Nourishing Granola Bars
We all lead pretty busy lives, and eating healthy on the go can be challenging. Things like meal prep and having healthy snacks on the fly can make this a lot easier.
Unfortunately, a lot of protein or energy bars are pretty expensive if you make them a staple in your diet. Making your own protein bars at home can be an easy and delicious alternative and maybe even impress your friends at work.
Here are some great alternatives to store-bought bars if you want to try your hand at your own batch.
Homemade Granola Bars
Oat & Nut Bars
If you like KIND Bars - try these!
Ingredients
1 cup oats
2 cups almonds
⅓ cup dried cherries
¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 tablespoon chia seeds
½ cup honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions :
1. Combine dry ingredients in bowl.
2. Over medium heat or in microwave, slowly bring oil and honey to a boil. Pour over dry ingredients.
3. Transfer mixture to a lined baking dish and press into an even layer. Let bars cool to room temperature or place in fridge for 30 minutes. Remove bars, cut into slices and store in a sealed container for up to 10 days.
Cocoa Peanut Butter Date Bars
If you have mad love for Lara bars, make these!
Ingredients :
1 cup dates
1 cup of almonds
½ cup protein powder of choice
¼ cup cocoa powder
¼ cup powdered peanut butter
2-4 tablespoons almond milk
Instructions :
1. Process dates in a food processor until they are broken up into small pieces. Add in nuts and mix until a mixture forms.
2. Add remaining ingredients and pulse to combine until a sticky ball forms. You may need more or less almond milk to get desired consistency depending on protein powder.
3. Press mixture into a lined baking dish and place in fridge for 30 minutes. Remove and cut into slices. Store bars in fridge for up to a week.
Pumpkin Protein Bars
Instead of reaching for that pumpkin muffin, have these!
Ingredients :
1 cup pitted dates
½ cup raw almonds
2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
2 tablespoon chia seeds
⅓ cup vanilla protein powder
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions :
1. Combine bar ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth.
2. Press mixture into a lined pan and place in fridge for 60 minutes
3. Remove and slice into bars, store in fridge for up to a week.