By Aly Shoom Nutritionist

Granola Bars are often disguised as healthy but are usually just dressed up junk food. Granola bars often claim they’re a good source of fiber, but most of them really only contain 1-gram -we need AT LEAST 25 grams per day!

Traditionally, granola bars were just pressed granola, which was made from oats, nuts, and spices. Now, granola bars contain some of these ingredients, but often are filled with chocolate, marshmallows, sugar, and artificial ingredients. These ingredients lead to weight gain and feeling sluggish.

What to look for when choosing a granola bar:

-No added Sugar
-No refined grains
-At least 3g of fiber

-No more than 8g of sugar
-And, my rule of thumb for anything…If a child can’t read the ingredient list, stay away!

For a healthy option, make your own! Aly’s Granola Bites:

Ingredients:

1 cup oats
1?2 cup natural nut butter (or seed if you can’t have nuts) 1/3 cup raw honey
1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1?2 cup ground flax
1?2 dried fruit of choice (optional)
2 tbs. chia seeds (optional)
1tsp. vanilla

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together.
Let recipe chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes, then roll into balls. Enjoy!

Aly’s hosting her semi annual Kick Sugar program this April. Chick here to register.

Aly is a Certified Nutrition Practitioner (CNP) who specializes in weight loss. Aly graduated top of her class from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition and holds a BA from Western University. Aly’s warm and approachable demeanor empowers her clients to take control of their health. She uses a unique approach, with an emphasis on hormonal balance to personally address your weight loss and nutrition needs. Aly believes that eating healthy isn’t about being perfect, it’s about having a plan you can stick to that gives you energy while allowing you to eat the foods you love. Aly believes that with the right tools and guidance you can make positive lifestyle changes to enjoy a happier and healthier life!