"All the Things" Granola Bars and Bites

I love spending time in the kitchen re-creating recipes to up level them and make them healthier.  So each week I spend some time prepping foods that make life easier and ultimately healthier!

I finally perfected the recipe I am about to share with you and believe me you are going to love it!  I promise you wont even want to buy the grocery store ones anymore!!  This simple recipe takes little time and no baking!

I am always looking for ways to get more "bang for my buck" persay- and in this case I want to provide more of a nutrient punch in every bite- and I did it by adding in some "extras".  I used Collagen in this recipe and it was the perfect addition.  It mixed in so easily and has zero taste but believe me it has tons of benefits.

 Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, but as we age our production of this protein diminishes.  It serves as one of the main building blocks for our bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons and ligaments.  Its what keeps our skin from sagging and gives us that youthful glow.  I believe everyone should supplement with Collagen.

The other addition I add is L-Glutamine.  Glutamine is an amino acid and L-glutamine is the form found in foods, supplements and the body.  It is part of the proteins in your body and is involved in immune function and intestinal health. Interesting fact- almost all foods that contain protein will have some glutamine but the amounts vary.  So making sure you are eating enough protein will ensure you are naturally getting enough l-glutamine.  But let's get real for a minute!  Most of us are not getting anywhere close to the recommended amount of protein everyday. 

Glutamine plays an important role in immune function but if we get sick or have an injury your body might not be able to produce enough of it. So one of the reasons I like supplementing with it is for improved immune function!  The other thing many don't realize is that our intestines are a major part of our immune system.  Glutamine is an energy source for intestinal and immune cells and helps to provide a barrier between your intestines and the rest of your body!

If you workout supplementing with l-glutamine may reduce fatigue and decease muscle soreness- and some people use it for muscle gains and strength performance!

I am always looking at ways to support my gut aka intestines so its the perfect addition to these granola bars!

Okay- enough blabbering- lets get on with the recipe!

"All the Things Granola Bars and Bites"

Ingredients-

1 cup nut or seed butter

2/3 cup honey I use this one

2 tsps of Pure Vanilla Extract

2 tsps of Cinnamon I use this one

1/4 tsp of Sea Salt I use this one

1 scoop of Vanilla Protein Powder I use this one

3.5 cups of Gluten Free Oats My Fav Ones

1/4 cup Mini Chocolate Chips

1/4 cup Dried Cranberries 

1 scoop of Collagen I use this one

1 scoop of L-Glutamine- I can send you a recommendation from my online dispensary with a lifetime 10% off shipped to your door- just reply to this blog or send me a message

Instructions- 

Line a 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper- for thinner bars use a larger pan- for balls use a small scoop This is my Fav and then roll until a round ball is formed

In a large bowl, stir together all the ingredients except the oats, chocolate chips and dried cranberries until smooth

Add in the oats, chocolate chips and dried cranberries and combine well- it will seem dry at first but it will come together- I have been known to use my hands!

Press mixture firmly into pan with your hands or a spatula. Use back of spatula to make sure its flattened

Refrigerate for at least an hour and then slice into bars.  You can even freeze for up to 2 months.

I would love to hear what additions you would add- truly the sky is the limit.  Use your imagination.  

Chia seeds, coconut, seeds, chopped nuts sooo many variations to try.

I hope you enjoy!

Much Love, Mel xo