THERE’S A SPORTS nutrition market out there at the moment and it’s absolutely booming.

Energy bars are selling for upwards of €3 a pop and a box of 35 energy gels could set you back over €40.

For that price we estimate you could buy enough ingredients to make a month’s supply of our own energy bar recipe – one far more healthy than the shiny, sugary treats you’ve opted for up until now.

Ingredients:

• 250g oats
• 200g sliced almonds
• 100g chocolate chips
• Peanut butter (half a cup)
• Honey (1/4 cup)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)

Method

1. Line a shallow baking tray with greaseproof baking paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, almonds, chocolate chips and whisk to combine. A blender is probably a better option than using a whisk.
3. Mix the peanut butter, vanilla extract and honey separately, again using a blender if you need to.
4. Pour the first mixture into second and use a spoon to combine the two together. You are finished when there are no remaining dry oats.
5. The drier the mixture, the more firm the bars will be, so stir in extra oats if the mixture seems wet.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking tray.
7. Use your spoon to arrange the mixture fairly evenly and pack the mixture down as firmly and evenly as possible.
8. Cover it and store in the fridge overnight.
9. Slice the bars into your desired size and voilá!

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