Snacking is definitely one of my favorite topics when it comes to talking about healthy eating, mainly because people usually don’t realize how important it really is. I remember way back in the day when I thought of snacking as something to do when I was bored or simply felt like it. I don’t ever remember thinking of eating between meals as a way to keep me energized throughout the day. In fact, most of the stuff I was eating was probably doing the opposite of that.
Not that I was the worst eater as a kid, because I really wasn’t, but snacks just had a whole other meaning to me then than they do now. But now I really enjoy this time of the day. I use it to unwind and fuel my body with nutrients that will keep me feeling amazing.
I personally like to have snacks that are high in fiber, protein and/or or fat because these nutrients keep my blood sugar stable and energy levels up during a long day. Whole foods bars are typically always a go to of mine for a nutrient dense snack, but not gonna lie, they can get a little pricy and sometimes they might no be the best option.
So I decided to make my own homemade whole foods squares to snack on. These bars are packed with healthy fats and protein and low in sugar to cut your hunger and keep you full in between meals. Or they’re even delicious enough to be a sweet treat at night!
So you’re gonna wanna go make these now cause they’re a great healthy snack. And also cause they’re yummy, duh! Below is the recipe to these tasty gems. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup raw unsalted cashews
1/2 cup almond flour (can also use oat flour or organic non fat dried milk powder)
1/3 cup cashew butter
1/3 cup almond butter
1/3 cup coconut butter
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cinnamon
pinch of sea salt
2 Tbsp maple syrup
2 Tbsp unsweetened coconut milk (or any milk of choice)
1/2 cup dried blueberries
Directions:
Combine cashews, cashew butter, almond butter, coconut butter, maple syrup, almond flour (or flour of choice), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sea salt in a food processor. Blend until smooth (Add 2 Tbsp of unsweetened coconut or almond milk while blending to help mix ingredients, can use more if needed).
Add 1/2 cup of dried blueberries and pulse until evenly distributed. You should still see chunks of blubbery do not blend blueberries completely!
Place wax or parchment paper in a baking dish and spread out evenly into the bottom of the dish. Let sit in freezer for about 1 hour.
Remove from freezer and let sit for about 5 minutes before cutting into squares (be careful while cutting or the pieces might break). Cut into squares and enjoy =] Store in the bars in the fridge.
With Love,
Heather