Granola bars make the perfect portable breakfast or snack. Whilst most shop bought granola bars are full of sweeteners, syrups and refined sugar, these banana-almond granola bars, known to you and I as “Banola Bars”, contain absolutely no refined sugar yet remain sweet and tasty. They’re incredible straight out the oven too, like a freshly made chewy banana-bread. These bars, don’t just taste delicious though, they have wonderful health promoting properties too.

Bananas are a great source of potassium, which boosts energy and prevents muscle cramps. They’re also a great source of fibre, which helps promote a healthy digestive system and balances blood sugar levels. The almond butter is also a great source of protein, which is essential for the growth and repair of muscles in the body. So if you are active, this is the snack for you. The goji berries in the bar are full of immune boosting antioxidants, whilst chia seeds and pumpkin seeds are a great source of omega-3 amino acids.

Oats fall on the low end of the glycemic Index, which is a ranking of how carbohydrates effect your blood sugar levels. Because oats have a low GI, your body will digest and absorb them slowly. This keeps you fuller for longer, controls your appetite and delays hunger pangs which is great for sustaining energy levels throughout the day!

A quick and easy recipe to make, I love baking a big batch to prepare me for a busy week ahead. Let us know how you get on and hashtag #hipandhealthy on instagram and twitter to share all your awesome recreations!

Banola Bar Recipe

Ingredients: 

2 bananas, mashed

1/2 cup almond butter

2 1/2- 3 cups gluten free oats

4 medjool dates

1/4 pumpkin seeds

3 tbsp chia seeds

1/2 cup your choice of pecan, cashews or almonds

1/4 cup goji berries

1/4 cup desiccated coconut pieces

Method:

Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius and line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a small pot add the mashed banana and almond butter, stir gently on a low heat until well combined. Set aside.

In a food processor coarsely chop your nuts of choice with your medjool dates. Add to a mixing bowl with the oats, seeds, goji berries, coconut pieces and the almond butter mix. Stir well until completely combined. Press the batter unto the prepared tray. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool and cut into bars.

recipe by, Food Editor, Saskia Gregson-Williams