Energy boost? Try whole oats for breakfast!
The fall is fast approaching and that means oats are entering their harvest season. We can find whole oats all year round though, and they are great energy boosters.
Oats are most known for lowering cholesterol, which is why starting the day with a bowl of oatmeal or granola can go a long way for heart health. Oats also contain antioxidants which protect the heart and are high in fiber. Whole oats are different than processed oats that come in breakfast cereal packages or breakfast bars. Beware and make sure you are eating whole oats and not a refined, stripped version that will only skyrocket your blood sugar.
Yep, good ol’ fashioned oats do take a bit more time to cook, but it’s worth the wait. If you don’t have time, purchase a rice cooker to take care of the prep while you’re busy getting ready for the day. This month’s recipe is for my delicious energy bars which contain whole oats and are the perfect item to take with you on-the-go.
real life food energy bars
Having healthy recipes that are easy and fast make all the difference.
1 Tbsp dates, pureed
1 Tbsp oats, whole oats, ground
1 Tbsp dried cranberries or fruit of choice
1 Tbsp coconut, unsweetened
1 Tbsp walnuts, finely chopped
1 Tbsp dark chocolate chips or carob chips, optional
1 Tbsp Agave nectar
*Makes one bar – For larger batch of 12 servings, use ¾ cups of each ingredient.
Pit dates and use food processor to puree or mash by hand. Add 1 Tbsp of remaining ingredients and spin briefly. Using hands, mix into a tight ball. Roll ball out into a rope and flatten into a large square. Wrap in plastic wrap, chill and cut into desired bar shapes with a sharp knife. This recipe makes one bar. If you make a larger batch, use a pan to form mold and cut into squares after refrigerating.
Suzanne Monroe, HHC is a Food Coach and owner of Intelligent Health Group, LLC. Suzanne helps busy people figure out what to eat through her nutrition coaching programs. For more information on Suzanne’s programs, workshops, and recipes, or if you would like to sign up for a free newsletter, visit www.intelligenthealthgroup.com.
