The Perfect Energy Bar when you’re on the run. With a Tropical Flare of Coconut and a touch of the Natural Sweetness of Raisins and Honey, these nut bars are an excellent source of Protein and good fats to keep you energized.

Coconut and Nut Energy Bars | URBAN BAKES

Over the past month, my personal life was a little hectic with running around which ultimately pulled me away from what I love most… being here with you sharing what I’ve baked through photos and stories. 🙂

In early December while at work, there was a sudden sharp pain shooting in the center of my lower back and radiated downward through both of my glutes. It was so intense, as if someone stepped with full weight on my lower back and wouldn’t let up. The pain was so excruciating, I was unable to stand for 30 seconds before having to sit. As I walked, I was completely bent over at the waist, grasping onto anything around to help hold me up and of course, in a 2-week timeframe, I was bed ridden for 3-4 days each time.

Thank goodness for Uber eats and Instacart because I literally couldn’t do anything. I must admit, as much as I love my singlehood, during this time it completely sucked… BIG TIME!

I saw a neurosurgeon who ordered an MRI and found that I have a bulging disk (no surprise there!) and degenerative disk disease which is when the disks in between the vertebrae of the spine begin to break down and may cause pain. Plus a bit of osteoarthritis in the facets of L4-L5 of the spine. Sounds scary, right?!

Well, it’s very well possible I’ve had this condition since my mid to late twenties because sciatica pain and discomfort is nothing new. It’s something I’ve dealt with on an almost daily basis since the start of this blog back in 2012/2013 – I just never took care of the issue. Now wiser and have come to grips that I’m no spring chicken, I’ve finally decided to take a deeper look into this problem. After all, this issue has sent me to the ER twice while in my twenties and over the past 8 years, bed ridden for a few days at least once a year. This time however, the pain was worse than ever!

So this past month with doctors appointments, physical therapy and constant schedule changes at the work place, my brain has been in a whirlwind. Trying to remember when to pack lunch, when to bring extra clothes to change into for my PT appointments, checking if I even have an appointment for that date and if I’m supposed to go into the office, has led me to sometimes forget to eat. I’m just not used to running around this much.

Thank God while recovering, there was a brief moment I was able to make these bars and enough of them to where I can easily grab and go. This snack has definitely saved me from those moments when my stomach decided to remind me that I haven’t eaten.

I’ve kept these bars in an airtight container for the past month in the fridge and they are just as good now as when I first made them! They taste great both chilled or at room temperature. I also REALLY love that I can change the additions. These bars have a more tropical flavor with the coconut and are heavy on the nuts with almonds and peanuts. Plus. raisins and honey to add a touch of sweetness. But if you want to add or substitute an ingredient for dark chocolate or different dried fruits or nuts, the possibilities are endless!

If you decide to swap any of the ingredients, try to keep the amounts the same so there is enough coverage by the peanut butter which acts as a binding agent. Overloading the bars or not using enough ingredients could lead to bars falling apart and not holding shape.

Despite the past month [January] getting a little hectic, I’ve been in good spirits lately and know I will be just fine. As long as I can continue to bake and take photos, this will continue to feed my soul… and these bars will too! 😉