You should spend more time outside. According to a review in Extreme Physiology & Medicine, “green exercise can improve mental well-being and markers of physiological health.” If that’s not enough to convince you of spending more time in the “green,” maybe these homemade blueberry snack bars will. Packed tightly with whole nuts, cereal O’s and pieces of pretzels, they’re the perfect treat for the trail. Cover a few squares in plastic cling wrap and throw them in a cargo pocket. After 3 miles uphill, you’ll be “berry” happy you did.
Berry Happy Trail Mix Bars
Ingredients
1 cup Van’s Blissfully Berry Five Whole Grain Cereal
1 cup pretzels
1 cup cashews
½ cup dried blueberries
½ cup organic brown rice syrup
¼ cup Wild Friends Protein+ Vanilla Almond Butter
2 Tbsp. coconut oil
Directions
- Line a large baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, pulse cereal and pretzels just a few times to break into smaller pieces. (Don’t let them turn to dust!) Move to a large mixing bowl.
- In a small saucepan over low-medium heat, melt syrup, nut butter and coconut oil until smooth. Stir constantly.
- Once smooth and all clumps have disappeared, pour over dry mix. Stir until well coated.
- Spoon mixture into prepared dish, cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Cut into even squares and keep in an airtight container for up to a week.