I like DIY. Simple DIY. Very simple DIY.

I am down for trying any recipe that lists 4-5 ingredients and only three steps to complete. Those steps being

1. Preheat Oven
2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl
3. Bake for X minutes

Even better when I can find a recipe that is just step 2! And that’s what these homemade granola bars are.

These are super simple to make and honestly, it’s not an exact science with this. Ingredients are interchangeable, some tasty additions can be made, and proportions are all up to the maker’s likings.

The only warning I have on this is to be very very conscious of the macronutrient breakdown and serving size so you don’t turn a healthy treat into a huge calorie suck for the day.  When something is labeled ‘healthy’ we think we can eat our hearts out and can have unlimited amounts. Definitely not the case with granola mixes and trail mixes. See, the ingredients in these mixes are very nutrient (and calorie) dense for their small size. This makes it the perfect portable food for hikers and climbers. We then see these hikers and climbers and say ‘Hey, they look fit! I think I’ll eat like a hiker”, and then not do any of the hiking, causing a calorie surplus for the day and weight gain. Proceed with caution having these around the house because they are a sweet snack to grab quickly and packed with nutrients.

My husband requested the making of these. Which makes sense for his lifestyle. Work requires travel, active work, and sometimes not a lot of time for breaking for a meal. Granola bars are perfect to grab and eat quick while also satisfying any sweet tooth. Buying a box of already made ones at the store hurts my frugal heart and have proven to be not as tasty. So, homemade it is!

Ingredients I grab:

• Old Fashioned Oats–carb source = energy, good grains, and heart friendly
• Natural Crunchy Peanut Butter— Healthy source of natural fats and some protein for sustained satisfaction
• Honey— natural sugar = instant energy (so make sure your PB doesn’t have any added sugar, plenty comes from honey)
• Golden Flax Seed–full of fiber, helps digestion
• Dark Chocolate Chips— more instant energy from sugar, dark chocolate has extra micronutrients to help promote blood flow, plus, well, chocolate. Yum.

You could also add any kind of nut or seed to it to add some extra benefits. See above warning though, adding extra anything adds extra calories. I wouldn’t mind adding some protein powder to the mix to increase the protein content and balance it out a bit more. Since these were requested by husband, he insisted I not mess with the original recipe.

Mixing hacks: get PB warm for mixing, the density of the honey and peanut butter proved to be a little difficult to stir. Unless you want to count mixing as a part of your strength training for the day.

1 Bar: 45g C– 21g F– 10g P  —400 calroies