The morning of my
Around Coronado swim, I fueled up with a meal that I had just discovered: Peanut Butter Oatmeal topped with fruits & nuts and just a drizzle of honey (yes, I was about a decade late to the game). It was not only delicious, but it was packed with both the calories and the balance of macro nutrients I was seeking:
- A small amount of protein to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and aid in recovery during (and after) my activity;
- A high density of carbohydrates to serve as my energy source during this prolonged, 5-hour endurance endeavor;
- A balanced amount of fat to serve as a sustaining source of fuel and a means of sparing muscle glycogen during prolonged endurance activities.
- A hearty dose of fiber to enhance my digestive and metabolic health.
Upon continuing my training over the next couple of years, I sought to replicate this wonderful energy source into a more convenient, portable recipe so that I could consume while traveling to train or compete.
The rest, as they say, is history…I began baking bars for myself every week. Then, I started sharing them with friends, fellow swimmers, and the athletes I coached. At every turn, friends and random acquaintances alike encouraged me to scale up, expand, and make them available to all.
They became a staple at my La Jolla Open Water Swim Camps, which attract marathon swimmers from around North America twice a year. Swimmers would post unsolicited positive reviews on the bars on their swim camp feedback surveys…And, nearly 5 years later, still receiving the same encouragement and rave reviews, I began rolling these bars out for everyone to enjoy.
