Are you one of those people who always find themselves rushing in the morning, with no time to sit down and have breakfast? Well, fret not. With this healthy breakfast bars recipe, you can make a batch of delicious and nutritious bars that you can grab on the go!
Ingredients
To make these bars, you will need:
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup almond flour
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup mixed nuts (chopped)
1/2 cup mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, chia)
1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
Substitutions
If you don't have some of the above ingredients, don't worry. You can always substitute them with something else. For example:
You can use any type of flour instead of almond flour
You can use agave nectar instead of honey
You can use any type of oil instead of coconut oil
You can use any type of nuts, seeds, or dried fruit that you like
Instructions
Making these breakfast bars is really easy. Just follow these simple steps:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, almond flour, mixed nuts, mixed seeds, dried fruit, and salt.
In a small saucepan, heat up the honey, maple syrup, and coconut oil until melted and well combined.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture and stir well until everything is coated.
Line a baking dish with parchment paper and pour the mixture into it.
Press down firmly with a spatula until the mixture is even and compact.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Nutrition
These breakfast bars are not only delicious, but they are also packed with nutrients. Here's the nutrition information for one bar:
Calories: 250
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 120mg
Benefits
Let's take a closer look at some of the benefits of the ingredients in these bars:
Oats
Oats are a great source of fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied. They are also rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. Oats have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Almond Flour
Almond flour is a great alternative to regular flour, as it is gluten-free and low in carbohydrates. It is also a good source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Almonds have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Honey
Honey is a natural sweetener that is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. It has been shown to soothe coughs and sore throats, and it may also help to improve digestion.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is another natural sweetener that is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of diabetes.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a healthy fat that is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs have been shown to boost energy levels and improve brain function. Coconut oil has also been shown to increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. They are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating nuts and seeds has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol levels, and improve overall health.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also rich in antioxidants. Eating dried fruit has been shown to improve digestion, boost energy levels, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. A simple and delicious recipe for healthy breakfast bars that you can make ahead of time and grab on the go. These bars are packed with nutrients and are sure to keep you feeling full and satisfied until your next meal. Give them a try and let us know what you think!