Yum Yum...It's Food Friday!

Hi there! It's Marcia here today (Egan's wife). You've made it through your first week of the challenge...Congrats! Today is "Food Friday" and it's time to focus on yummy, healthy eating. So many times when we focus on losing weight or getting fit we think that food is our enemy. Food is actually a very key part in your fitness journey. Changing your relationship with food is one of the most important things you can do to live a healthier lifestyle. Think of healthy, whole foods as your friend. They give you energy, help you build lean muscle and nourish the body after a great workout.

Here's a little tip I use when shopping at the grocery store: I start my shopping around the perimeter of the store. Have you ever noticed that the perimeter of the store is where the fruits, veggies and protein (meats and dairy) are located? Most of the canned and processed foods are located in the aisles. So if you fill your cart with more "real" foods you're going to notice a big difference in the way you feel!

I wanted to share one of our favorite recipes with you. It's a delicious energy bar you can make right in your kitchen. Great to throw in your purse or gym bag. Have a great Friday!

Healthy Power Bars

Makes (12) bars
Ingredients
1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup wheat and barley nugget cereal (e.g. Grape-Nuts™)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 beaten egg
1/4 cup applesauce
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 (7 ounce) bag chopped dried mixed fruit (our family likes cranberries or cherries)

Directions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line a 9 inch square
baking pan with aluminum foil. Spray the foil with cooking spray.

- In a large bowl, stir together the oats, flour, cereal, and cinnamon. Add the
egg, applesauce, honey, brown sugar, and oil. Mix well. Stir in the sunflower
seeds, walnuts, and dried fruit. Spread mixture evenly in the prepared pan.

- Bake 30 minutes, or until firm and lightly browned around the edges. Let cool. Use the foil to lift from the pan. Cut into bars or squares, and store in the refrigerator.

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