Chocolate Oat Walnut Bars

This is a recipe I found over at (never home) maker. These tasty bars are full of good-for-you fats found in walnuts and coconut oil. The walnuts provide you with a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids (anti-inflammatory), and coconut oil has been found to support thyroid and immune system function. About 50% of the fat in coconut oil is a type called lauric acid. You can read about coconut oil and its benefits here.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup steel cut oats, processed until powdery
• 3/4 cup walnuts, processed into a meal
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
• 2 Tbsp. coconut oil
• 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)

For this recipe, however, I didn't have any steel cut oats on hand so I ended up using plain rolled oats. I think this may have been the reason as to why my bars ended up a bit dry and powdery. I had to store them in the fridge to keep them more solid. 

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
2. Whisk together the processed steel cut oats, walnut meal, cocoa powder, and coconut flakes.
3. In a separate bowl, add honey (or maple syrup), coconut oil, and peanut butter. Stir with electric mixer. Then add in the chocolate chippies.
4. Lightly oil an 8x8 pan with coconut oil. I used a bread loaf pan. Pour in the mixture and press down.
5. Bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
6. Put the dish BACK IN THE OVEN for another 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove and let cool. 
7. Store in refrigerator to help them solidify a bit more. 

Enjoy with a glass of ice-cold soymilk 

(or almond milk, coconut milk...you get the idea)!

Chia Spinach Pineapple smoothie

Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), specifically, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).  These fatty acids (omega's 3,6, and 9) are considered "essential" because our bodies require them but are unable to produce them. Therefore, we must get these fatty acids from food sources like chia seeds, walnuts, flax seed, salmon, etc.

Smoothie with chia seeds.

Omega-3 EFAs also help to reduce inflammation and play a role in maintaining a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.

This smoothie is pretty simple but so delightfully refreshing!

Ingredients

• 2-3 cups organic spinach (or other leafy green like swiss chard or kale)
• 1 cup frozen pineapple
• 4-8oz. water or orange juice, adjust amount for desired consistency
• 1-2 Tbsp. Chia seeds
• ** (If you're new to chia seeds, I would start off with a smaller amount and then work your way up due to their high fiber content and miraculous gelling property! It's best to see how your stomach reacts with a smaller amount first.)

Directions

1. Place all ingredients in blender and mix!