Powered By Oats
I’ve been playing around with eating and not eating before a run for a long time now. Nothing seems to be giving me a consistent result as far as endurance and energy is concerned. Normally, I stick with not eating. When I eat, it weighs me down and makes me feel weaker. Lately, I’ve been struggling either way.
Today, I decided to try out a smoothie instead of eating solid food. In the blender went…
- 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze
- 1/2 banana
- 1 piece frozen mango
- 1/4 cup raw oats
It was a tasty mix and just enough to get me going 
I am trying to increase my mileage little by little before starting the “serious” half marathon training this August. My plan today was 4.5 miles. I started off pretty strong and my energy level stayed fairly even until mile 4. I was getting a bit tired at that point, but just slowed down and took a walk break. I finished up at 4.68 miles 
I think the smoothie did a great job holding me over. I’ll definitely try that again!
I came home for a mid-morning perk up – press and string…
Later, I had a lunch date with friends at Panera Bread. Everything is so good there, it’s hard to choose. Inevitably, I end up getting the same thing – Black Bean Soup and a half Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich…
It was yum!
The munchies set in at the usual afternoon time, so I whipped up a healthy and filling snack. I’ve been wanting to make baked oatmeal for grab-n-go breakfasts, but I thought they would make a great snack, too.
I decided to bump up the nutrition even more with the addition of ground flax seed, also known as flax meal or milled flax seed…
What’s cool about ground flax is that you can use it in baked goods as a substitute for eggs much like the chia seeds. Remember my Chia experiments?! The method is similar, also. To make a “flax egg”, mix 1 tbsp. of ground flax with 3 tbsp. water and let sit until it thickens, about 1 –2 minutes. Instant egg! It works great!
Let’s get to the recipe…
Orange Date Baked Oatmeal Bars
- 2 flax eggs (*see instructions below)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/8 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates (about 10-12 large dates)
- zest of small orange (about 1 tsp.)
- 1/3 cup skim milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp. vanilla
For flax eggs: In a small dish, mix 2 tbsp. ground flax seed …
with 6 tbsp. water and set aside for 2 minutes until thickened…
Place dry ingredients in a large bowl…
Add wet ingredients and stir until fully combined…
Spray a 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray (I line my pan with foil and spray). Pour mixture into the pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes…
Let cool completely. Cut into 6 bars.
Dig in…
If you’re not a traditional oatmeal fan, like me, try these! They have a great texture and the orange flavor goes very well with the natural sweetness of the dates.
Nutritional facts per bar (calculated using www.calorieking.com): 197 calories, 2.7 grams fat, 201 mg. sodium, 40 grams carbohydrates, 18.4 grams sugar, 4.9 grams fiber and 5 grams protein.
3 POINTS per bar
****
Dinner was simple, thanks to Gram! She brought by a crabcake for me, so I heated it up with some leftover spinach…
The husband and daughters were happy with breakfast for dinner! They don’t know what they’re missing 
Have a great day, everyone!
Have you tried flax ? How have you used it?
Questions? Email me! aloserforlife@gmail.com
26 comments
Those oatmeal bars look insane! I do use flax…sparingly. I once read that flax might increase estrogen levels and it has me paranoid. I also read that might be true in high doses. On the other hand the majority of other research is so possible so I can’t help but sprinkle the nutty goodness in things like oats. I just love the taste and texture!
Marisa Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Ooh, I’ll look into that!
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I have tried flax seed for Chickadee. It’s AWESOME.
Also, re: crabcakes are this for me, “you know you like it” I’m playing with fire aren’t I? I’ll be very very careful. They are just soo good. Have you ever had apple cider vinegar steeped in hot chili peppers? It’s perfect for spinach!
Marisa Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Buwahahaha! I am emailing you right now!
I use flax as an egg substitute, an addition to oatmeal, a hot cereal all in itself ( add boiling water and let sit for a minute and stir) and as a flour substitute in bread, rolls and pizza crust. It is a pantry staple in kitchens where they are going low carb or gluten free. I like it a lot !
Those oatmeal bars look really good! I love flax – I really like it in my oatmeal and smoothies.
Great oatmeal bar recipe! I’m always looking for a healthy, cheap alternative to buying expensive brands.
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Wow look at those bars!! I need to try that recipe!
Great job on the run!! You’re going to rock that half-marathon!
Great job on your run! How are the oats in a smoothie? I bake flax into my cockpot oats every time. Love it!
Marisa Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Surprisingly, I didn’t notice the oats at all in the smoothie. They blended up nicely and thickened the smoothie.
Those look yum, I will have to try it when I get back from vacation.
I have been adding flax seed to my yogurt in the mornings along with my other additions, haven’t used it ground up yet but like the taste, I also added it to my soups in winter.
Hey, Marisa, great job on the running! You are so inspiring! I mean, really, half marathon! Wow. I’ve been considering more and more entering another event, a 1oK or a half. I know, I know, I said I absolutely had no interest in doing a half, but maybe just once for the challenge to myself. We’ll see.
Anyway, you’re doing great and your smoothie sounds good. I’m trying a greek yogurt today before my run, see if that helps. It has 12 grams of protein in one cup.
Marisa Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Yeah, a half marathon. Yikes! Someone needs to save me from myself
I make the 1-minute muffin with flax. Yum! Are you getting in enough protein? I find I need protein with the carb for preworkout snacks so I don’t fizzle out.
Marisa Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Okay, I will try more protein and see if that helps, too. Thanks!
Great job on your running!
Those oatmeal bars looks awesome. I do use flax seeds and ground flax but have not tried using them as an egg replacement. Thanks for the reminder about that.
I have been fighting the urge to bake but so many bloggers have been posting their baking that I think maybe it is a sign I need to bake something! LOL. I can rationalize almost anything!
Wow, those oatmeal bars look great! I’m going to have to try them myself…
I throw flaxseed meal into a lot of baked goods, like banana bread and strawberry muffins. I think it’s a great way to up the nutritional value without affecting flavor. I didn’t know that you could sub flax for eggs, though – that’s cool!
Ok, so I am a little slow but I LOVE your new header – it’s so cute with the fruit/veggies
I have found I personally have to eat before a run, but, the best combo that works for me is pb or almond butter with a little jam, banana and a slice of bread or bagel. Think 1/2 sandwich or bagel. I know for those who can’t eat, they actually take the Gu packets before a run.
Something to think about though….you need to refuel every hour when you are running…enter Gu or your favorite running thing. I think once you do that, you will find your energy doesn’t totally go away.
I NEED to try your baked oatmeal – it looks delish!
Marisa Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Thanks for those tips, D!
The oatmeal bars look delicious! I’ve been meaning to experiment with “flax eggs”; it’s on my “to do” list.
Good job on the run! I’m so impressed that you are going to run a half marathon!!!!!
Great add in to the baked oatmeal- dates & the orange zest YUM!
I love crab cakes!!! I gotta go before I salivate on my keyboard. lol
great recipe – love anything with dates…
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