Healthy Homemade Bars {GF & DF}

Happy New Year, guys! I know a lot of people have set goals of eating better, so let’s do it!! I’m here to help with my nutritious, healthy recipes. Check out all of mine here. Now for an awesome snack idea for you and the entire family…

I’ve been recipe testing with the boys, and we finally got this one down!! They’ve been helping me taste 🙂 Creating a healthy homemade bar for easy snacks has been on my to do list. Having nutritious foods to grab and go for the kids and myself is SO important. These are perfect to make at the beginning of the week. I’ve found food prep is key for healthy eating and especially if you are feeding an entire family. Trust me, take the time. Everyone will benefit in a BIG way!

Today’s bars are gluten and dairy free. I tried a few versions and found I liked the ones with less sweetness (maple sugar). I also decided not to use dried fruit (you could) to reduce the sugar. Instead I incorporated more healthy fats and seeds. The majority of my recipes tend to be low in sugar, full of fiber and healthy fats as well as gluten free. This is because I’ve found I feel my best when I eat like this and have a more consistent mood – my kids included!

See below for ingredient, shopping list links and steps to make – enjoy!

*Note: I use all organic ingredients when I can.

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Ingredients

{serving: 8 bars}

1/4 cup maple syrup

2/3 cup almond butter – I use Thrive (important it’s creamy/oily)

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 tablespoons coconut oil melted

1 cup gluten free oats – I use Thrive

3 tablespoons protein powder – I use Four Sigmatic

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1 tablespoon hemp seeds

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

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Shop Ingredients

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Steps

1. Use a blender to blend together maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla and coconut oil.

2. Add the remaining ingredients: gf oats, protein powder, chia seeds, hemp seeds, cinnamon and salt. Blend. Mixture will be sticky-ish. I stop throughout blending and use a spatula to help mix all ingredients.

3. Fold in chocolate chips and mix in with a spatula (not blending).

4. Press mixture into an 8″x8″ dish. Make sure it is evenly spread out and smooth on top. I use a spatula to do this.

5. Place in the refrigerator to set. At least 3 hours. I like leaving it overnight.

6. Once it has been hardened in the fridge, cut into 8 bars. Enjoy!

*Make sure to store covered in the fridge.

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