Grab & go raspberry granola bars
The search for nutritious healthy snack bars is never ending. With the added restriction of the "nut free" policy in some schools, making your own is the key to success. These bars contain oats and seeds, no nasties, no refined sugar and no nuts. These are really quick and simple to make ahead and add to a packed lunch or your gym bag for a post-workout refuel.
ingredients
makes 6-8
125g gluten free oats
50g oat flour (make your own by grinding oats)
3 tablespoons desiccated coconut
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoon raw virgin coconut oil, melted
3 tablespoon honey (maple syrup for vegan version)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
100g raspberries (fresh or frozen)
method
Prep time: 15mins
Cooking time: 15mins
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Grease a ceramic or glass dish with coconut oil. I used a 21cm x 17cm dish.
In a large mixing bowl add all the dry ingredients until well combined.
Add the honey and melted coconut oil and mix well.
Finally, add the raspberries, crush them and combine.
Pour and press the mixture firmly into the greased dish.
Place in the oven for 12-15 mins.
Allow to cool completely in the dish.
Refrigerate for an hour.
Cut into bars or squares and enjoy!
the health boost tip
These bars offer a delicious and nutritious balance of good carbs, unrefined natural sugars and essential fatty acids to keep you fuller for longer. They also comply with the no-nut policy most schools in the UK adhere to.
Adding pumpkin seeds (good source of magnesium and zinc), sunflower seeds (excellent source of vitamin E ) and chia seeds (rich in protein ) to snack bars is a great way to increase your intake of essential vitamins and minerals and boost your chances of keeping a healthy immune system.
