How to Make Truly Healthy Energy Bars

One sad reality that jumps out at me with every trip to the health food store is that the vast majority of energy bars on the market provide about the same nutritional value as most candy bars, but with some processed protein powder thrown into the mix and at twice the cost of a good old Snickers bar.

The truth is that it's really simple to put together your own health-enhancing, nutrient-rich energy bars with just three ingredients.

This fig-pecan energy bar recipe produces scrumptious bars that are rich in potassium, calcium, iron, fiber, and healthy protein. Think of this fig-pecan concoction as being one of the most mineral-rich healthy snacks that you can use to fuel your body in between meals. - Ben Kim

Ingredients:

3 cups raw pecans

1.5 cups soaked dried figs with stems removed

1.5 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

Directions:

Be sure to allow dried figs to soak in water for 1-2 hours before preparing this recipe.

Drain figs and combine them with raw pecans and pure vanilla extract in a food processor.

Process until figs and pecans are well combined to form a moist granola bar-like texture. You may need to pause the food processor once or twice to scrape ingredients off the sides of the processor so that you are not left with big chunks of figs and pecans.

Transfer homogenized figs and pecans to a baking dish or tray and press down gently with a spatula until mixture is approximately 2-3 cm thick. Use a knife to cut into rectangular or square bars.

Put baking dish or tray in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or the freezer for about 20 minutes to allow the bars to take form.

Enjoy these delicious and nutrient-dense fig-pecan energy bars!