sweet and chewy sprouted honey granola bars
Looking for a nut-free, gluten-free snack that fills the belly? Try this easy granola bar recipe!
Why Sprouted Oats and seeds?
Did you know that plants actually protect themselves against predators and environmental factors? They are called anti-nutrients and they protect seeds from premature germination and ward off predators. These anti-nutrients are present in beans, seeds, nuts, grains and pseudo grains (rice, quinoa, corn, and oats).
The problem is that when we eat these foods, the anti-nutrients bind to minerals, preventing their absorption, and contributing to mineral deficiency. This can lead to bone loss, irritable bowl and even neurological damage. Some even work as enzyme inhibitors, blocking production of necessary enzymes needed for proper breakdown and digestion of starches and proteins. Without the proper breakdown of food, your digestive system can become overstressed; which can damage your intestinal lining, leading to bacterial overgrowth and leaky gut.
Traditional methods of soaking, sprouting, and fermenting neutralize most of the anti-nutrients, increase bioavailability of beneficial nutrients, and improve digestibility (source).
You can sprout easily in your kitchen, but luckily, you can find already sprouted nuts, seeds, and grains in your local health food store or online.
Why I love these granola bars:
There is no perfect protein bar in the grocery store…trust me I have looked! But this homemade bar has it all: protein + healthy fats.
These natural energy bars are filled with protein in the form of eggs. and healthy fat in the form of coconut; so they make a great morning snack or quick afternoon pick-me-up.
Your body needs protein to help it grow, repair tissues, and keep everything running smoothly. It contains the building blocks that keeps you strong and healthy. Healthy fats are great because when you eat them, they take their time to break down in your stomach, keeping you feeling full and satisfied longer. This helps prevent those "I'm hungry again!" moments too soon after eating. Plus, healthy fats give you steady energy and are brain food, so you can stay focused, alert, and happy without feeling like you need a snack every hour.
simple sprouted chocolate chip granola bars
Ingredients:
sprouted organic oats (I use this)
shredded organic coconut (I use this)
sea salt
sprouted organic pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (I use this and this)
pastured eggs
raw honey or maple syrup
vanilla extract
chocolate chips (I use this)