids to boot, 9 of which are used for a complete protein, as well as a source of healthy Omega 3 & 6 fats.

Never, ever buy store-bought bars again!

Chocolate Coconut Energy Bars

Makes 9-12 bars.

1 cup medjool dates
½ cup dried figs
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
½ cup almonds
½ cup walnuts
2 T raw cacao powder
2 T chia seeds
2 T hemp seed hearts
2 T coconut oil, melted

Combine all ingredients into a food processor. Pulse until thoroughly combined and texture is batter-like and a bit sticky. Add another tablespoon of coconut oil if mixture is too dry.

Once the mixture is combined, scoop it out and place on a lined baking tray. Using your hands, smooth down mixture evenly to form one giant bar in the base of the baking tray. Place another sheet of parchment paper on top and use a rolling pin to flatten and smooth mixture evenly. Place baking tray into the freezer to set, about 20 minutes.

Remove from the freezer and cut into even size bars. Store in the refrigerator separated by parchment papers, so they don’t stick together. Enjoy!