I often surprise myself when the smallest thing inspires me to create something fantastic. Take these sweet nori bars as an interesting example of what can come out of reading an old issue of an unknown women's magazine while sweating to the beat of Rihanna's "Rude Boy" on the elliptical. Firstly, reading or thinking about food while exercising your brains out is not advised. Secondly, having a Bulk Barn so conveniently located beside the gym and stumbling towards it after your workout in a sweat- and hunger-induced haze is also not advised. It only leads to temptation at its worst.
1/2 cup brown rice syrup
6 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp wasabi paste
3 1/2 tbsp agar flakes
2 cups crispy brown rice cereal
1/2 cup toasted peanuts
1/3 cup toasted sunflower seeds
1/3 cup toasted, hulled sesame seeds
2 sheets toasted nori, crumbled

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown rice syrup, coconut oil, salt and wasabi. Sprinkle the agar flakes on top and gently stir. Heat over medium-low until the coconut oil melts and the mixture comes to a light boil. Simmer for about 30 seconds until the mixture begins to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
2. Add the brown rice cereal, peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and nori. Stir until well combined, making sure the dry ingredients are well coated with the syrup mixture.
3. Spoon the mixture into a 8 x 8-inch square pan, pressing down gently and spreading it out evenly using the back of a spoon. Place the pan in the freezer for about one hour to firm up. Cut into bars using a sharp knife. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge or freezer.