This incredible nut-free power bar recipe is made with just 7 healthy ingredients. Better yet? Paleo Cranberry Coconut Power Bars are also gluten-free and grain-free. Eat them after you go to your CrossFit workout, or if you’re more of a middle aged woman such as myself who prefers sleep to exercise, eat them after a long walk in the foothills, or a restorative yoga class.
I’m using Steve’s unsweetened dried cranberries for this recipe, which is based upon my Cherry Vanilla Power Bar recipe. I came to know Steve this past spring and have become a fan since we first met (via email). Of course it is not surprising that an Italian in New Jersey and a New York Jew would have affinity for one another. Steve is an astute businessman, supporting exercise and fitness for lower income children and underprivileged youth –who’s not a fan of that?! Steve is candid, smart and dedicated –what more need I say.
Here’s that Paleo Power Bar recipe for those of you who are tough (the CrossFitters) and those of you who are more mellow about your exercise (like myself).
Cranberry Coconut Power Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup hemp seeds
- ½ cup golden flaxmeal
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ⅔ cup coconut butter, melted
- 1½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla stevia
- ⅛ teaspoon celtic sea salt
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse together hemp, flax, and cranberries
- Pulse in coconut butter, shredded coconut, salt and stevia
- Press mixture into an 8 x 8 inch baking dish
- Refrigerate for 2 hours until firm
- Serve
Store these nut-free power bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
What is your favorite form of exercise? Do you CrossFit? Would you lose sleep to workout? Leave a comment and let me know. I know a bunch about your food likes and habits, and now I’m curious about your activity levels…or lack thereof ;-)
Here are some of my other homemade paleo power bar recipes:
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Elle says
Unsweetened cranberries are so hard to find in my local supermarkets. Thank you for linking us to an online store. I will check it out.
I’m not a fan of sweetened cranberries. They add so much sugar that it tastes almost like candy to me.
This recipe is perfect because I’ve been looking for something to make that’s easy to transport.
I haven’t been able to find enough time to eat breakfast lately, so this is perfect to just grab and go.
Elana says
Elle, you’re welcome!
Vanessa says
I do yoga once a week and wrangle my 3-year-old on a daily basis. I don’t have a whole lot of energy for a super intense workout, but I admit I should exercise a little more than I currently do. I have a suspect that I have a bit of adrenal fatigue, so it’s best to take it slow. :)
Also curious if you’ve tried/made unsweetened cranberries? I’m fighting candida and need to avoid sugar.
Sheila H. says
Kickboxing once a week and meeting with a trainer twice a week keeps me fit and strong enough to handle my 3 young, active boys. I sleep better and feel better than I did 5 years ago.
These would be good subbing any nut butter for the coconut butter!
Vanessa says
I do yoga once a week and wrangle my 3 year old all day, every day. The last thing on my mind is a high-intensity workout. I usually throw in a walk most evenings, but that might be more scarce as the weather gets cooler.
Shari from NC says
NIA!!! I take 2 60 minute classes a week, and I dance 60 minutes a week (combination ballet and contemporary). I love NIA!!
NIA’s a mix of martial arts (Tai Chi, Tai Kwon Do, and Aikido), Healing arts (Yoga, Feldenkrais, and Alexander Technique), and Dance Arts (Modern, Jazz, and “Duncan”.) Part of its intent is to help the brain to develop new neuro pathways. We move noticing sensations in the body, often finding Joy in our movement. NIA has spiritual and emotional elements too. I can adjust the cardio workout to what my body needs on any given day, without pain. It’s extremely empowering! See www dot nianow dot com for more details.
On a related note, I found some “real food” bars this summer developed by two professional dancers that are delicious and have a healthy balance of carbs, protein, and fats. Elana, could you take a look and share how they inspire your kitchen creations? They are barre bars and come in 3 flavors: black swan chocolate berry (our favorite!), piroutee cinnamon pecan, and ballerina spirulina. Dates, walnuts, pecans, agave, flax, brown rice protein, and oats form the basis of the bars (other ingredients vary by flavor); and, like Steve, a portion of the proceeds help increase awareness (access to arts) in lower-income areas. See realfoodbarre dot com for more details.
Thanks for this yummy recipe and for asking the exercise question. (Sometimes I’ll lose sleep to exercise and sometimes not. It depends on what my body needs more.) And thanks for encouraging our creative sharing.
Anna Marie says
I am a new crossfitter but I also LOVE to swim. I have four kids under 6, so no, I wouldn’t lose sleep to workout. I am very dedicated to exercise, but know how much lack of sleep effects EVERYTHING!
lauren says
I would not lose sleep for anything. Ever. It is too precious to me!!! But I do workout 4-5 times a week, sometimes more. Let’s just say I am nicer to be around if I have exercised :) I don’t do crossfit but I LOVE lifting weights, HIIT, kayaking, and cycling.
sem says
Oh, that´s looks so good!!!
zoe says
RUNNING! I recently completed Ragnar (an ultramarathon relay) and am in training for a marathon.
I couple that with weight training and do a lot of other activities just for fun (yoga, swimming, roller derby).
As for losing sleep…it really depends. Some days I get up and am tired but I know that missing a work out will mean I just feel more crappy. But I really listen to my body and if it says I need sleep then I sleep.
But sticking to my workouts have meant I’ve had more energy and don’t have trouble waking up or needed lots of sleep – which is fine for me as it leaves more time for adventure!
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Martine says
Has anyone made this recipe? Was it tasty ?