Take a Hike with the Barefoot Bar

Adventure; an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity; engage in hazardous and exciting activity, especially the exploration of unknown territory.

The summer and “Indian Summer” have so much to offer us with the outdoors. The sun is out, waters are warmer, family and friends are free from school and the ones that work make time to travel. It’s a time to explore, connect with new people, go camping, travel, hike, surf, find hidden gems, collect wild herbs and feathers… I could go on forever with this one.

During the colder and rainy seasons, we have the chance to hibernate a little more; craft, read, dive into ourselves and learn some new internal things. Then Spring comes and we start to literally spring into action with that new creativity and knowledge. Now, Summer, the time to put it all in full throttle. Exploring and adventure are not strangers during this time of the year.

Along with all this activity we must make sure to take care of our feet and most of all our nutrition. Keeping the body fueled and healthy is a must. Since a lot of the exploring comes with not being able to really cook or have a cooler, I wanted to make something easy to take on the go. I do love energy bars but I have become extremely picky due to the ingredients and lack of true live nutrition that they have. So, I decided to make my own! Now, this is just the beginning of this beauty, I’ll be making other flavors and will be using different nut butters so make sure to keep your eyes out for that. This bar is not only delicious, but filled with protein, antioxidants, and carbs to keep you fueled for a while. I give to you, the Barefoot Bar.

Recipe for the Barefoot Bar 

Ingredients

• 5 Medjool Dates (Pitted)
• ½ cup Peanuts (Chopped)
• 1 ½ cups Quinoa Flakes (you can use oats if you would like but quinoa will be lighter)
• 3 Tbl Honey (Most people use brown rice syrup to make bars, if you would rather then please do)
• 2 Tbl Maple
• 1 Cup Peanut Butter (I used creamy)
• 2 Tbl Flaxseed Meal
• ¼ cup Raw Nibs, Dark Chocolate or Vegan    Chocolate
• ¼ cup Dried Berries (optional)

Directions

1. Turn oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment
2. Mix together the Quinoa and Peanuts and heat for 10 minutes then remove and let cool
3. In a food processor, add the dates, peanut butter, and honey- blend till dates are smooth
4. In a bowl, mix in the rest of ingredients (I use my hands for this part) *If the mixture isn’t sticking together well you can add more maple syrup one tablespoon at a time 
5. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment and then pour the mixture in the pan. Spread out and push down until it seems pretty even.
6. Put in freezer and let it chill for an hour or more.
7. Take out and cut into 9 squares, or whatever size you want! Keep cool until you take them on your adventure.
8. Enjoy!

About the Cook

Chelsea Shapouri, currently in Southern California, is an entrepreneur with the love for holistic health, yoga/meditation, herbal medicine, travel, and the outdoors. Her aim is to help people achieve their true authenticity, move away from stress and into balance using her knowledge with Holistic Living. Chelsea currently is teaching “Yoga Medicine” at local studios and indoor rock climbing gyms, creating a cook book, taking photos with her favorite companions, hosting workshops locally, and enjoying the ocean and trails on her days off. To learn more about her mission and offers you can go to her website; Thegrainsoflife.com or email her at; thegrainsoflife@yahoo.com. Join the team to spread this awareness of happiness as well as taking care of our earth and people.