date nut bars

it is late afternoon, the heat is still mercilessly oppressive, the very air sits stubborn on our arms and legs. i am listening to the inconsistent shuffle of my run, each foot going in front of the other, sometimes with determination but usually with reluctance. i can feel the tension behind my neck, connected to my shoulder blades and eventually going down to my back where i hold most of my stress.

there is no horizon to look toward, instead, i keep my eyes averted to the short distance in front of me. it should be about the journey but all i can think about is the final destination: the finish line. i breathe with my lips parted, i am not winded but my legs - no, my entire body is tired. i question for the millionth time why i am even running when i abhor it so.

it's because i am neither getting any younger or healthier, that a lifestyle of eating good food without consequence is not feasible. a gym membership, one where they withdraw precious money out of my account, isn't enough to entice me to work out. i am still waiting for the runner's high -- the "glow", but i am resigned that the only satisfaction i will get from all this is actually finishing. and well. this. these. these treats. they are, i would have to say with all the smugness and confidence of 1.5 year runner, are the best tasting healthy treats i have ever made or consumed. even more than the cashew cream pie.

they are packed with fiber, low in sodium & calories, along with the crunch of raw almonds, pecans and tickle of raw coconut flakes. like i said, the best. as inspired by savory simple and food loves writing.

note: LÄRABARS® (which were also an inspiration to this) have a more dates to nuts ratio which make for a much sweeter and stickier product. personally, i think dates can be too sweet, that's why i added the amount of nuts and coconut flakes that i did, to cut down on the sweetness. as a result, the bars weren't very sticky. combinations, ratios and spices are entirely up to you. i'd love to add chocolate and other kinds of nuts, or use up whatever random stuff i have in the pantry. these not only are ideal to meet sugar cravings, but also to consume after a race, or in my case usually, during a race.