Keeping it Simple (and a recipe for Hemp & Cranberry Power Bars)

Food, like fashion has its fads. Whether it’s acai berries, kombucha, flax seeds , kale, or coconut oil – there always seems to be a new trendy food. Yet, just as all the fashion “dos & don’ts” can be overwhelming, so can food fads...

Is caffeine good for us? What’s the deal with wheat? Do we need to double up on protein? Do beets have too much sugar? Is it better to have salmon than supplements?

Nutrition is undeniably a hot topic–but it’s for a very good reason: it’s important! With that being said, conflicting information and all the differing nutrition philosophies can often leave people confused.

That’s why we feel so good about recommending real foods to our clients, readers, and loved ones. Rather than stressing about every number on nutrition labels or allowing yourself to get overwhelmed by the latest trends, we recommend you focus your efforts and energy on:

1.      eating whole, unprocessed foods – those you can imagine growing – the majority of the time.

2.      practicing moderation. Fill  half your plate with fruits and vegetables and enjoy a good quality protein and starch at each meal.

3.      nourishing your body regularly – every 3 to 4 hours.

4.      balancing nutrition with pleasure. Food is meant to be enjoyed, not cause guilt. If you’re craving something sweet, allow yourself a single serving of something you really love.

5.      sharing meals with those you love.

And now, for a recipe.

 

This is healthy bar recipe below does not make just any bar...one serving comes packed with a protein, fiber, and antioxidants! It features hemp seeds and flax meal, which like chia seeds, both provide a wonderful vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids. This recipe also highlights cranberries – a food considered to be a cancer prevention powerhouse. The American Institute for Cancer Research has recently added cranberries to their list of foods that fight cancer.

 

Hemp & Cranberry Power Bars

These bars are perfect for a quick and easy breakfast or for an on-the-go snack. Serve over a scoop of yogurt or ice cream for a sweet dessert.

 

Ingredients:

¾ cup rolled oats

1 cup almond meal
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup raisins
¼ cup dried plums
¼ cup hemp seed
¼ cup flax meal + ½ cup water
½ cup unsweetened apple sauce

 Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the flax meal and water until they become gelatinous.

3. Combine the dry ingredients: almond meal, oats, and hemp seed with the flax meal mixture.

4. Mix in the apple sauce and dried fruit.

5. Grease a 7x9 baking pan with a tablespoon of olive oil. Spoon the mixture into the baking pan.

6. Place in the oven for approximately 25-30 minutes.

7. Allow bars to completely cool before serving.

 

Enjoy, preferably with those you love.