Eat Well LiveWell: No Bake Granola Bars
April 23, 2017
Rolled oats act as a base for these no-bake bars, providing a quality source of whole grains and natural fiber. Fiber is an essential component of a healthy diet as it helps to control blood pressure, blood sugar and can help to reduce your risk of certain types of cancers.
To sweeten up these healthy bars, we add raisins. Raisins are another fabulous source of fiber and a healthier choice than many other dried fruit, like cranberries, which are not usually coated in sugar. According to the USDA, one half cup of dried fruit is considered one serving of fruit!
The USDA recommends most individuals aim for two servings of fruit daily. While each granola bar may not contain a serving of fruit, they do provide fiber and several sources of healthy fats in the forms of natural peanut butter, sliced almonds and ground flaxseed.
It is important to choose natural peanut butter with minimal added sugar and no hydrogenated oil! Can’t have peanut butter? Choose a safe alternative, like, like soy butter. Finish these bars with a moderate amount of honey and semi-sweet chocolate chips to make yourself a sweet, but healthy, portable bar for you and your family to try!
No Bake Granola Bars
Servings: 24 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Ready in: 1 hour 10 minute
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 ¼ cups natural crunchy peanut butter
- 1 cup ground flaxseed
- ¾ cup honey
- ¾ cup raisins
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup sliced almond
Directions:
- Stir oats, peanut butter, flaxseed, honey, cranberries, chocolate chips, and almonds together in a bowl; press into a 9x11-inch baking dish, using the back of a spatula to press into a flat layer.
- Refrigerate mixture at least 1 hour.
- Cut into 12 bars and wrap each individually in plastic wrap for storage
Nutritional Information:
199 Calories, 6g Protein, 11g Fat, 23g Carbohydrates, 3.3g Fiber, 52mg Sodium