These are my FAVE. They were inspired by my dad (aka Bob, aka Pop). He loves a good breakfast bar and is always experimenting with them. They are so easy to make (1 bowl & 1 pan) & they are a great breakfast on-the-go. Plus, you can make them your own! I shared these with the women at Life Choices in Ruston for a class called "Cooking for Life". It's this amazing program they designed to help promote healthy eating & lifestyle changes for moms. I LOVED being a part of it and I'll get to do it again this Fall :)

These bars can have as few as 6 ingredients and as many as 13. It can all depend on your preferences or your budget!
The items in bold are the ingredients you always need and the items starred* are optional.

The items in bold are the ingredients you always need and the items starred* are optional.

Ingredients

·       1 ½ cup old fashioned or quick cooking oats
·       1 teaspoon baking powder
·       ½ cup milk
·       1 egg
·       ½ cup apple sauce, unsweetened
·       ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
·       1 teaspoon cinnamon*
·       1 teaspoon vanilla extract*
·       ¼ cup peanut butter*
·       ¼ cup almonds, walnuts or pecans*
·       ¼ cup shredded coconut*
·       ¼ cup blueberries*
·       ¼ cup raisins*

Directions

1.     Preheat oven to 350. Add cooking spray or a light coat of oil to an 8 x 8 pan.
2.     First, mix together the oats and the baking powder. Then add in all other ingredients.
3.     Add mixture to pan and bake for about 20 minutes.
4.     When cool, cut into squares and keep refrigerated.

Note: If you want a dryer oatmeal bar, do not add the peanut butter and cut back on the apple sauce.

These bars are very nutrient-dense. They provide protein, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber- all the nutrients help keep you fuller longer and stabilize blood sugar. When we keep our blood sugar in check, it keeps us from getting too hungry and making poor food-related decisions. A stabilized blood sugar also helps with weight management, regulates hormone levels, prevents diabetes, and helps our mood!

Here are some different ways to enjoy these bars:

Cut into squares, put into sandwich bags and refrigerate. Take as on-the-go breakfast or snack.
Heat up a square, add a cut up banana or other fruit & a little yogurt.
Eat as an afternoon snack with a piece of fruit.