Finding healthy granola bars prepackaged has always been difficult for me. I wanted convenience, but every time I would try a different brand I would be disappointed. They all either were high in calories, full of sugar, never filling and full of ingredients I couldn't pronounce. I decided long ago I wouldn't buy them anymore for myself or my family. They just can't be a substitute for an adequate and healthy meal.
I am continuing to look for a peanut, nut- free bar I can make my boys who are allergic. If you have any suggestions, please let me know! For now hubby, daughter and I tried out this version of "bar" which came from Tosca Reno's book, "Your Best Body Now".I did not alter the recipe at all, only changed almonds to unsalted pumpkin seeds.
As you can see from the picture, they did not come together as a bar, more like granola crumbles which was absolutely delicious in my plain Greek yogurt. As far as taste is concerned it was truly OUTSTANDING!
Nutrition Info:
Servings: 14*
Calories: 194.7* Fat: 7.2g* Fiber: 2.5g* Carbs: 30g* Protein: 4g* Points+:5 Old Points: 4
Sugar-Free Mom's Review Rating
( Renaming it Oat & Granola Crumble)
- Taste: A+
- Prep time/Cook time: B (Took a bit of time to chop up the dried fruit)
- Family Friendly:A+
- Weight Loss Friendly: B ( I wouldn't eat this daily because of the high fat, but it does have a lot of fiber and kept me feeling full for quite some time!)
Oat & Granola
[sc:Ziplist]
Ingredients
- 2 c. rolled oats
- 1 c. unsalted pumpkin seeds
- ½ c. wheat germ
- ½ c. honey
- 2 large egg whites plus 1 yolk
- ¼ c. olive oil
- ¼ c. sucanat
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ c. dried apricots
- ½ c. dried plums
- ½ c. raisins
- ½ c. natural peanut butter, sugar-free
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine all ingredients ingredients EXCEPT salt, dried fruit and nut butter on baking sheet and toast until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
- Line a 9 by 13 glass baking dish with parchment paper. set aside.
- Whisk salt, dried fruit and peanut butter in a large bowl, add toasted mixture and combine well.
- Pour mixture in baking dish and press down evenly. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown. Cool and serve as a granola topping over yogurt, inside a baked apple, over oatmeal or individually wrap in a Ziploc bag and use as a grab and go snack.
About Brenda
Brenda Bennett is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, certified Sugar Detox Coach, certified Keto Coach and certified Life Coach. She has been Sugar Free & Refined carb free for 17 years and has written 2 cookbooks, Sugar-Free Mom, and Naturally Keto and her 3rd book The 30-Day Sugar Elimination Diet, is a four part program to help you detox from sugar, eliminate cravings, balance blood sugar and lose weight all while eating a delicious, nutrient dense whole foods. Meal plan offers two tracks to follow, low carb or keto. She is the founder of the Sugar Free Fresh Start course and Sugar Free Tribe weight loss membership. Learn more.
Rachel
I am very allergic to nuts and cant have sugar. I know cascadian farms makes kid sized oatmeal raisin granola bars I can have but don't like them much so I was thrilled when a former coworker gave me this recipe. I want to try using agave or stevia in place of honey but this is the recipe for now:
2 C old fashion rolled oats
1/2 C wheat germ
2 C crispy rice cereal
1 C nonfat dry milk powder
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch salt
2 tbsp canola oil
4 lightly beaten egg whites
1/3 C honey
1/2 C raisins or 1/4 C choc chips
Preheat oven to 325. Line 9x13 pan with foil.
Mix well all ingredients in bowl. Press in pan with spatula.
Bake 20min. Cool on rack. Cut into bars.
Ruth
Hi Rachel
would you know why your recipe needs the skimmed milk powder? We don't do dairy and I need to find low sugar treats as one of my children has weak teeth (it has to be genetic, my kids get lollies maybe once a month if they're lucky, and if they're amazing, and if they remind me, and if there are any in the house - I usually find another reward!). I'm cutting out his fruit and juice other than with meals so that it metabolises better and doesn't stay in the mouth... I'm desperate to find a truly healthy snack for him (them). Carrots and cucumber and peppers (capsicums) get dull after a while...
Ruth x
Tiffany
This has to be good because the list of ingredients is scrumptious!
Vickie Brown
I love this recipe--very easy, and great taste!
Christine
It's good to know that I'm not the only one who is disappointed by the lack of truly healthy granola bars out there! I've pinned this as I want to give it a try some day!