Blueberry Pumpkin Seed Oat Bars

BLUEBERRY PUMPKIN SEED OAT BARS

FOOD AS MEDICINE:

This recipe satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping your blood sugar levels on track! The soluble fiber in the rolled oats works to slow the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar while lowering cholesterol levels. Almond butter serves as a healthy fat and protein source to sustain energy levels. Pumpkin seeds provide zinc for added support in blood sugar metabolism while boosting immune health.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup honey, local, raw

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/2 cup almond butter (optional sunbutter if making nut-free)

2-3 scoops Naturally Nourished Grass-fed Whey

1-2 oz filtered water

1 1/2 cups rolled oats

1/4 cup cacao nibs (may omit if too bitter for kids or replace with 2 Tbsp cacao powder)

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

½ cup dried blueberries

DIRECTIONS:

Combine the honey, vanilla, salt, and almond butter in a medium sized saucepan and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook for about four minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Once well blended, remove from heat and stir in protein powder. As there will be variations in viscosity of almond butter and honey, consider adding water 1 tsp at a time to mixture to meet the desired thickness of maple syrup, continuously whisking to incorporate.

In a large bowl, combine oats, nibs, pumpkin seeds, and blueberries. Pour the liquid honey mixture over the oat mixture and combine until well mixed. Press mixture into a greased nine inch pan and pat down with wet hands. Chill in fridge for an hour, or until firm. Then cut into 12 bars.

Makes 12 Servings

Nutrition Per Serving: Calories 277, Total Fat 13g, Carbs 33g, Protein 11
For more delicious food-as-medicine inspired recipes, pick up a copy of our Naturally Nourished Cookbook!